Written For: Dothan Eagle's 2006 Spotlight on Business Client: The Antique Attic (1/4 Page)
Suggested Title: Backed by Nearly 40 Years Experience and Three Generations of Knowledge, The Antique Attic is a 16,000 Square Foot Treasure Trove
Written By: Amanda P. Smith Dothan's Antique Attic began as a hobby. In 1969, Henry Davis felt his wife, Jonnie, needed a space to create plaster casts, for which she had a particular passion. He encouraged her to revamp a building, originally built by her father, into a studio. One day Jonnie traded one of her casts for a brass bed. With that exchange, and a shrewd eye for business, Jonnie launched herself into the antique trade. Today, backed by nearly 40 years experience and three generations of knowledge, the shop has evolved into a 16,000 square foot treasure trove filled with unique antiques from The United States, Europe, The Orient and South America. Jonnie's daughter, Mary Alice Veale, now owns the shop and is largely responsible for its sterling reputation. She and her family have cultivated agents all over the world, on every continent, in order to provide Dothan with outstanding antiques. Mary Alice is particularly proud of the knowledge the Antique Attic offers to the Wiregrass. She says there is always something new to learn about antiques and prides herself on carving out time, almost every day, to study about the pieces she collects. Her son, Warren, who is also an integral part of the family business, recently completed graduate work at Sotheby's in London under the tutelage of world-renowned appraisal experts. He loves to educate his customers on the history of the various pieces in the shop. Buying antiques can be a bit intimidating for the novice, but the Antique Attic strives to make purchasing one-of-a-kind pieces a fun and pleasurable experience. They guarantee the authenticity of their antiques and encourage clients to take pieces home on approval so that they feel comfortable with their purchase before committing to it. They also offer free delivery and will buy local antiques. The shop particularly thrills in introducing antiques to young buyers. "You're never too young to start collecting antiques," says Mary Alice. She advises, "buy the best piece your budget allows." When customers are able to afford a more expensive piece, The Antique Attic is delighted to trade up. This has led to many long-term relationships at the shop and is one of the reasons the Antique Attic receives so many customers by word of mouth. Homes should reflect the unique personalities of their owners. Stop by the Antique Attic and let Jonnie, Mary Alice and Warren help you discover a piece that reflects you. -30- |
