Antique mall in Wichita area to close after more than a quarter century in business

After more than a quarter century in business, the Andover Antique Mall is closing.

“We have finally decide to sell it,” said Tom Holman, who opened the business in 1997 with his wife, Mariam.

By “it,” he means he’s selling the 30,000-square-foot building at 656 N. Andover Road, not the business.

There will be more news on the new occupants soon. In the meantime, the Holmans are having a sale through their last day in business on June 30.

“We’re having some pretty deep discounts,” Holman said.

It’s a bittersweet decision for the two.

“We have had customers in here from every state in the union,” Holman said.

He said he can’t even count the number of people from foreign countries who have stopped in.

The Holmans each had careers before opening the antique mall.

Mariam Holman worked for Pizza Hut for many years. Tom Holman worked for his father’s bank, the State Bank of Leon, until buying it in 1982 and then selling it in 2011.

The teller windows that make up the front cashier area of the store are from the bank.

“I’ve always been interested in antiques,” Holman said. “It’s just been a lifelong love of mine. I don’t plan to stop.”

He still has a lot to sell. There is the merchandise in the store, and then he’s going to take some of his top items and “hit the flea markets and antique shows (and) antique gun shows.”

“I’ve got too many to have an auction,” Holman said. He said it would take forever.

There may be some auctions for the equipment in the building, including 80 vintage showcases and more than 70 bookcases.

Holman said that though he and his wife have children, there is “no one to take over the reins,” and they didn’t want to sell the mall to just anyone.

He said he and his wife are in their early 80s.

“I’m realizing some of my limitations now.”

If you’re looking for a deal, Holman said, “We’ve got just about anything.”

He said he and his wife are appreciative of all their employees and loyal customers.

“I could keep you on the phone all day with the experiences and the friends we’ve made.”

This story was originally published April 25, 2022 at 4:43 AM.