New Albany, Ind. antique mall going out of business

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) - People who live in the shadow of the Sherman Minton Bridge in the first Hoosier city off I-64 West know how different things are becoming in the area every day.

New restaurants and new stores are part of the continuous improvement to the area. Still some of the old charm is what made it what it is today. A little piece of that older charm left along with 2014.

"I was like darn it," explained customer, Debbie Polston upon hearing the news.

Aunt Artie's Antique Mall on Main Street was a staple in the community, enjoyed by both local residents and visitors.

"We have a lot of people that are on the interstate that will always stop in every year, going to Florida and coming back," said owner, Judy Gwinn.

Last week, store employees wrapped up their last vintage valuables, and filled out the final itemized, handwritten receipt.

"We've really enjoyed it," said Gwinn.

Why is the New Albany staple closing? "I'm old," said the owner with a laugh. "You get older, you want to retire and gear back," said Gwinn.

Her straight forward, kind-hearted personality and chats with "antiquers" probably attracted as many people as the unique classics she sold on her shelves for over a decade.

Gwinn actually sold the building about a year ago to the owners of the business just around the corner, "Seeds and Greens." Those folks have big plans for this place. More new business again right here in downtown New Albany.

"We would have four to twelve different retail shops all under one roof," Stacey Freibert, owner of "Seeds and Greens" explained.

Perhaps a T-shirt shop, a furniture store or maybe a kitchen store. They are all options on the table to replace Aunt Artie's in "New Albany Mercantile."

It's a new chapter for an old spot in a city where the history is still being written.

Space in New Albany Mercantile is scheduled to be available in the Spring. Gwinn has plans to auction off antiques in February.