Timeless Treasures

Reminiscing in the Antique Alley Mall

Tucked within a side street of the Arts District in Las Vegas sits the Antique Alley Mall, its interior a unique juxtaposition with the exhibits in the surrounding area. Nearby galleries rotate in new art periodically to keep exhibits enthralling for visitors because old things become uninteresting, ordinary, mundane. We travel to see new places, taste new foods, engage in new experiences.

And yet, as much I love adventure and novelty, I must admit that I am an incredibly sentimental person. I have a box tucked in the corner of my closet filled with cards, notes, and school projects from elementary school. Shoved within a drawer sits a crocheted giraffe, origami creations, and handwritten notes from my ex that I no longer want to see but am simultaneously reluctant to discard.

They are more than a painful reminder of what used to be; they represent the warm memories I have of a relationship that formerly brought me comfort.

Despite the unassuming storefront, the interior holds eccentric machines and car seats that seem more appropriate for a neighboring art gallery than a simple antique shop. When we first enter, a conglomeration of knickknacks scattered across tables, shelves, and walls greets us. Upon closer inspection, there is some order to the chaos — collections of cards, cars, and cartoon figurines rest on neat shelves, while larger sculptures and disassembled parts lay around the room in a deliberate arrangement. This leaves just enough room for people to squeeze past each other amongst the tables filled with miscellaneous postcards, jewelry, and decorative pieces.

Hidden behind the two open rooms at the front sits individual sections of more vintage items. I take my time meandering around, simply taking in the different trinkets offered by each corner. The little booths set up around this area catch my eye — it almost seems like separate vendors renting out their own spaces in an antique market.

During my second (or third? I’ve lost track) lap around the store, I manage to catch Jennifer, one of the vendors, who agrees to chat with me. I learn that the individual booths aren’t just a design choice; they’re owned by separate vendors who curate personalized collections of antique items to sell. Some vendors, like Jennifer, primarily sell old family items. Others, like George, the owner of the shop, will go out to flea markets and garage sales to seek out items they can resell.

During our conversation, she mentions that many of the items she sells hold little meaning, but you never know what will appeal to a customer walking by. Some regulars will swing by every few weeks to see if something new might catch their eye for unfathomable reasons.

As someone who tends to hold on to things for longer than they’re truly useful, her words give me pause — the utility of an item differs from the value and meaning it offers.

Most people would probably agree that the majority of things filling this antique mall hold little utility. Decorative license plates and miniature cars from the 80s serve no practical purpose, but that doesn’t mean they are meaningless.

Jennifer points out a pair of earrings that hold sentimental value for her; they belonged to her grandmother, and Jennifer also wore them before deciding to sell them. They have been sitting here for a long time. On the other hand, a keychain that she has no clear recollection of caught the attention of a customer less than a day after being set out. Certain items spark conversations with people who find a personal connection with something that reminds them of a loved one.

I make a final loop around the shop, carefully selecting some postcards for myself, and after wandering for just a little longer than necessary (I’m surprised to see how much time I’ve spent here without realizing it), I pick up Jennifer’s book of recipes for my friend who loves baking.

For the vendors at the Antique Alley Mall, vintage and antique items are more than a peculiar interest; they serve as their livelihood. However, these items also serve to bring people together. Reminiscing and coming to terms with the past allows us to connect with people in the present and look forward to the future.

Las Vegas is an extraordinary city, one filled with extraordinary attractions. The Antique Alley Mall is an ordinary store filled with ordinary items.

And yet, the Antique Alley Mall is less of a juxtaposition with the city where it dwells than one might assume. It serves as a resting place for weary travelers, a connection between the past, present, and future — much like Las Vegas with the timeless feeling of a city that never sleeps.

Words: Nicole Ru

Photos: Christina Kan, Emily Langton, William Fei