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Page 18 The Antique Shoppe September, 2018
“It’s a sign of the times that you have to keep up because if you don’t, you’ll be
out of business,” says Mike.
ANTIQUES millennials, people between the ages of the millennials and up to 50, and those age
He says the customers collecting today fall into three classifications: the
SPOTLIGHT 50 and older.
Judy says that the mall is happy to have the millennials as shoppers.
The younger audience likes functional and architectural items like old doors
and window frames and things they can re-purpose themselves or furniture that
is painted already, she says. They also like one of our dealer’s huge record album
By Laura Sikes collection, as well as other vintage or older items.
The couple has seen many pieces of wooden furniture re-purposed or turned
into shabby chic. Mike admits that it kind of hurts his and Judy’s feelings though
when they see well taken care of nice old pieces bought to be painted.
“We’re having to shift with the times,” says Mike.
SUGAR BEAR ANTIQUES MALL bringing in new inventory. He encourages his dealers to change things around in
Being successful in the business requires knowing your customers and constantly

“Keeping up with the Times” their booths so people will see things in a different way. “If they can’t see it, they
can’t buy it,” he said.
Doing what you love is a dream for some. For Mike Skie, it’s a reality. Skie Mall manager and dealer Connie Peers echoes Mike’s advice. She said the dealers
turned his passion for antiques into a successful business he could run during his who continually work at adding new things to their booths and make changes tend
retirement. to do the best business.
In 1999, the former police officer with the Jacksonville Peers, who has worked with the mall for 12 years
Sheriff’s Office opened Sugar Bear Antiques Mall a few years Sugar Bear Antiques Mall both as a dealer and on staff, said when people see
before he retired from the city. Skie saw an opportunity to 3047 Julington Creek Rd. the mall for the first time they are surprised at how
purchase property and put a plan into action to build a place large it is. It takes a few hours to browse the booths
where he and other antique dealers could offer a wide variety Jacksonville, FL and says you’ll need a couple of hours at least.
of items. OPEN 7 DAYS 10 a.m. – 5:45 p.m. Some customers spend a full day to look, breaking
Skie did his research early on and found that owning his for lunch at nearby restaurants.
space was better than leasing. 904-886-0393 “You can walk through two hours later and see a
“It was an eye-opener when you find out what’s involved lot of new things.” It’s so hard to take it all in,” she
with permits and all,” Skie said. said.
He decided that putting up a metal building that was Mike and Judy say they pride themselves on
pre-engineered was the most efficient the staff’s excellent customer service
and cost effective for him. And with the and for making the mall a welcoming,
help of many of his friends, who were comfortable and very clean space.
professionals in different trades, Skie was The mall offers its customers lay-away
able to build his dream into a reality. and gift certificates.
Today, with the help of his wife, Judy, It also holds several promotions
and a staff of 10 Skie manages a thriving throughout the year. On the first weekend
10,000 square foot mall with about 100 of the month, the mall holds its popular
dealers in one of Jacksonville’s most porch sales where dealers can set up
vibrant areas. The mall offers everything outside in front of the store and sell
from primitives to mid-century antiques marked down and specialty items.
and collectibles, retro and re-purposed Three times a year, the mall puts on big
pieces and new items. weekend sales running Friday, Saturday
The mall’s name “Sugar Bear” came and Sunday, that can bring in more
from Mike’s college nickname which than a couple of thousand customers.
also stuck with him while he was with Refreshments are complimentary. They
the sheriff’s office. He says many officers also give drawings each day for free gift
had nicknames and he thought the name certificates for customers.
would be catchy for the store. The upcoming “Holiday Sampler Sale”
The couple loves collecting and they will be held Oct. 19-21 and will
sell their various finds at the mall. They feature items and decorations
go on buying trips and visit antique for Halloween, Thanksgiving
shows throughout the year and plan a and Christmas in addition to all
trip to the Brimfield, MA. market sale the regular merchandise offered
each September. ABOVE: (Left) Manager Connie by dealers.
“We love to go and buy antiques but Peers with Sugar Bear’s owners Dealer Diane Siprelle, who
there’s just so much you can have at Mike & Judy Skie also works on staff part-time,
home,” says Judy. says the mall “offers something
Mike has always collected old bottles for everybody.”
and has about 20,000 to 30,000 including RIGHT: Sugar Bear Employees “That’s the beauty of our
bottles from the pirate era of the 1690s Tommy Chiorano & Kathy Ward mall,” says manager Connie
and hand blown bottles from the 1860s. Peers, “There are so many
His extensive collection includes milk different dealers with so many
bottles, ink bottles, bitters, cure, whiskey and soda bottles along with mason jars. tastes.”
They both collect primitives mostly, while Judy collects kitchen items from the
Laura Sikes is a freelance
late 1700s to 1900s, enamelware and a little bit of everything, she says. photojournalist who lives
“I’m reaching my peak on what I want to collect,” Mike said. in Mount Dora, Fla.
Now he focuses his time on the mall and staying current with the industry. You Email: lasikes@gmail.com.
have to realize the wants and needs of your customers and see the changes, he
says.