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August, 2018 The Antique Shoppe Page 21
FANNING SPRINGS

“explore the difference”
Point of View

Ruby Lane Turns 20! Antiques

Ruby Lane is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The brain-child of owner Tom 17452 US Hwy 19 N
Johnson, Ruby Lane was born at a kitchen table, literally.
Johnson, with a love of 1950s California Pottery, has more than 33 years in the technology Fanning Springs
industry. Including a position at IBM’s high-end computer graphics division, as well as serving six www.PointofViewGifts.com
years as the Technical Liaison at IBM Japan in Tokyo. It was this exposure that led to the creation (352) 463-0718 10-5 Monday-Saturday
of Ruby Lane. The company is named in honor of his mother Ruby. Now Open Sunday 11-4
In 1998, Johnson was collecting 1950s dishes and found it cumbersome to complete a set.
Searching shops online was difficult and often proved fruitless, especially since the Internet collectibles, wood carvings, jewelry, gifts and more
was in its infancy. With his desire to help others find antiques and vintage collectibles via the –DEALER SPACE AVAILABLE–
Internet with ease, Johnson found his niche. Working from his kitchen table with nothing more 26
than a single server and couple of computers, he and his co-founder launched Ruby Lane.
The idea was to create an easy to use online community of shops that showcased only the
highest quality antiques and collectibles, making Ruby Lane a one-stop shopping destination.
Starting with just one shop, Ruby Lane has grown to host more than 2,000 shops today with an
extensive selection of more than a half million vintage and antique items. Havana The Planters Exchange
After his many years of expertise Johnson says that he can easily appraise a website by date www.havanaflevents.com “Not Just an Antique Mall”
by just by looking at it for a few seconds, much like dealers appraise pieces. Twenty years ago,
there were no smart phones and the size of the best pc screen was about a third the size of Antiques, Collectibles,
a computer screen today. Keeping up with every-changing technology is challenging for the Glass, Home Accents,
company, but that’s what they do best so that sellers don’t have to worry about it. Johnson says, Toys, Dolls, Pottery
“We want them to focus on selling their goods.”
Because his success has been hard-earned Johnson has a wealth of knowledge to share In a Designated National Landmark
with the next generation of collectors and sellers. People’s tastes, wants and needs change. 204 2nd Street NW
As well the trends in our industry. “Right now, antiques are sort of out of vogue, but vintage
is still rather strong. It’s up to our industry now to show consumers, especially younger ones, Havana, FL
that buying real antique and vintage is almost always a better value and quality than what is (850) 539-6343
manufactured today, and by doing so reduces the carbon footprint. As with almost all things in (850) 539-1295 fax
decor and fashion, there will be a time when antiques make a powerful come back, but for now Wed-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-5:30, Sun 12-5
vintage is king.” planterex@mediacombb.net
His best advice, Be passionate about whatever you decide to do. I suggest picking a small Wayne Gregory, Owner
niche within the Vintage and Antique space that you know very well and go from there.”
For more information visit www.rubylane.com.

Webb’s

ANTIQUE MALL

64,000 Sq. Feet OPEN 7 DAYS 9 AM to 5 PM

25 miles N. of Gainesville • 1½ hours N. of Orlando

I-75 / EXIT 414 • Rte. US 141 & 41

245 SW WEBBS GLEN

LAKE CITY, FL

386-758-5564

Owners Verlon & Marcie Webb Visa, Discover, Mastercard Accepted

www.webbsantiquemall.com North FL
Map #1