Antique store opens in downtown Peabody
Keith and Peggy Wattson have been collecting the old and unusual for decades. They have maintained booth space in a number of antique malls in the Wichita area during the past several years, and Peggy sells on eBay.
A year ago the couple bought a building in Peabody's historic downtown district and began to concentrate their efforts on opening an antique shop of their own.
They refurbished the front showroom and added shelving and display cupboards. They moved and unpacked box after box of antique and collectible merchandise that had been stored at their home or in a building they own in Hillsboro.
Wattsons held a grand opening Memorial Day weekend and have been open Tuesdays through Saturdays since.
Regular hours are listed as 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., but one or both of them are often in the store until 6 p.m.
Keith and Peggy say they have been pleased by the activity the new shop has generated so far.
"We aren't setting the world on fire by any means," Peggy said. "But we have done fairly well and we realize it takes time for antique buyers to find out we are here."
Peggy says eventually she would like to have her computer in the shop so she can still sell on eBay during slow retail times. She also maintains one booth area in a Wichita antique mall.
"I've always done well there and the people are good to deal with so I hope to be able to keep that one going," she said.
Keith said he hoped antique lovers from the community and surrounding area would stop in and get acquainted. "We are committed to this for the long haul," he noted. "I'm hoping we can supply antiques and treasures people want. We've been buying for an awfully long time."
Cameo Rose Antiques (named for the Wattson's youngest daughter) is located on the northeast corner of First and Walnut, just north of Santa Fe Park.
