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Antique store is a gem in itself

Flash Antiques stands out because it's one of the few shops in town - and you won't find clutter here.

By JACKIE RIPLEY
Published August 20, 2006

TOWN 'N COUNTRY - Until Greg Thole opened Flash Antiques on Hanley Road earlier this month, pawnshop owners were the closest thing around here to purveyors of antiquities.

"There's not even a thrift shop around," said Thole, whose store features collectibles from the '50s, '60s and '70s, with an emphasis on art deco pottery. "It's an inspiring area."

Thole, who lives in Twelve Oaks, said he chose Town 'N Country for his shop because the area was virtually void of antique shops.

But that's changing.

"I found some interesting things," said Alex Ryser, who lives in Carrollwood and stopped in the store after seeing the sign out front. "I like the way things are labeled."

Though housed in a storefront at 5522 Hanley Road, Flash Antiques doesn't have the cluttered feel of other antique stores.

Its neatness makes it easy to search for finds such as an art deco gazelle clock for $49, a black amethyst napkin tray for $7 or a piece of McCoy pottery for $10.

They sit on shelves, era and price carefully notated.

Ryser, a cheese supervisor at Wild Oats, said he was looking for something like old fruit boxes to ramp up the store's chocolate displays. And, he said, "I like to peruse shopping centers and especially antique shops to see what's out there."

Thole, who goes to estate sales Saturday mornings, said with the hundreds of categories in antiques, no one can know everything.

"I've done research on a lot of things," Thole said, "but I'm knowledgeable in pottery."

Thole said the biggest market for his wares is women ages 30 to 50, who grew up with much of what he sells in his store.

"It reminds them of their parents' things," he said.

Thole said he tries to keep his items reasonably priced so he can make room for more.

"I love finding rare things people don't know about," he said, holding a black amethyst vase up to the light until its pitch black color took on the purplish cast of amethyst. "It's the thrill of the hunt."

Jackie Ripley can be reached at ripley@sptimes.com or 813 269-5308.

[Last modified August 19, 2006, 11:38:13]