We know a lot of you probably live closer to Rockford than Chicago, so you may already know this. For any of you who don't mind traveling for a good deal and a fun hunt, this is for you! The East State Street Antique Malls (there are two of them) in Rockford are set to close this June.
We went with our Rockford-native friend yesterday to scope out the sales. Nearly every booth is offering between 10-50% off.
Roaming around the antique malls was a sort of family ritual (for years) for our friend. Needless to say, she isn't the only one saddened by the close. Mall execs and vendors cite eBay as a main source for their slowed-down sales. We know we'd be sad if BAM or Edgewater Antique Mall closed - there's just no substitute in our mind for in-person digging for a gem.
The East State Street malls have been picked over pretty well, in terms of furniture mostly, but there's still so much: light fixtures, clothes, jewelry, artwork, knick-knacks, you name it.
The drive was only about an hour and a half from Chicago, so if you have a car and love an antique sale, we say hit the road sooner rather than later!
5301 & 5411 East State St., Rockford IL
Mall 1: 815.229.4004
Mall 2: 815.226.1566
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
I know, I was there yesterday, and just blogged about it this morning. You weren't wearing green boots, were you?
hey carlene,
no green boots. too bad in this blog age we never know who's who in person ...