By ROD ZOOK
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Another antique mall is opening in Hutchinson. The Long Ago Antique Mall is preparing to open in the old Long’s clothing store building in the downtown area.
The business is the idea of Tess Phillips, who has had a love of antiques for many years.
“Me and my husband have been married for 30 years and we have been antiquing our whole married life,” Phillips said. “My husband said 'let's do something you love.' So that’s what brought this on.”
Phillips says they will use only a small portion of the 11,500 square-foot space at first, but hope to expand the business as customers grow. The business is similar to antique malls in other areas and also like others in town. The store will rent out space for those who have goods to sell or trade.
As far as the name of the new business goes, Phillips says they wanted to keep the word “long” in the name since the building had such a long history as Long’s clothing store.
“That’s why we named it Long Ago,” Phillips said. “Long's has been here since 1972. I remember coming in as a kid and also bringing my boys here for their tuxes.”
Phillips says they will be open normal downtown hours along with Third Thursday and during the monthly flea market at the fairgrounds.
Long Ago Antiques plans to open for business on Jan. 15.