Relics Antique Mall

Missouri’s Largest Antique Mall Now Open

in Springfield

The super-center-sized antique mall is on Battlefield Road, just 5 minutes west of Battlefield Mall

(News Release)–Missouri’s largest antique mall is now open in Springfield.

At 90,000 square feet, Relics Antique Mall is easily the largest Antique Mall in Missouri. The next largest in Missouri is near St. Louis, and it is a “paltry” 77,000 square feet.

Located on Battlefield Road, just 5 minutes west of the Battlefield Mall, Relics’ south side location, at 2015 W. Battlefield Road, is easy to get to for locals and tourists alike.

Owner Beverly Robb said, “The “largest in the state” size, location, quality, and high profile marketing makes Relics another great Springfield tourist attraction. We hope to eventually be like Bass Pro Shops has become.”

“We looked for a great location for this mall for nearly five years“, Beverly said, “We were thrilled when this property came available. We are  just 5 minutes west of Battlefield Mall, and about a minute and a half north of James River Freeway taking the Kansas Exit. The intersection’s daily traffic count is among the highest in the area.”

Robb stresses that a strong marketing campaign figures heavily in the Relics Antique Mall’s success.  “We have a well rounded marketing plan in place, designed to attract local shoppers and tourists as well,” said Robb. “In Fort Worth we typically spend $40,000-$60,000 annually for marketing. Relics antiques dealers are very pleased with our market presence.”

Owners are Matthew and Beverly Robb. Matthew is a Mount Vernon native and a Missouri State University graduate. Beverly is a Stockton native and also an MSU grad. The Robb’s lived in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex for 25 years, moving back to the area seven years ago to be nearer to aging parents and their “big, wonderful, close-knit family.”  They have one son who is a sophomore at MSU.

The Robbs have extensive experience with which to fuel a successful, large antique mall. For the past seventeemn years, they have owned a Texas-sized, 61,000 square foot, upscale antique mall in Fort Worth.

Their popularity speaks for itself, with their Texas mall being voted “Fort Worth’s Best” the past 15 years in a row. They typically have a waiting list of dealers wanting to rent space.

“We believe in treating our dealers like family and helping them to be a successful as possible,“ Matthew said. Loading help is typically available for dealers bringing in merchandise.

The pair credits their incredible success with location, strong management, great dealers and employees, and an interesting merchandise mix. At Relics Antique Mall, items for sale range from $1.00 to $10,000.00.

Four years ago, the Robbs opened Relics Antique Mall of Mount Vernon, a 10,000 square foot facility overlooking I-44. “We wanted to test the Missouri market and we loved the results,” said Matthew.

“We have created a fun place to shop in Fort Worth and Mount Vernon, and now in Springfield,” said Matthew. “Our fantastic location on Battlefield Road and Kansas was be the icing on the cake for our Springfield Relics Antique Mall.”

Robb added, “Relics is clean, well lit, comfortably air conditioned and heated, with a great selection. We have the whole range of antiques and collectibles for every budget, and something for every home. The shopping atmosphere is be great!”

Themed displays highlight the Relics look. Beverly admitted, “I’m a stickler for attractively displayed merchandise!” Free display help is always available to dealers.

In addition to antiques and collectibles, look for pre-owned designer handbags and pre-owned fur coats. The designer goodies are typically priced 75% below new retail prices.

Relics Springfield open their old world Tea Room last summer, and the rave review keep pouring in.
“Our menu features our addictive Apricot Mango Iced Tea, quiches, a to-die-for chicken salad sandwich, cream of corn and potato soup, scones with marmalade and Devenshire cream, rich chocolate brownies with warm fudge filling, and other freshly made fare,” said Beverly.

Also coming to Springfield Relics is a selection of Missouri wines and gourmet cheese.

Beverly said, “New customers walk into our Springfield location and the first word out of their mouths is always “Wow!” They can’t believe the unique antiques and collectibles, and wide variety we have to offer.

The Robb’s said that recently more consumers are turning to budget friendly second hand merchandise. They stated that their merchandise stretches budgets while placing unique items in homes. Matthew said, “Antiques and collectables also tend to rise in value over the years rather than lose value as does new merchandise. In addition, it is the original “green” way to add personality to your home!”

Relics accepts antique furniture consignments. They suggest bringing in a photo or calling with a detailed description, to ensure your item meets their criteria.

They both stress making life-long friendships with their dealers and customers. “We are in this for the long haul, said Beverly. “We are both big on respect and consideration, for our customers, dealers and employees.

“We have several widowed women who are our dealers, and we always help them carry in merchandise and decide upon pricing, etc. We just make sure they are happy and having fun. That’s what I would want if it were someone dealing with my mother.”

The Robb’s feel that the timing for becoming an antiques dealer is perfect. “Especially in this economy, the ability to make a little extra money without taking on a second job is quite nice,” Matthew said. “It’s easy to get started. Dealers stock their booths, and we do the selling. All they have to do is bring in more merchandise and collect their sales check! There is also that “fun” factor.” Most of our dealers feel there isn’t anything that could possibly be more fun! It is exciting to get out and hunt for bargains and unique items with which to stock a booth.”

Matthew added “It is never too early or too late to be an antiques dealer. Beverly’s mother is 83 and keeps her mind sharp and body active by being a dealer. In fact, she will credit antiques with her zest for life. Her hobby gets her out of the house and interacting with many different people. Another plus is that the research keeps her mind sharp.”

Matthew stressed, “You do not have to be retired either. We have lots of young people who enjoy being a dealer as well. They make extra money and find it is a welcome departure from their regular jobs. It is a source of relaxation and a real stress reliever for many. One of our dealers said, When I am hunting for antiques, I don’t have a care in the world. This is certainly cheaper than therapy!.”

The second Missouri location, Relics Antique Mall of Mount Vernon, is located on the I-44 Outer Road at the business loop exit, beside Relax Inn. 417-466-2646. Relics is open 7 days a week. Hours are 9:00-5:00, Monday through Saturday and 11-5:00 Sunday.

Relics Antique Mall of Springfield is located at 2015 W. Battlefield Road. Hours are currently 11-6 Monday-Saturday and 12-6 Sunday. 417-885-0007. Tea Room phone 885-0013.