West Chester Antique Dealer is Moving His Business Home

(Written by Natalie Daher)

While many small business people plan on getting their operations out of their homes and into a storefront, one West Chester man is turning that idea on its head.

After 43 years in a storefront business, John Wilson of Wilson’s Main Line Antiques will close the doors of his sixth and last retail shop by mid-August.

“Anybody that closes down is closing for one reason," he tells Patch, "lack of business."

Over the last 40 years, Wilson has operated his antique shop all over the Main Line, scaling down as time went. He will officially bow out of his four-year ownership in Berwyn by the end of the summer.

“[It’s] time to move on,” he said, citing the market crash after September 11 as the 'turning point' for both the economy and his business.

He felt that it was “time to move on,” and now he will continue to work from his West Chester home.

While he is closing his store front doors on the Main Line, Wilson plans to continue his career in antiques. He plans to work from his West Chester home to buy, sell and trade heirlooms.

“It’s just in my blood. I’ve developed a lot of contacts over the years and I’ll hopefully make money. Hopefully people will come to me, seek me out.”

Wilson recognizes the value in antiquated items, pointing out their “one-of-a-kind” and non-manufactured qualities. Over the years, his stores have carried English and Continental furniture, mirrors, paintings, statues, carvings and more.

“In some cases, it’s considered a luxury item, like buying a Mercedes,” he said.

Wilson’s Main Line Antiques is currently holding a liquidation sale, selling items for anywhere from 20 to 60 percent off.