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Yesterday's Treasures, Today's Designs, Tomorrow's Investment

By Tara Marie Lynn

6410 South College Ave., at the end of Fort Collins' Antique Row, a quaint gazebo and bright blue awning welcome all to Collins Antique Mart and Collins Coffee Corner.

Ample free parking allows shoppers and browsers to take their time, have some coffee, tea, or a light snack, then resume antiquing.

After 15 years on 287's Antique Row, proprietor Susan Branch moved to this larger location and invited other dealers to join her. She takes great pride in the fact that the 28 dealers of Collins Antique Mart are each uniquely talented. The focus of the Mart lies on the comfort side of the business.

Susan's clients are different—not impulsive. She feels that some clients need that time to be educated on the purchase and to make sure it is right for them.

"This practice is encouraged because we want the fit between the purchase and the client to be perfect."

Collins Antique Mart features fine art, furniture, vintage clothing, dried flowers and arrangements, and collectibles of all kinds. Replacement hardware and walk-in appraisals, estate service and consultation are just a few services offered in-house.

When people lose a family member, they don't always know all of their options.
"I work with and for them," Susan speaks often of education, "so they are fully educated on all options in today's market. This insures they receive fair values for the estate."

Together, the Coffee Corner and the Antique Mart host regularly scheduled High Teas, "Time for Tea." Usually theme-based, the teas are a time for verbal appraisals, antique education and meeting fellow collectors and dealers.

Susan focuses on the uniqueness of her dealers and greatly respects their wide array of talents. She tries to get dealers that add something unique. Not necessarily all dealers feature antiques, rather they incorporate these things that just really work well with antiques. Dried flowers, hand-dipped candles and oil paintings all complement antiques beautifully.

"These dealers are special." Susan boasts the great talents of display, merchandising and interior design that customers regularly comment on.

From high-end furniture to shabby chic, rare and unusual tools from all eras, Susan and the dealers try to keep every aspect of the antique field in-house.

"I want it to be a fun place to come with friends for coffee and shopping. Everyone can find something to love here... from $5 to $2,000."

Susan is also taking calls on oils and big pieces. With a very reputable art dealer in-house, call Susan if you are looking for something special.

"After all, art, fine furniture, antiques and collectibles are much more reliable investments these days than a piece of paper!"

Stop by to shop or just say hi to Susan and these talented dealers, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Or just head on over to Collins Coffee Corner for lattes, pastries, or a light lunch. Hang out inside or out on the back patio Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dealers are always welcome.

The next High Tea—Dec. 14, at 3:30 p.m.—will have a Christmas theme. Reservations are required.
For more information, call (970) 226-3305.