News Summary
Charlie’s Antiques, a cherished store in Lightfoot, Virginia, is set to close permanently on January 31 after 50 years of operation. Owners Charlie and Susan Crawford, who cultivated a devoted customer base with their extensive collection of international antiques, are retiring. The couple fondly reflects on their journey filled with unique treasures and meaningful connections. While the antique store will close, Charlie’s Amazing Stones will remain in operation, allowing the Crawfords to continue engaging with the community they love.
Lightfoot, Virginia – Charlie’s Antiques, a beloved antique store that has been a staple in the community for over 50 years, is set to close its doors for good on January 31. The husband-and-wife duo, Charlie and Susan Crawford, are retiring after decades of dedication to the antique business.
The decision to close the store comes as the Crawfords reflect on their fulfilling careers and the many connections they have created with customers over the years. Charlie Crawford, who transitioned from a leatherworking career into the world of antiques in the early 1970s, credits Minnie Giles, a fellow antique store owner, for nurturing his passion and knowledge about the trade.
Initially, Charlie started buying and reselling antique furniture pieces, eventually opening his first shop in Newport News. Fourteen years ago, they expanded their business and opened a second location in Lightfoot. Throughout their time in the industry, Charlie’s Antiques has become known for its extensive collection of international antiques, which includes a variety of furniture, rugs, vases, and sculptures.
Charlie Crawford’s passion for sourcing unique items has taken him on travels around the world, with trips to countries such as China, Indonesia, Turkey, and France, where he sought out rare and exquisite antiques. Among the notable items currently available in the store are a replica of the Oval Office desk and a Philadelphia Chippendale Highboy dresser from the mid-1700s, which serve as testaments to the quality and history of the pieces they have curated.
Both Charlie and Susan have expressed a deep sentimental attachment to the antiques in their store, viewing them as vessels for stories and history. This connection has helped them cultivate a loyal customer base, with many patrons returning yearly just to visit the Crawfords and browse their unique selections.
While Charlie’s Antiques is closing, it is important to note that another venture, Charlie’s Amazing Stones, which is also owned and operated by the Crawfords, will remain open. The couple has expressed enthusiasm about their retirement plans, looking forward to spending quality time with their children and grandchildren in the coming years.
Charlie’s journey through the antique industry has been described as a “treasure hunt,” filled with rewarding experiences and cherished memories. As they embark on this new chapter away from the business they have nurtured for so long, the Crawfords leave behind a legacy of passion for antiques and a warm, welcoming space for the Lightfoot community.
The closure of Charlie’s Antiques marks the end of an era not only for the Crawfords but also for countless customers who have come to appreciate the charm and history of the pieces that filled the store. The couple’s commitment to quality and their love for antiques will surely be missed by the many admirers they have gathered over the years.
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HERE Resources
Williamsburg’s Antique Scene Evolves as Charlie’s Antiques Closes
Additional Resources
- Daily Press: Longtime Antique Store Prepares to Close
- Google Search: Charlie’s Antiques
- Time Out: Monk Vintage Thrift Shop
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Antiques
- Clermont Sun: Shop for Unique Antiques
- Google News: Antique Stores
