Meet The Shopkeeper
Jesse Speicher – Space, Lancaster, PA
Meet the Shopkeeper is a new series here on Tour de Thrift. We go behind the scenes and interview folks we meet during our Tour de Thrift adventures. Meeting and chatting with shopkeepers and dealers is a great way to learn about collecting. Many of these folks are experts and are often happy to share information about their particular passion, whether it’s old cameras, vintage clothing or mid century modern decor.
The first shopkeeper in our series, is Jesse Speicher from Space, 336 Queen Street, Lancaster, PA. Space, is one of three shops, we wrote about last year while exploring Queen Street in Lancaster. Jesse and his partner Todd carefully curate a a wonderful mix of mid century modern, vintage and new merchandise in their shop and on eBay. They’ve been in the business for quite some time so I was really excited when Jesse agreed to be interviewed and share some photos from their home and shop with Tour de Thrift.
1. How did you get your start as a re-seller/dealer?
I started collecting glassware, kitchenware, deco, etc. in the late 90s. My partner Todd and I would scour antiques shows, malls, flea markets, etc. trying to find pieces for our various collections. eBay was just a baby and I decided to start selling what I didn’t want, to pay for what I DID want. When I quit my job, the last full-time position I had, in the fall of 2000, I thought I would just sell on eBay for a while…15 years later, I’m immersed in the business and even have my own shop!
2. Have you always been into retro/mid-century modern?
Not really. Although I sold many pieces (some of which I regret selling now!) of retro/mid-century furniture and the like in the past, I never specialized in or was fascinated by it, as much as I am now. When we bought our house in downtown Lancaster in 2000, we decorated it with a distinctly victorian and art deco style, to compliment the collections we had and enjoyed at the time. Needless to say, our tastes have changed, and we’ve gone almost 100% modern, selling off many of the pieces we once cherished to pay for our new-found habit, and giving our home a complete mid-century makeover.
3. Besides Space, you sell at other antique malls and on eBay – how do you manage to keep up with managing and stocking several locations and your online store?
It’s not easy! I shop for new merchandise every chance I get, hitting every type of venue one possibly can, from thrift stores, yard sales, and flea markets, to eBay and online wholesale sites. I try to offer a diverse inventory in all of my retail sites, filling them with stylish, affordable items, alaways striving to keep things fresh and interesting. The best part is “the thrill of the hunt”, I suppose. I still LOVE to shop flea markets, antiques shows, etc. when your’e there early, in the brisk morning air, sipping your coffee and scouring the ailes for treasures of all shapes and sizes. I’ve found some incredible things over the years and am confindent I will find many more! The worst part, I suppose, would be the struggle I have with myself to find the best stuff for my customers, trying to hone my “eye” and buying things that are both desirable, collectible, and affordable…attempting to stay on the edge of what’s happening while still maintaining a humble attitude towards the whole business and keeping my prices fair. I’m completely dedicated to what I’ve created and what I do, which sometimes takes it’s toll on my personal life but I remain undaunted and just keep plugging away!
4. What do you collect? If more than one collection can you tell us about your favorite?
Oh wow. Todd and I collect all kinds of things. We are definite “miximalists”! We have large collections of kitchen glass, jadite, Fire King, etc. as well as art deco lamps (Frankart, NuArt, etc.), and glassware (McKee and others). Most recently, we’ve amassed lots of mid-century pieces such as Heywood Wakefield furniture, Haeger art pottery, fiberglass-shade lamps, and brutalist metal wall art pieces, among other things. There are also some newly-made lines that I particularly enjoy, including Jonathan Adler’s line of art pottery and fabulous home decor items. Our home, like my shop, is a mix of vintage and modern styles, blended together to create a very personal signature style which I enjoy tremendously. Right now I’d have to say I love our mid-mod stuff the most because it’s colorful, fun, and makes designing the house and sharing it with everyone a real celebration of the mid-century styles that are so iconic and timeless. Our mid-century pieces are where my work and personal life blend together, the passion that helps me to be a better dealer, entertainer, and person.
5. Do you have any favorite resources (books, websites, magazines) your can recommend for folks just getting into retro/mid-century modern collecting?
I would have to say that Atomic Ranch and Dwell are fantastic magazines that are full of interesting stories and photos of epic mid-century homes, architecture, accessories, and the people who have driven and are currently driving the mid-century movement. There are several outstanding reference books on the topic available as well. As far as websites go, the shopper in me loves the retail sites such as cb2.com, jonathanadler.com, etsy.com, westelm.com, and eBay. Much of my other vintage-related entertainment comes from Facebook groups that deal specifically with mid-century modern.
6. Finally, what would be your ideal day of shopping when you’re looking for inventory? (i.e. do you like to shop at yard sales, flea markets, other antique malls? Any favorite shopping memories?)
Sadly, I don’t get out shopping nearly as much as I used to because I have to be here running the shop. However, when I do get out, I suppose my favorite spot would be either a big flea market or antiques show. Somewhere there are potential deals to be found, with lots of vendors selling a variety of items, because that’s what I’m always looking for…from furniture to sunglasses to video games and more, I have learned that slow and steady wins the race!
Although our shopping dynamic has changed, Todd and I both have great memories of attending the big east coast shows such as Adamstown’s own Extravaganza, Brimfield, MA, and Hillsville, VA, among others. Many of the items in our home came from those places. Locally, I still really like getting up early and hitting regular flea markets and yard sales, because you just never know what you may find! One time I found a complete set of cobalt blue Royal Lace depression glass, including many valuable serving pieces, at a yard sale! It doesn’t happen every day, but the memories of those rare scores keep me motivated to hit the pavement and see what’s out there!
Thanks to Jesse for giving us a glimpse into his personal and professional world! Most of us can only day dream about owning a shop or re-selling online, so we appreciate him taking time to share his experience and insights. Stop by his fantastic shop or visit Space online.
Space
336 Queen Street
Lancaster, PA
Hours: Thurs. – Sat. 11am – 6pm, Sunday 12pm – 5pm – Open late First Fridays
717-419-3477
Facebook
eBay
Pine Hill Antique Mall Reinholds, PA
Burning Bridge Antiques Market, Columbia, PA
Mother Tucker’s, Ephrata, PA
