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Antiques Emporium Opens In F Street Storefront
Antique Emporium

The downtown bar has been raised a bit for those seeking antiques and collectibles.

The simplicity of an Oakdale home address, coupled with the vacancy of a storefront, prompted antique enthusiast Traian Oancea to “open shop” so to speak. Four short months ago Oancea opened Oakdale Antiques Emporium. The newest F Street business is at 226 East F. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“It’s definitely good, quality antiques,” the business owner stated. “There is only my stuff, there are not vendors here.”

Oancea shared while he will entertain selling some items on consignment, he prefers dealing directly with his clientele versus renting space to varying vendors and merchandise assortments.

“Antique means at least 100 years old,” the antique enthusiast shared; a detail he finds to be very important.

While the downtown business is a new endeavor for Oancea, his passion for antiques is not new.

“I have a lot of passion for antiques and I like history a lot,” he said. “I’ve been interested in antiques my whole life.”

A hobby, turned business he enjoys so much he’s even attended classes to learn more about the business of antique collecting. Oancea describes the store assortment as more estate sale/auction type quality versus garage sale finds. The store is filled with diverse collectibles as well as gold and coins.

Since opening the business, Oancea has received positive feedback from 209 shoppers, as well as customers and vendors traveling from the Bay Area.

“In this kind of business if you don’t have customer service you won’t make it,” he said.

The business owner shared he feels it’s important for his staff to interact with the clientele and engage in conversation. Treating the store as a home as opposed to a cold shop space is equally important to the antique dealer.

As someone who has had a passion for preserving past artifacts and treasures, the enthusiast shared he fears the future of the knowledge as well as appreciation of the business with the younger generations.

“The new generation makes me sad,” he said. “They don’t care. If you don’t talk with them about Facebook and Social Media, there’s nothing to talk about.”

As for the current clientele and his new business in the Oakdale community, Oancea does feel both encouraged and optimistic.

“I’m very happy because the people make me happy,” he shared. “They’ve talked nice about the store, which means I’m doing well. I really enjoy working with the customers.”