Cloquet Antique Marketplace reopened on January 7, 2024, with an expanded sales floor, reflecting a significant growth in both the local business and the broader thrifting industry in the Twin Ports region. The marketplace, located at 901 Cloquet Ave, was originally launched in April 2023 by Joanne Leland, who also owns the nearby Duluth Antique Marketplace. This expansion from 8,000 to 12,000 square feet was made possible by acquiring an adjacent space, allowing the shop to accommodate 54 vendors.
Leland’s rapid success in Cloquet comes on the heels of a lengthy waiting list at her Duluth location, which is nearing its eighth anniversary. “I wanted to expand because I have such a long waiting list in Duluth. It was about a three-year waiting list to get in as a vendor,” Leland explained. The original Cloquet space of 800 square feet quickly proved insufficient, leading to the current layout designed to create a vibrant marketplace atmosphere.
Community Growth and Support
The Cloquet Antique Marketplace now features a diverse selection of antiques, collectibles, and handmade items, appealing to various tastes. Leland noted that many of the items date back to the 1960s and 1970s, rather than strictly from the early 20th century. “We carry a little bit of everything. It doesn’t have to necessarily be something that’s from the 1900s,” she stated.
Employing 13 staff members across both locations, the marketplace offers a unique opportunity for many vendors who previously operated online. “They’re all set up by little spots that they rent out. So it’s almost like their own little store,” Leland remarked. This setup provides a physical presence for emerging business owners who once relied on platforms like Etsy or eBay.
Leland’s journey into the antique business began with her passion for thrifting and collecting vintage costume jewelry. She initially rented a booth at Old Town Antiques in Duluth twenty years ago, where she gained valuable experience. Carol Jouppi, the owner of Old Town Antiques, praised Leland’s entrepreneurial spirit, stating, “She learned a lot from all of that, and I think that really helped her to make that decision to start a business.”
The Expanding Antique Scene
The Twin Ports area boasts a rich variety of antique shops, including Father Time Antiques, Lester River Trading Company, and Seller’s Antique Mall. David Seehus, co-owner of Father Time Antiques, welcomes the influx of new businesses, commenting, “It’s good to have more. Draw more people around and with more places to stop for the person that’s actually antiquing.”
Father Time Antiques, located in Canal Park, features items from 50 vendors within a spacious 10,000 square feet. Seehus noted that approximately 80% of their clientele comes from outside the local area, taking advantage of free parking and seasonal lulls in tourist traffic. His shop has experienced a consistent 10% increase in sales annually since the onset of the pandemic, which has sparked a renewed interest in antiquing.
The growing network of antique shops is complemented by a rise in second-hand clothing retailers, such as Dannie Duluth Consignment and Jack Pine Vintage. Leland expressed enthusiasm for collaboration among local shops, stating, “I like working with all of the different shops and sending them off to different places if they can’t find something here.”
Visitors to Cloquet Antique Marketplace can expect a welcoming environment, with amenities for families, including sections dedicated to toys. Leland envisions the local antique industry as a potential tourist draw, suggesting that an entire weekend could be dedicated to exploring the array of shops available.
The appeal of antiquing spans generations, with customers ranging from grandparents sharing nostalgic items with their grandchildren to young adults seeking streamlined, vintage home decor. Leland noted, “The biggest thing in that age frame is that their parents had a lot of knick-knacks. They want things more streamlined and not so cluttered.”
Jouppi emphasized the educational aspect of antique shopping, stating, “It’s nice to see children being involved with their families, with antiques. Even though I’ve been in the business for over 40 years, I’ve learned from some of the young people, and that is so important to constantly learn something new.”
The local antique industry not only promotes sustainability through the principles of reducing, reusing, and recycling but also offers quality items that withstand the test of time. Leland highlighted the durability of vintage furniture, contrasting it with modern products from large retailers, stating, “You can buy a dresser that is 60 years old and it still works great.”
As the thrifting trend continues to expand, the Cloquet Antique Marketplace stands as a testament to the growing appreciation for vintage and second-hand items in today’s consumer market.
