Luke Judge

Missouri’s Largest Antique Mall to Open

in Springfield

The super-center-sized antique mall will be on Battlefield Road, just 5 minutes west of Battlefield Mall

(News Release)–Missouri’s largest antique mall is coming to Springfield.

At 90,000 square feet, Relics Antique Mall will easily be the largest Antique Mall in Missouri. The next largest in Missouri is near St. Louis, and it is a paltry 77,000 square feet.

Located on Battlefield Road, just 5 minutes west of the Battlefield Mall, Relics’ south side location, at 2015 W. Battlefield Road, will be easy to get to for locals and tourists alike.

Owner Beverly Robb said, “The “largest in the state” size, location, quality, and high profile marketing will make Relics another great Springfield tourist attraction, eventually like Bass Pro Shops has become.”

“We have been looking for a great location for this mall for nearly five years“, Beverly said, “We were thrilled when this property came available. We are  just 5 minutes west of Battlefield Mall, and about a minute and a half north of James River Freeway taking the Kansas Exit. The intersection’s daily traffic count is among the highest in the area.”

Robb stresses that a strong marketing campaign will figure heavily in the Relics Antique Mall’s success.  “We have a well rounded marketing plan in place, designed to attract local shoppers and tourists as well,” said Robb. “In Fort Worth we typically spend $30,000-$40,000 annually for marketing. Relics antiques dealers will be very pleased with our market presence.”

Owners are Matthew and Beverly Robb. Matthew is a Mount Vernon native and a Missouri State University graduate. Beverly is a Stockton native and also an MSU grad. The Robb’s lived in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex for 25 years, moving back to the area four years ago to be nearer to aging parents and their “big, wonderful, close-knit family.”  They have one son who is a junior at Republic High School.

The project is being funded by Oakstar Bank. The pair rave about the top quality handling of the loan by Charles Hachtel, Oakstar Vice President. “My cousin, Denise Feldt, also a Vice President at Oakstar, knew about the project and asked if we would give the bank a shot at the loan,” said Beverly. “We did, and have been very impressed with the bank and Charles.  It turned out to be a great match for us, and we are looking forward to working with him and Oakstar on other projects in the coming years.”

“This was a massive undertaking, and a not-so-typical business,” said Matthew. “Charles did a lot of research to understand our business and this market.  We were very impressed with him and the bank in general.”

The Robb’s have extensive experience with which to fuel a successful, large antique mall. For the past fifteen years, they have owned a Texas-sized, 61,000 square foot, upscale antique mall in Fort Worth.

Their popularity speaks for itself, with their Texas mall being voted “Fort Worth’s Best” the past 13 years in a row. They typically have a waiting list of dealers wanting to rent space.

“We believe in treating our dealers like family and helping them to be a successful as possible,“ Matthew said. “”Our Relics dealer lounge will feature complimentary freshly baked cookies and coffee, and an antiques reference library. Antiques Road Show episodes will be available for viewing as well.” Loading help will also be provided for dealers bringing in merchandise.

The pair credits their incredible success with location, strong management, great dealers and employees, and an interesting merchandise mix. At their Texas Mall, items for sale range from $1.00 to $30,000.00.

Last April, the Robb’s opened Relics Antique Mall of Mount Vernon, a 10,000 square foot facility overlooking I-44. “We wanted to test the Missouri market and we loved the results,” said Matthew.

“We have created a fun place to shop in Fort Worth and Mount Vernon, and we intend to do the same here,” said Matthew. “We know our fantastic location on Battlefield Road and Kansas will be the icing on the cake for our Springfield Relics Antique Mall.”

Robb added, “Relics will be clean, well lit, comfortably air conditioned and heated, with a great selection. We’ll have the whole range of antiques and collectibles for every budget, and something for every home. The shopping atmosphere will be great!”

Themed displays will highlight the new Relics look. Beverly admitted, “I’m a stickler for attractively displayed merchandise!” She plans to assist willing dealers with free display help, and hire at least a few design savvy cashiers to assist.

In addition to antiques and collectibles, look for pre-owned designer handbags and pre-owned fur coats. The designer goodies are typically priced 75% below new retail prices.

A tearoom is also slated to open soon within Relics. The Texas mall’s tearoom has been voted Fort Worth’s best” several years running.

“Our menu will feature our addictive Apricot Mango Iced Tea, quiches, a to-die-for chicken salad sandwich, lasagna, cream of potato soup, scones with orange marmalade and Devenshire cream, rich chocolate brownies with deep-south praline sauce, and other freshly made faire,” said Beverly.

She stressed that in Fort Worth, it is not at all unusual to see Texas businessmen with their clients enjoying lunch in their Tearoom., attesting to the fact that the portion sizes are not your typical tearoom skimpy!

“Our Texas Tearoom often has an hour’s wait for lunch, “Beverly said, adding, “No one seems to mind because they shop while waiting!” (Reservations are available for those on a tight lunch schedule.)

Also coming to Relics is a selection of Missouri wines and gourmet cheese.

Beverly said, “New customers walk into our Texas location and the first word out of their mouths is always “Wow!” They can’t believe the unique antiques and collectibles, and wide variety we have to offer.

“We will work hard to have that same “Wow!” reaction here in Springfield,” said Matthew.

They have loyal customers who have shopped extensively for all of the 15 years their Texas store has been open. Beverly recalls, “Every January during the Fort Worth Stock Show, one customer brings horses to town to sell. She leaves with the “empty” horse trailer full of antiques from our store!”

The Robb’s said that recently more consumers are turning to budget friendly second hand merchandise. They stated that their merchandise stretches budgets while placing unique items in homes. Matthew said, “Antiques and collectables also tend to rise in value over the years rather than lose value as does new merchandise. In addition, it is the original “green” way to add personality to your home!”

They will accept antique furniture consignments. They suggest bringing in a photo or calling with a detailed description, to ensure your item meets their criteria.

They both stress making life-long friendships with their dealers and customers. “We are in this for the long haul, said Beverly. “We are both big on respect and consideration, for our customers, dealers and employees.

“In Fort Worth, we have several widowed women who are our dealers, and we always help them carry in merchandise and decide upon pricing, etc. We just make sure they are happy and having fun. That’s what I would want if it were someone dealing with my mother.”

The Robb’s feel that the timing for becoming an antiques dealer is perfect. “Especially in this economy, the ability to make a little extra money without taking on a second job is quite nice,” Matthew said. “It’s easy to get started. Dealers stock their booths, and we do the selling. All they have to do is bring in more merchandise and collect their sales check! There is also that “fun” factor.” Most of our dealers feel there isn’t anything that could possibly be more fun! It is exciting to get out and hunt for bargains and unique items with which to stock a booth.”

Matthew added “It is never too early or too late to be an antiques dealer. Beverly’s mother is 80 and keeps her mind sharp and body active by being a dealer. In fact, she will credit antiques with her zest for life. Her hobby gets her out of the house and interacting with many different people. Another plus is that the research keeps her mind sharp.”

Matthew stressed, “You do not have to be retired either. In Texas we have lots of young people who enjoy being a dealer as well. They make extra money and find it is a welcome departure from their regular jobs. It is a source of relaxation and a real stress reliever for many. One of our dealers said, When I am hunting for antiques, I don’t have a care in the world. This is certainly cheaper than therapy!.”

Relics is slated to open in mid May. They are currently pre-leasing dealer space from about 10 a.m. – 3  p.m. weekdays, and weekends by appointment at the new location at 2015 W. Battlefield, Springfield.

They are also accepting applications for cashiers and a dock/loading/cleaning/maintenance position. Prospective employees can drop off their resume in person, or email to .

Relics Antique Mall of Mount Vernon is located on the I-44 Outer Road at the business loop exit, beside Relax Inn. 417-466-2646. Relics is open 7 days a week. Hours are 9:00-5:00, Monday through Saturday and 11-5:00 Sunday. Relics Antique Mall of Springfield will open in early May at 2015 W. Battlefield Road.

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