AUSTIN, Texas — For five years, Kimbell Conner has sold antiques at the Austin Antique Mall, cherishing the items she sells and the people she meets.
"It just kind of gives you hope, you know, because I've met young kids, you know, and then I've met older people. And people like to tell me their stories, and then I like to show them my stories," Conner said.
But her chapter at the Austin Antique Mall is ending. The owner told KVUE the mall will soon be closing. A vendor said they have a few weeks to move out after the mall shuts its doors in May.
The owners of Playland Skate Center and the Austin Antique Mall have agreed to not renew the lease. Playland Skate Center instead plans to use the mall's space to expand.
"It's sad, but I also feel like we need something like this," Conner said.
Brian Jepson has been visiting the Austin Antique Mall since the early '90s and is always on the lookout for something special.
"Living in Austin as long as I have, I've gotten used to things that I love going away. And I know that's part of life, and it doesn't make it any easier," Jepson said.
When he heard the news of the antique mall's closure, he took the time to stroll the selection.
"Is this going to be the last time? Should I take my time and drink it all in? That's what I'm going to do right now," Jepson said.
Vendors told KVUE they are holding onto hope that they will find a new venue or location to move to after the mall's closure this spring.
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