A different kind of sticker shock
Greg’s Antiques, located in the French Quarter, is one of the few antiques shops in New Orleans where one experiences a different kind of sticker shock—not from high prices, but from red “sold” tags attached to many of the items. This stems from owner Greg’s business philosophy: “Buy good; sell good.” Greg originally came to New Orleans to photograph Hurricane Katrina’s devastation, but started fixing up and selling furniture. Through a contact, he sold his first container of furniture, and then another, and another, eventually opening his own business.
Greg’s main focus is furniture (primarily 1880s to 1950s European pieces), but the store also sells “junk.” One can find anything down the crowded aisles: gilded antique Florentine flower chandeliers, a wide assortment of taxidermy, kimonos, stained glass, ships’ helms, comic books, antique typewriters, musical instruments, vintage Mardi Gras posters, and large clown statues (proof, Greg says, that he will sell anything). Every six to eight weeks they receive a new container and in preparation they mark all their furniture down 25 percent two weeks out and 50 percent one week out. Everything is for sale—except for the commissioned art by local artists and the framed bugs.
Info
Address 1209 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA 70116, +1 504.202.8577, www.gregsantiques.com | Hours Daily 10am–10pm | Tip Check out Greg’s other store, Upcycle, across the street at 1222 Decatur, where they transform junk into pieces of art (don’t miss the lamps made out of musical instruments or mantel bars). The prices are based strictly on the cost of materials and labor, so chances are you will find a completely unique piece at a reasonable price.
You are going to need to take your time, not only to view everything the store has but also to maneuver yourself through some of its tight aisles—there appears to be no rhyme or reason to the placement of items except wherever they fit. And if you can’t find what you want? Rent a bike from Greg and ride around the city trying to find a more interesting store with better prices (good luck). Word of warning: if you are perusing the back of the store and suddenly hear the explosive sound of glass breaking, don’t be surprised by the employees’ unfazed demeanor; Greg claims this and other unexplained phenomena (especially the rattling gate chain) came with the building.
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