‘This is our livelihood.’ Apple Hill Antiques preps for move to new location after 25 years
Apple Hill Antiques doesn’t dabble in new often, but the antique shop that’s been open for more than 25 years is readying itself for one of the biggest changes in its history.
The business is preparing to open May 1 at 2221 E. College Ave., the former home of Tubbies Bedrooms. April 16 was the antique store’s last day at 169 Gerald St., its home for more than two decades.
The State College Food Bank bought the property for $1.3 million in August. The nonprofit said it needed more space after outgrowing its South Atherton Street location.
Apple Hill co-owners Roger and Jan Snyder — 88 and 87, respectively — said they have no plans to retire. They’ve been married for 64 years.
“Dealers were coming to us crying, saying ‘This can’t be over. You’ve got to find a place,’ “ Jan Snyder said. “It was heart-wrenching.”
Added Roger Snyder: “I used to think people at 50 were old when I was younger, but now I don’t feel that at all. We’re still well, healthy, energetic, passionate. This is our livelihood.”
Thirty-seven of the 42 dealers who sold their collections at Apple Hill plan to make the move half a mile down the road, retired accountant and longtime advocate Leslee Asbury said. Others chose to retire.
Tubbies was one of the first locations the Snyders and Asbury contemplated last year. There was plenty to like, but Asbury said the price and size — the business would lose about 3,000 square feet — wasn’t an attractive enough package.
They discussed at least two other locations, Asbury said, but those deals fell through. The calendar flipped to March and Apple Hill still hadn’t signed a new lease.
That’s when Asbury went back to Tubbies owner Bill Klaban, whom she’s known for more than 40 years. Once Klaban dropped his asking price, Apple Hill signed a three-year lease.
“He has been wonderful. We owe everything to him for making this move possible,” Asbury said. “... He didn’t have to do what he’s done.”
Klaban said he was looking to get out of selling mattresses, adding it’s “not a very great business to go into right now.”
“There are probably more mattress stores than banks now,” he quipped. “... It was time. It was a good time for both of us.”
Tubbies Bedrooms operated from the location since 1982. Any remaining furniture was set to be moved to Klaban’s Home Furnishings along Benner Pike. Tubbies Spa and Patio, 2231 E. College Ave., will remain open.
Apple Hill expects to open at 100% occupancy. Every inch of floor space is mapped out on color-coded pages, a byproduct of losing more than one-third of space. Some dealers have been added to a waitlist.
No major renovations are needed, Asbury said. The shop expects to have about 16 parking spaces.
A 26-year anniversary celebration is planned for May 6 and 7.
“Keeping moving is what’s really important. Not sitting back and allowing yourself to sleep in after noon, which most people our age love to do and are entitled to do,” Jan Snyder said. “It’s kind of not our thing.”
