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Claude Bellar has owned Tara's Antique Mall in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, for 13 years. Together with partner, Nancy Pennington, they operate the mall seven days a week from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. With the help of a fantastic young decorator, Tonya Williams, the cleaning expertise of Amanda Horn, and the chalk painting talents of Georgia Varble, the shop is kept fresh, alive, and brimming with new additions weekly.
Our Tara's family is rounded out with the constant help of two great young men, Gary Daniel and Doug Martin, who keep the wheels of the shop running by moving heavy furniture and shop items, making deliveries, fixing anything that breaks, replacing lights, and just generally doing whatever needs doing.
Claude has been involved in the realm of antiques in excess of 50 years. He began collecting old things as a young man and his accumulations included everything from vintage cars and farm equipment and tools to Tennessee whiskey jugs and everything in between. He amassed a collection of 1,200 plus fruit jars which included many rare and one-of-a kind pieces. His historical artifacts relating to the state of Tennessee, especially his home county of Robertson, would rival any museum's offerings. He and Nancy were responsible for putting on the largest ever Federation of Historical Bottle Collector's Show and Sale at the Nashville Convention Center in 1996, attracting 650+ dealers and vendors from all over the world. All this to say, Claude knows his antiques!
Nancy has been a collector since the early '60s and has a large collection of milk bottles and dairy memorabilia along with laundry collectibles, old whiskey bottles, vintage kitchen utensils, and anything else that catches her eye. Her "antiques" savvy comes in handy since she is the buyer for the store.
Together they represent 100-plus years of knowledge in the antiques and collectibles business. They enjoy history and all things old, meeting people, and providing a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for travelers, and shoppers. Coffee and free snacks are provided everyday for visitors to enjoy. They offer free layaway options and will work with customers to make sure they get the best deal on purchases.
Business Model
The business model is very simple: Provide the finest, most unique antiques available and present them in an environment that takes you back in time to memories past as you browse the 12,000 square feet heated and air-conditioned building. Items ranging from fine antique and primitive furniture and sought-after collectibles to old unusual tools, bottles, whiskey jugs, toys, signs, vintage linens and clothes, and architectural and garden accessories are found on all three floors. From fancy to rust, we have it all! The diversity of items found under one roof is a huge part of the charm of this mall. It's hard to visit without leaving with something!
Behind the scenes
- The pace at the shop is slow and deliberate, however, we are now networked to the world!
- You will find Tara's on eBay, Craigslist, Facebook, in Google Circles and in a position to locate just about any unique antique that you may need to complete your collection.
- Shortly you will be able to buy online, or put something on layaway that you saw on our site (or in our mall), or have items sent directly to your door!