TECUMSEH — Antique shoppers can continue to add to their collections at a longtime favorite destination thanks to the sale of the former Hitching Post Antiques Mall in Tecumseh.
Nicholas Wegman purchased the antique mall, now called Antiques at the Next Level, on Aug. 1.
One of his reasons for buying the antique mall is that it is located next to his business Next Level Automotive Semi Truck & Trailer Roadside Assistance, but he also inherited an interest in antiques from his grandparents, and he also loves history.
“I’ve always been drawn to any facet of history,” he said.
“My grandpa always had old cars and trucks, and my grandma was always collecting glassware and other items,” he continued. “I think just being around them at such a young age left an imprint.”
Wegman himself is drawn to items that reflect his automotive business.
“Being a car guy, I love the old gas and oil stuff,” he said. “I’ve always thought it would have been great to grow up in the ’50s.”
Although ownership of the business has changed, many of the other aspects have stayed the same. Wegman said that the vendors and dealers from the Hitching Post are still part of Antiques at the Next Level. In addition, employees Theresa Nelson and Kelly Overholt decided to stay on after the business was sold.
“Theresa and Kelly are really some amazing people and are the lifeblood of the antique store,” Wegman said.
“We really would not be able to operate the store without them,” he added. “We are so pleased that they were open to staying with us.”
Although some things at Antiques at the Next Level are the same since Wegman bought the store, changes are coming to the store in the future.
“Obviously, we have changed the name to align with our other businesses,” he said. “We have started a lot of general building maintenance items. We are revamping the interior of the building with fresh paint, flooring and new lighting. We are also painting all of the buildings to match our other building next door.”
“Our goal is to make the antique store a part of the charm that is Tecumseh,” he said.
Wegman said what makes Antiques at the Next Level stand out are the people and the merchandise that are part of the store.
“Whether it’s our staff or our dealers, we have some of the kindest and most knowledgeable people in the industry,” he said. “Our store is filled with real antiques of all kinds, from around the globe and that span several centuries.”
Antiques at the Next Level is located at 1322 E. Monroe Road (M-50) in Tecumseh.
Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
More information is available on Facebook at facebook.com/antiquesatthenextlevel or by phone at 517-423-8277.
