{"id":279692,"date":"2026-09-05T12:46:51","date_gmt":"2026-09-05T12:46:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/279692\/"},"modified":"2026-09-05T12:46:51","modified_gmt":"2026-09-05T12:46:51","slug":"retail-watch-find-unpredictable-treasures-as-antique-store-reopens-in-allentown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/279692\/","title":{"rendered":"Retail Watch: Find unpredictable treasures as antique store reopens in Allentown"},"content":{"rendered":"

Knives. A frame for the art of The Beatles\u2019 album \u201cYesterday and Today.\u201d The Union Jack hanging from the ceiling. A Ronald\u2019s PlayPlace sign. A Vietnam War-era jacket. Guitars. Comic book issues.<\/p>\n

And \u2026 swords. Just swords sitting on a table with the same reverence as a coffee mug.<\/p>\n

Antiques are unpredictable. There is no way to know what significance an item will have decades after it was created, or if it will still be around after so long. But antiques are not unfindable, especially with the reopening of an antique store in Allentown.<\/p>\n

Weil\u2019s Doghouse Antiques announced its opening Aug. 27<\/a> at the Parkway Shopping Center at 1471 Lehigh St., where the former Parkway Lanes bowling alley space offers items from over 190 vendors such as art, decorations, glassware, dishes, video games, tools, furniture, lighting, jewelry, bags and apparel.<\/p>\n

Cindy and Rick Weil, who operated the store up until last year as Weil Antique Center at 2200 31st St. SW in Salisbury Township, offer clocks at the new location as well.<\/p>\n

Mark Higgins, who previously operated Doghouse Antiques in the New Hope area, is the new co-owner alongside his partner Michele Vrentas, who owns the Lift Easton yoga and massage studio.<\/p>\n

The store originally announced<\/a> that it would open September 2025, but Higgins said that inspection and construction took longer than expected.<\/p>\n

The exact opening day may be arbitrary \u2014 as Higgins explained, the store is never finished and will always hopefully get better. But the delay hasn\u2019t seem to hurt or discouraged customers. Higgins said Wednesday that the store already sold $60,000 of product in the last four days. Thousands of people visited its first weekend.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll the different people that came together to work as a team \u2014 from the previous owners of Weil\u2019s, my construction crew, our staff that takes care of the desk and helps the customers, my partner Michele \u2014 we\u2019ve all contributed and if it wasn\u2019t for the people that worked together as a team, we wouldn\u2019t be in this position,\u201d Higgins said. \u201cAnd \u2026 it\u2019s the tenants themselves that even had faith in us, that they put in an application, they gave us deposits, they were patient with our opening. The coordination of all the different talents that have come together are making the store what it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt feels like a huge relief!\u201d Vrentas said in a written statement of the opening. \u201cI\u2019m so thrilled for all the amazing vendors, for this amazing opportunity to be an owner and artistic producer of this beautiful store. We took antique shopping to a new level in Allentown. Our shoppers let us know every day.\u201d<\/p>\n

The store operates 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. It will host events such as art shows, live music and online auctions, Higgins said. A flea market will also operate there 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday through Sunday.<\/p>\n

\"Weil\u00e2\u0080\u0099s<\/p>\n

Weil\u2019s Doghouse Antiques\u2019 Mark Higgins and partner Michele Vrentas along with Molly sit at their new location Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at Weil\u2019s Doghouse Antiques in the Parkway Shopping Center at 1471 Lehigh St. in Allentown. The antique store features over 180 vendors in its location in the back of the mall\u2019s parking lot. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A variety of vendors offers all sort of antiques from the eccentric to the elegant Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at Weil\u2019s Doghouse Antiques in the Parkway Shopping Center at 1471 Lehigh St. in Allentown. The antique store features over 180 vendors in its location in the back of the mall\u2019s parking lot. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A variety of vendors offers all sort of antiques from the eccentric to the elegant Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at Weil\u2019s Doghouse Antiques in the Parkway Shopping Center at 1471 Lehigh St. in Allentown. The antique store features over 180 vendors in its location in the back of the mall\u2019s parking lot. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A variety of vendors offers all sort of antiques from the eccentric to the elegant Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at Weil\u2019s Doghouse Antiques in the Parkway Shopping Center at 1471 Lehigh St. in Allentown. The antique store features over 180 vendors in its location in the back of the mall\u2019s parking lot. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A variety of vendors offers all sort of antiques from the eccentric to the elegant Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at Weil\u2019s Doghouse Antiques in the Parkway Shopping Center at 1471 Lehigh St. in Allentown. The antique store features over 180 vendors in its location in the back of the mall\u2019s parking lot. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A variety of vendors offers all sort of antiques from the eccentric to the elegant Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at Weil\u2019s Doghouse Antiques in the Parkway Shopping Center at 1471 Lehigh St. in Allentown. The antique store features over 180 vendors in its location in the back of the mall\u2019s parking lot. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A variety of vendors offers all sort of antiques from the eccentric to the elegant Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at Weil\u2019s Doghouse Antiques in the Parkway Shopping Center at 1471 Lehigh St. in Allentown. The antique store features over 180 vendors in its location in the back of the mall\u2019s parking lot. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A variety of vendors offers all sort of antiques from the eccentric to the elegant Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at Weil\u2019s Doghouse Antiques in the Parkway Shopping Center at 1471 Lehigh St. in Allentown. The antique store features over 180 vendors in its location in the back of the mall\u2019s parking lot. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A variety of vendors offers all sort of antiques from the eccentric to the elegant Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at Weil\u2019s Doghouse Antiques in the Parkway Shopping Center at 1471 Lehigh St. in Allentown. The antique store features over 180 vendors in its location in the back of the mall\u2019s parking lot. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A variety of vendors offers all sort of antiques from the eccentric to the elegant Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at Weil\u2019s Doghouse Antiques in the Parkway Shopping Center at 1471 Lehigh St. in Allentown. The antique store features over 180 vendors in its location in the back of the mall\u2019s parking lot. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A variety of vendors offers all sort of antiques from the eccentric to the elegant Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at Weil\u2019s Doghouse Antiques in the Parkway Shopping Center at 1471 Lehigh St. in Allentown. The antique store features over 180 vendors in its location in the back of the mall\u2019s parking lot. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A variety of vendors offers all sort of antiques from the eccentric to the elegant Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at Weil\u2019s Doghouse Antiques in the Parkway Shopping Center at 1471 Lehigh St. in Allentown. The antique store features over 180 vendors in its location in the back of the mall\u2019s parking lot. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"Weil\u00e2\u0080\u0099s<\/p>\n

Weil\u2019s Doghouse Antiques\u2019 Mark Higgins and partner Michele Vrentas along with Molly sit at their new location Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at Weil\u2019s Doghouse Antiques in the Parkway Shopping Center at 1471 Lehigh St. in Allentown. The antique store features over 180 vendors in its location in the back of the mall\u2019s parking lot. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A variety of vendors offers all sort of antiques from the eccentric to the elegant Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at Weil\u2019s Doghouse Antiques in the Parkway Shopping Center at 1471 Lehigh St. in Allentown. The antique store features over 180 vendors in its location in the back of the mall\u2019s parking lot. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A variety of vendors offers all sort of antiques from the eccentric to the elegant Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at Weil\u2019s Doghouse Antiques in the Parkway Shopping Center at 1471 Lehigh St. in Allentown. The antique store features over 180 vendors in its location in the back of the mall\u2019s parking lot. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A variety of vendors offers all sort of antiques from the eccentric to the elegant Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at Weil\u2019s Doghouse Antiques in the Parkway Shopping Center at 1471 Lehigh St. in Allentown. The antique store features over 180 vendors in its location in the back of the mall\u2019s parking lot. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A variety of vendors offers all sort of antiques from the eccentric to the elegant Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at Weil\u2019s Doghouse Antiques in the Parkway Shopping Center at 1471 Lehigh St. in Allentown. The antique store features over 180 vendors in its location in the back of the mall\u2019s parking lot. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A variety of vendors offers all sort of antiques from the eccentric to the elegant Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at Weil\u2019s Doghouse Antiques in the Parkway Shopping Center at 1471 Lehigh St. in Allentown. The antique store features over 180 vendors in its location in the back of the mall\u2019s parking lot. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A variety of vendors offers all sort of antiques from the eccentric to the elegant Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at Weil\u2019s Doghouse Antiques in the Parkway Shopping Center at 1471 Lehigh St. in Allentown. The antique store features over 180 vendors in its location in the back of the mall\u2019s parking lot. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A variety of vendors offers all sort of antiques from the eccentric to the elegant Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at Weil\u2019s Doghouse Antiques in the Parkway Shopping Center at 1471 Lehigh St. in Allentown. The antique store features over 180 vendors in its location in the back of the mall\u2019s parking lot. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A variety of vendors offers all sort of antiques from the eccentric to the elegant Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at Weil\u2019s Doghouse Antiques in the Parkway Shopping Center at 1471 Lehigh St. in Allentown. The antique store features over 180 vendors in its location in the back of the mall\u2019s parking lot. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A variety of vendors offers all sort of antiques from the eccentric to the elegant Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at Weil\u2019s Doghouse Antiques in the Parkway Shopping Center at 1471 Lehigh St. in Allentown. The antique store features over 180 vendors in its location in the back of the mall\u2019s parking lot. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"Weil\u00e2\u0080\u0099s<\/p>\n

Weil\u2019s Doghouse Antiques\u2019 Mark Higgins and partner Michele Vrentas along with Molly sit at their new location Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at Weil\u2019s Doghouse Antiques in the Parkway Shopping Center at 1471 Lehigh St. in Allentown. The antique store features over 180 vendors in its location in the back of the mall\u2019s parking lot. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

Show Caption<\/p>\n

1 of 23<\/p>\n

Weil\u2019s Doghouse Antiques\u2019 Mark Higgins and partner Michele Vrentas along with Molly sit at their new location Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at Weil\u2019s Doghouse Antiques in the Parkway Shopping Center at 1471 Lehigh St. in Allentown. The antique store features over 180 vendors in its location in the back of the mall\u2019s parking lot. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

Expand<\/a>
\nLehigh Valley retail and restaurant news in brief<\/p>\n

The Flying V Poutinerie: The poutine restaurant announced its closure<\/a> for 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, at 201 E. Third St. in Bethlehem.<\/p>\n

J\u2019s Steaks & Subs: A new restaurant will open soon next to the Fairgrounds Hotel<\/a> at the Allentown Fairgrounds in Allentown.<\/p>\n

Dave\u2019s Hot Chicken: The Nashville hot chicken chain plans to have a grand opening<\/a> Sept. 18 at the Nazareth Crossing shopping center at 3812 Easton-Nazareth Highway in Lower Nazareth Township. Another location is planned to open\u00a0by the end of this year or early next year at the Cabela\u2019s at 100 Cabela Drive in Tilden Township, Berks County.<\/p>\n

Br\u00fc Daddy\u2019s Brewing Co.: The brewpub held its final day of operation<\/a> Aug. 29 at 732 Hamilton St. in Allentown. McCall Collective Brewing Co. will open for business for limited days and hours in mid-September before their grand opening weekend of Oct. 2-4.<\/p>\n

Mister Car Wash: The car wash held a soft opening Aug. 18 at 2160 MacArthur Road in Whitehall Township, a spokesperson said.<\/p>\n

Azur Mediterranean Bar & Grille: The Mediterranean restaurant announced its permanent closure<\/a> Aug. 29 at the Trolley Barn Public Market in Quakertown. It opened in December<\/a> and was initially planned as an expansion for True Blue Mediterranean Grill, which will remain open at the market.<\/p>\n

Retail Watch is a weekly column covering retail and restaurant news in the Lehigh Valley. Have a question, tip, or want to see something in the area? Contact retail reporter Graysen Golter at retailwatch@mcall.com. Sign up for our weekly Retail Watch newsletter at mcall.com\/retailwatchsignup.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Knives. A frame for the art of The Beatles\u2019 album \u201cYesterday and Today.\u201d The Union Jack hanging from…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":279693,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[153,155,154,60,182,436,432],"class_list":["post-279692","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-bethlehem","tag-bethlehem","tag-bethlehem-headlines","tag-bethlehem-news","tag-business","tag-local-news","tag-retail","tag-top-stories-tmc"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/279692","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=279692"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/279692\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/279693"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=279692"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=279692"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=279692"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}