Emporium, the extraordinary large antique place in the Cattle Market car park, Rye, is well worth visiting. It is an eclectic collection of antique and vintage furniture, carpets, glassware, garden objects, lighting, mirrors, art, vinyl and vintage hi-fi and radiograms and much more. One or two rooms upstairs have been given over to Chris Thompson for his books and pictures. There are several rooms, tastefully furnished in different styles, with items well put together such as a table and chairs here and there with vases displayed. It is fun and a pleasure to walk through the spaces downstairs and upstairs.
Sarah and Trevor, the wife and husband team, worked for the past 20 years in the event production industry, travelling the world running events and conferences. Sarah switched in 2020 to antiques with her first small shop. Trevor joined part-time along the way doing the rounds of antique fairs. Following Covid they moved to the coast, 20 minutes from Rye, and were looking for an opportunity for both to get into the antique business full time. They started in a small place first until the opportunity came along for a large permanent space, the Emporium.
When asked how they felt now after having taken on this bigger venture, both said that they were delighted and have not looked back. “It is a great space, great location and it has given us the freedom to put our own stamp, our own style into this new place and breathe new life into it. We feel it is definitely for keeps. We have been coming to Rye for some time, know a lot of the businesses and feel settled.”
If you likes antiques this is the place to visit. Open 7 days a week 10am until 5pm. Follow along on insta @emporium-rye for new stock or contact hello@emporium-rye.com or 07885519009.
Image Credits: Heidi Foster .