E.N. Miller Antique Mall in Verona offers 4 floors of history

Four floors of antiques and collectibles await shoppers at E.N. Miller Antique Mall, nestled along the railroad tracks in Verona.

And be forewarned: One can easily spend an entire afternoon at the historic building that housed a successful family furniture store called E.N. Miller Furniture for decades.

“We have people spend hours in here,” says Brian Miller of Plum, who owns and operates the mall with his wife, Susan. “We get movie people in here buying props, younger people, antique hunters, all types. We are so much more than just an antique store.”

With 25,000 square feet available for exploration, 100 vendors have stuffed their respective booths to the gills. From affordable trinkets to antiques, dishware to linens, vintage clothing to jewelry, visitors come hunting for “that hidden gem,” Miller says.

“We have a cornucopia of stuff,” he says.

A family-owned business since 1909, the E.N. stands for Elijah Newland, the great-great grandfather of Brian Miller.

Miller and his wife transitioned to antiques after the family's furniture store closed in 1995, opening the antique mall in 1996. The move was “in desperation,” says Miller, when taxes were due and the family wanted to keep the building in the family. “My mom suggested an antique mall.”

Back then, the couple wasn't even into antiques. Nowadays, his wife loves the antiques, Miller says.

“It's bad to have her here at the shop because things end up coming home to our house,” Miller jokes.

The mall started small, but business is humming along these days. Plans include using one last unused space in the building for vendors and perhaps adding a coffee shop.

Miller says “little tables are popular and this place is always a treasure hunt.”

“When we started we had 13 vendors,” says Miller, who left a career in furniture management at Levin's Furniture to run the Antique Mall full-time. “I see the value of antiques now.”

Loretta Jelinek, 78, of Ross Township, visits her three vendor booths called “Repurpose” weekly. She sells “everything,” and finds herself still a vendor at E.N. Miller 17 years later.

“This is a half-hobby and relaxing for me,” says Jelinek, who still works part-time in accounting.

Self-proclaimed history buff Gordon Leaf, 86, of Monroeville holds the title of longest vendor at E.N. Miller, at 20 years.

He enjoys traveling the country, including Montana, hitting up auctions and flea markets, buying items for his booth that specializes in late-1800s and early-1900s items.

Leaf enjoys helping Miller out in the store and discussing the “stories” that often accompany a piece. Miller says Leaf is his go-to vendor when he has questions about a particular piece.

“Gordon is very knowledgeable and he has taught me a lot about antiques since starting the business,” Miller says.

Miller demonstrates an antique wooden butter churn, turning the wooden handle that once churned the cream placed inside.

“I remember helping my grandma do that,” Leaf says.

The Millers strive to offer a relaxing and pressure-free shopping experience, always keeping free coffee freshly brewed for their customers.

“We don't bug people here while they are shopping,” Miller says. “We are friendly and helpful, and many customers say this is their therapy, coming here and shopping.”

All the eras are represented, and Miller notes that most people respond to the decade they knew from childhood.

“The '80s are considered so old now by the young folks,” Miller says.

The summer sale called “Feel the Heat” begins in July and continues for the entire month, offering 10 to 25 percent off all merchandise with a minimum $10 purchase.

Joyce Hanz is a Tribune-Review contributing writer.