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By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

PIERCETON — Antique store owners Rob and Tammy Neel are now helping others sell antiques.

The Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce had a ribbon-cutting for the Neels’ new antique mall Antiques on First Street on Wednesday, July 10, the day of its grand opening. It’s located at 109 N. First Street, Pierceton.

The Neels have operated the store Second Fiddle for just over a year and a half at 119 N. First Street, Pierceton.

“I just think there’s a lot of vendors who can’t open a whole store who have quality antiques and they want to be in Pierceton,” explained Tammy of the reason for opening Antiques on First Street. “For the customers, people love antique malls because you can get (a number of) different stores under one roof.”

There’s space for 14 vendors at the antique mall, with all spots being filled.

Rob noted the mall is selling furniture as well as small items.

“This town has had that history — over 50 years probably — of being an antique destination town, and so we’re really trying to reemphasize that and encourage that to be a place where people can come and spend the day.” he said.

Tammy said many businesses have opened recently in Pierceton, with the town “exploding right now in a good way.”

The couple has four employees who assist them at both Second Fiddle and the antique mall.

Hours for Antiques on First Street are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays.