Antique stores — they’re filled with stories from the past. Walking into one is like turning back the clock, surrounded by unique and fascinating pieces that have stood the test of time. From vintage décor to Native American artifacts, each item holds a piece of history waiting to be discovered. It’s a place where nostalgia meets curiosity and where you never know what hidden gem you might stumble upon.

Open the doors of Touches of Time Antique Mall and you can spend hours roaming the floors to find the piece for which you’ve been waiting.

Before purchasing Touches of Time in 2016, owner Sabrina Niagu (a PPEC member from Payne) spent a lot of time shopping there. She grew up loving antique stores, estate sales, and everything “old” — houses, books and history. When the opportunity to purchase Touches of Time came along, Niagu knew this was exactly the thing she was meant to do.

Touches of Time has become a mainstay in downtown Van Wert, Ohio.

“Our clientele consists of loyal local shoppers, travelers who’ve shopped here for years and plan their trips to include us, and people passing through Van Wert on U.S. 127 who stop and quickly become repeat shoppers,” Niagu said.

Hosting 14 vendors within the antique mall, Touches of Time holds a little bit of everything. Each vendor has his or her own flair for the offering with individual areas of expertise. Vendors offer women’s boutique clothing and accessories, all types of vintage décor and collectibles, sports memorabilia, American Indian artifacts, trains, coins, books, small collectibles, farm paraphernalia and holiday décor.

“One of my most fun aspects is the mix of customers and their shopping/collecting interests,” said Niagu. “We literally have something for virtually everyone.”

The shop is committed to providing a friendly, welcoming environment with a “clean and fresh feel,” as opposed to the stereotypical dusty, musty feel some antique shops have.

Niagu credits the “product mix” for drawing people to Touches of Time and keeping them coming back.

“I am a firm believer in having healthy competition with other shops,” she said. “It gives customers more reason to come to Van Wert to shop.

“I admire and appreciate the sense of community PPEC strives to create, and I am very grateful for the support and focus they are giving to member-owned small businesses,” said Niagu. “I am happy to represent the co-op in a positive way and extend their community focus via my business.”

If you are up for a little adventure and love discovering unique treasures, add Touches of Time to your must-visit list. You never know what is waiting for you to find. Grab a friend and head out on your vintage shopping spree today!

As a participant in PPEC’s Co-op Connections Card Program, Touches of Time is offering electric co-op members a 5% discount.

TOUCHES OF TIME ANTIQUE MALL

Where: 120 S. Washington St., Van Wert, Ohio.

Open: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. | Saturday, 12 p.m.–4 p.m.

Contact: Facebook @TouchesofTimeAntiqueMall or call 419-232-4000.