Now and Then antiques settling in
Downtown Rockmart is in a perpetual state of change. Businesses can open and close without warning, but the supply of entrepreneurs willing to head downtown and chase a dream is never ending.
In particular, co- owners Bobbie Fuller and Tina Lanier established a home for business Now and Then at 106 E. Church St. in a building that has housed numerous others in the past.
“The building has been an art gallery, a hardware store, an auction, a gym and a furniture store,” Lanier said.
However, nearly two months into business, Now and Then is still selling rare, vintage antiques, re-purposed items, and decor without any sign of slowing down or forfeiting the building.
Antiques and décor aren’t new to the city, but Now and Then is one of the few stores that offer imported goods.
“Many of our items are imported from Eastern Europe,” Lanier said. “We have a mix of antiques, high end vintage furniture, leather furniture, home décor and gifts in Traditional, Industrial, Farmhouse, Midcentury, BoHo and Primitive decorating styles.”
The theme of the store is to mix the old and the new, the now and the then. Modern re-purposed furniture is put on a pedestal next to re-purposed 1800s European brick molds, and carved American driftwood trees can be found next to hand-carved wooden bowls.
Lanier has over 35 years of experience in consulting and sales that she uses to help price and select items, but Now and Then still maintains cheap costs. “Prices vary, but many of our items are being sold for far under what they should be,” Lanier said. Imported European goods may seem out of reach to some, but the store’s low prices mean having 1800s handcrafted furniture in one’s living room isn’t just a dream.
Now and Then also rents items to photographers, wedding planners, realtors, builders, and more. Those interested in renting from Now and Then can visit the store in person or email the owners at thenandnowofrockmart@ gmail. com for a quote. The store is closed on Mondays, open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
The business doesn’t stop with buying and renting antiques, however. Fuller offers Art and Floral design classes for any customer looking to take their art and designs to the next level. For more information on classes and rates, contact Fuller at 678-883-9300 or email the teacher at thenandnowofrockmart@gmail.com.
The store is young, but the idea for the store has been around for 4 to 5 years.
“We were collecting and waiting for the right timing,” Lanier said.
With the town’s antique industry one store larger, the owners have a specific goal in mind for the city.
“We want to advertise to the tri-county area and potentially make Rockmart the destination for antiques,” Lanier added.
Those looking to start a collection, try a new decorating style, or get a taste of imported goods should pay a visit to Now and Then where new and old walk side by side.