I've never heard anyone on the show say Mike's business was stricly decoration related items.
Strictly? No one ever said that.
But, Mike often talks about the decorative appeal of the crap they buy -- often enough that you'd think that was its main purpose.
In interviews, Wolfe invariably mentions that he works for decorators, interior designers, and the like...
In the meantime, Wolfe still has a business to run. Expanding Antique Archaeology to Nashville further strengthens his ties to the local design and decorator community, which constitutes a vital component of his client base.
"They rely on guys like me to find these amazing statement pieces," he says. "I'm not the guy who can finish a room, but I'm into space and color, and when I look at something, I can see past it not having an antiquity value." ~ Mike Wolfe, Entrepreneur, Aug 11, 2011
MS: What first attracted you to Nashville?
MW: I would definitely say it was the people. I mean, years ago I rode through on my motorcycle and thought it was a cool place, and after that, I started selling at the flea markets here. It’s the first place where I sold to set designers and art directors, the first place I found myself in the center of a real creative community. And I always loved the music. But essentially, it’s the people. ~ Mike Wolfe, Made South, Apr 18, 2014
"I've been doing business in Nashville for years, selling to private clients, interior designers, photographers and prop stylists here, so opening here just seemed like a smart thing to do — and it's time that someone brought retail to Marathon," he says. "I feel so lucky to have that space. It feels like I asked Nashville to marry me, and she said yes."
Wolfe says that he relishes the chance to create a special retail space catering to fans of his show. "The decorators I sell to use my stuff in their projects, but this is my first chance to really create an amazing space on my own with the things I find," he says. "I want the store to be somewhere that people can hang out and feel really comfortable. And when they're there, I want them to feel connected to the show." ~ Mike Wolfe, Nashville Scene, Nov 18, 2010
With regard to the “special retail space” mentioned above, Wolfe mentions one of his first visits to what is now his home in Tennessee –
The first time I came to Leiper’s Fork was about eight of nine years ago. I was on my bike: I had come down to drive the Natchez Trace, which is really popular route for motorcycle riders. I found my way onto Old Hillsboro Road, which brought me right into Leiper’s. I remember that I was, like, ‘Wow!’
I saw a sign for Leiper’s Fork Antiques, and, of course, I went in. I thought was the coolest antique store I’d ever seen. It wasn’t so much the merchandise – obviously, that matters a lot, but what I was really into was how everything was displayed. It looked like it was ready for a Country Living magazine shoot. The attention to detail was amazing. ~ Mike Wolfe, Imogene + Willie, Jun 11, 2011
I gotta think that his “vision” for his Nashville store was one based on the antique store in Leiper’s Fork. He intended for it to be a “destination” featuring items shown on his TV show, which of course, would be
Not For Sale. The “retail” portion would be dedicated solely to selling his branded merchandise. Classic “bait and switch”; get them in to see the “featured items” but sell them an overpriced t-shirt.
Continuing...
Mike did his homework on deciding the location of the new place. Nashville has one million tourists a month, and the new storefront is on the tour bus line that also visits the Country Music Hall of Fame. They already had several clients down there over the last 10 years, including celebrities, prop rental companies, designers and decorators, and several antique shops. ~ Mike Wolfe, Thunder Press, May 27, 2014
Buying old motorcycles and related items is easy, but antiques can become boring. Mike likes to look at an item to recycle or re-purpose it. He explains, “See it through the eyes of a decorator.” You collaborate instead of just buying it. You can fill a van full of antiques from anywhere, but to find that one piece that becomes a focal point of someone’s room is the icing on the cake. That is what they seek out. ~ Mike Wolfe, Thunder Press, May 27, 2014
But my favorite all-time Mike Wolfe quote is this one, which explains what his TV show is
really about...
Collectors are clamoring for the Americana curiosities and oddities that make up the bulk of what he and Fritz pick each week, and their mud-caked, sunbaked aesthetic is shaping interior design trends as well.
"I've always bought what I liked, and I've made a living off of my eye and my gut and what I think is cool," Wolfe says. "On Monday nights, I have an hour-long commercial on what I think is hot. Imagine being in business and having that opportunity. Whatever we're finding, people are like, ‘Wow, that's cool. I love it. I want to buy one of those.'" ~ Mike Wolfe, Entrepreneur, Aug 11, 2011
And finally,
How the heck does a motorcycle (as an assembly) figure into anyone's decoration projects? Outside, maybe?
You'll have to ask Wolfe, because...
He bought and remodeled a house built in 1901 and it is located about a half hour south of Nashville in Leiper’s Fork. The small town is just off the Natchez Trace, a popular ride for motorcyclists. The decorating of the new house is complete with three bikes in the dining room. His office is filled with a collection of small items, mostly related to motorcycles. You can find anything from frames to trophies to photos and clothing hanging on the walls. ~ Mike Wolfe, Thunder Press, May 27, 2014
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