Moore Garrett wins Best Antique Store in Bell County

Wednesday, 31 October 2012 by Jennifer John

Reader's Choice voted Moore Garrett with six years of experience as No. 1 best antiques in all of Bell County by staging repurposed antiques for over 90 supplying vendors.

Moore Garrett is family owned and situated in the old 1873 JH James building in downtown at 216 East Central Ave in Belton. They have not always been known as the largest antique mall with 7,500 square feet, as their story began with just a few family heirlooms in a small shop on the Gothway square in 2006. Store hours are from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. from Tuesday through Saturday.

"The coolest thing about antiques is that they have repurposed quality by being refinished," owner Michelle Moore said. "Antiques are not pressed wood or plastic, they are solid and when you are ready to change the look, you just change the finish."

Collectibles fill the rooms of Moore Garrett from wall to wall to create endless options found by stylish treasure seekers. The most popular style for the past two years is commonly known as 'shabby chic' and is offered in abundance among the varieties of antiques.

"We are filled with an abundance of talent in every inch and corner by artisans and painters that we ensure are affordable," Moore said. "Shabby chic is an old-meets-new French/Country décor with classic neutrals and imperfect finishes to harmonize ornate pieces of ununiformed furniture and everyone asks about it, even for weddings, almost every day."

Some of the well-known 'shabby chic' artisans include a famous local painter, Isabel who hand-paints whimsical 'pretty ladies' among many other interests on big canvases for $45 and quick-gift paintings for $12. Also Kathryn Cane refinishes family furniture from shabby to chic in her eclectic style known as Alexandra's attic with affordable accent tables starting at $20 each.

Moore Garrett has a lot of dealers who come through town to resale there or purchase items for their collection. When the collectors attempt to sell them a valuable antique that is far above its price, the owners inform them of its value for them to decide whether they want to sell it or not.

One of the most valuable finds that Moore has come across was discovered by her mother-in-law at a Goodwill store. It was a pencil sketch of a Native American Indian that she purchased for three dollars. Moore's friend was a director of a museum and knew the name of the artist, Gene Kloss was famous. When they looked Kloss up on eBay, it was regularly being sold and Moore was able to sell their sketch for a $597 profit.

Moore plans to host workshops from 7-9 p.m. on Oct. 12 or 26 at the store to show attendees how to distress furniture and paint Christmas ornaments, instructed by Isabel. After Thanksgiving, Moore Garrett will be opened from Monday though Saturday for the holidays.

"We became interested in antiques to start over with our own business," Moore said. "Antiques are recycling quality for it to start over with every purchase."

For more information call (254) 933-8833 or find them on facebook or www.beltonantiquemall.com.