As April 30 draws closer, Sweetheart Granny Antiques gets a little emptier inside.
That’s because the end of the month also means the end of the business and, with it, Stephanie Leighton’s 15-year career as an antique seller.
“I’m not closing because of any reason, but it’s just that time in my life,” Leighton said. “I’m in my 70s now, and I just want to spend more time with my family and my grandchildren, before they get too big to give Granny kisses.”
Most of the items in Leighton’s inventory can be bought at a 50% discount, and then her doors will close for good. Retirement will take some getting used to, she said, but it will be a welcome change.
Leighton was not born in Plant City but has lived here for 60 years.
“I was a collector for 40-plus years,” she said. “My children went to college and went their way, and I decided to start selling antiques. It’s just been a joy. I didn’t think I could ever sell my antiques, but I just enjoy doing it. It’s been fun.”
Fifteen years ago, she opened Antiques and Treasures with a few partners. She remained there until 2011, when she decided to test the waters as an independent owner. Since then, Sweetheart Granny Antiques has been doing well.
“The secret to selling antiques is that you never know who is going to walk in that door and what they’re going to buy,” Leighton says. “My success has been due to return customers. If you’re good to your customers, they will come back and they will continue buying from you. That’s been one of the things that has helped me all these years.”
Although she enjoys the work, it can be quite taxing at times. Leighton runs the store almost entirely by herself, which often leads to six-day work weeks. As such, she wants to make sure that she still can spend time with her family while she’s able.
“I have a granddaughter at the University of Florida, all the way down to a 4-year-old,” she said. “And I just want to spend some time with my grandchildren if I can, while I’m still physically able. My husband’s had four joint replacements already. We realize that we need to do what we can do now.”
There is a chance the store will be taken over shortly after closing and become another antique shop, but Leighton said those plans haven’t been finalized.
“I’m sad — I’m going to miss my customers, but I think I’ll be good,” she says. “I’ll keep busy.”
Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.