Augusta’s Paramount East Antique Mall will close at end of April
Cynthia Branch, one of the owners of Paramount stores in Wichita and Augusta, announced on Jan. 30 that after 12 years of business, the difficult decision has been made to close Paramount East Antique Mall, 10187 SW Hwy 54 in Augusta. The store’s last day of business will be Tuesday, April 30, 2024. The dealers at Paramount East Antique Mall (Augusta) were notified with a letter sent Jan. 29 followed by an e-mail sent Jan. 30. Paramount East Antique Mall staff were notified individually on Jan. 28.
“It’s unfortunate that we have had to make this decision after so many years in business in Butler County. The cost of doing business in this post-COVID world has been challenging. Increases in property tax, insurance and other operating expenses in the area have become more than can be overcome even by a successful store like Paramount East Antique Mall,” Branch said. “We thank our loyal customers, our dedicated dealers and our amazing staff for everything they have done to make Paramount East Antique Mall all it could be.”
Paramount will continue to serve its customers at its two Wichita locations: Paramount Antique Mall (13200 US 54) and Paramount Marketplace (6297 E. 13th St. N.). The company will make as many accommodations as possible to place Paramount East Antique Mall dealers and staff that wish to relocate to their Wichita locations.
Paramount’s first antique mall, Paramount Antique Mall, was founded in 1999, followed by Paramount East Antique Mall 12 years later in 2011. Paramount Marketplace, the third location, opened in 2016. All locations have won numerous awards, including Wichita Eagle’s Readers’ Choice for Best Antique Mall, Best of Wichita’s Winner Favorite Antique Store & Best of Butler County Best Antique Mall.
“We look forward to continuing to provide Wichita with a unique shopping experience for many years to come,” said Madison Barnes, newly named COO of Paramount Antique Malls.
Press release submitted by Paramount Antique Malls
