30 January 2024
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Antique shoppers will have one less store to browse in a few months. Cynthia Branch, one of the owners of Paramount Antique stores in Wichita and Augusta, says the Paramount East Antique Mall on Highway 54 west of Augusta will close.
The store’s last day will be Tuesday, April 30.
Branch says it was a difficult decision after 12 years of business. She said employees were told individually on Sunday. Then, the dealers were notified by mail on Monday and by email on Tuesday.
“It’s unfortunate that we have had to make this decision after so many years in business in Butler County,” Branch said in a news release. “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. 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 still have two other locations. One is on U.S. Highway 54 near 135th Street West. The other is 13th Street North and Woodlawn.
Branch said Paramount will try to find places for the Augusta workers and antique dealers at the Wichita stores.
“We look forward to continuing to provide Wichita with a unique shopping experience for many years to come,” Madison Barnes, newly named COO of Paramount Antique Malls, said.