Webb’s Antique Mall closing after 30 years as new travel stop takes over: ‘It’s upsetting’

LAKE CITY, Fla. (WCJB) – A longtime antique mall in Columbia County is about to become a thing of the past. It will close next year and the owner says a travel stop will replace it.

Webb’s Antique Mall managers posted that they will close their doors for good on April 1, 2025.

“We’ve enjoyed it for over 30 years, so we’re just going to have to move on to something else,” said Verlon Webb, the owner of the antique mall.

Webb says it was the perfect location and people from all over the country would visit because it is right off the interstate.

“It has grown a lot from the first day we opened,” said Webb. “We had probably only had about 20 percent of the building filled and now we have a waiting list of over 100 people.”

Webb says a Busy Bee travel stop will replace the antique mall with 154 gas pumps. Some residents say they need truck stops but they also need unique places like this.

RELATED: Webb’s Antique Mall closing its doors after nearly 30 years

He says they tried to build a new building across the street but he felt the price for the project wasn’t doable.

Webb says the 120 vendors are also upset they have to pick up their things, as they have to find another place to make a living.

One resident says he isn’t sure how the mall will be replaced because it is unique.

“I only make it here once, sometimes twice a year, on my trip down but I always make a point of coming,” said Ernest Parker, a frequent visitor.

Parker says he lives in Tennessee and often visits Florida to see his son. He says now that he knows the news, he will make this trip worth it.

“This is my way down, next week I’ll be going back so I’ll stop again anyways,” said Parker.

A local who lives in Gainesville says he is also shocked.

“This is one of my wife’s favorite hangouts,” said Duane Durgee. “We’ve been coming here for many years and as she would say, found many treasures.”

Durgee says he also plans to take advantage until they close for good.

“We will obviously be a little upset when they close but now we will just have to come a little more often until then,” said Durgee.

Webb says although they are nearing the end, he has loved following a family dream for more than 30 years.

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