My first foray into the retail industry was as a manager for a large department store. Fresh out of a college education and keen to learn, I quickly climbed the retail ladder and was soon in charge of a large suburban branch. However, disillusioned with the size and repetition of the industry I had entered, I found myself drawn to a smaller and more old fashioned store located in a wonderful old building in Elizabeth Street Melbourne. This is where my love for all things old began.
Drawn To The Past
Nothing beats the smell of old furniture and stationery and this store had them in abundance. I found myself drawn to trays full of old fountain pens that were there to be either sold on commission or repaired. These pens were miniature works of art and combined with the smell of the old ink inside were irresistible and many hours were spent fondling and admiring these pens.
I found myself drawn to touch and admire the workmanship of these quality antique pieces of furniture and was totally hooked.
I started to spend my lunch breaks wandering around antiques stores located close by and would often spend an extended lunch break wandering through aisles of the Myers antique store department.
I found myself drawn to touch and admire the workmanship of these quality antique pieces of furniture and was totally hooked. My fate was sealed and after a few more years in other unsatisfying jobs I finally found the courage to leave full time work and follow my passion into the antiques trade.
Finding a Suitable Site
The Moonee Ponds store was opened in 1996. This was born out of necessity, as by this stage my buying was out of control and my desire to handle and deal in antiques could no longer be accommodated by market stalls and my overfull garage and house. A I had acquired the dealers' disease of living the saying that, "you never regret what you bought, but what you don't buy".
Moving To Larger Premises
After 16 successful years in this location the next step was obvious. More space was needed. The computer, along with GST, had changed our game forever. No longer did you need to have a space in a premier location. By chance of I had come across a large old warehouse with lots of windows and natural light. The move was swift and in no time I was doing what I love doing, buying, selling and handling antiques.
Moonee Ponds Antiques is now located at 49 Hawker Street Airport West, Victoria, and continues to serve its many loyal customers. With an ever expanding internet presence, MPA is now sending items to all parts of the country. We have many satisfied customers and look forward to meeting new ones. We apply the old fashioned values instilled into me of good quality, good price and service second to none.
Please feel free to contact us on purchasing, caring for and disposal of all antiques.
Michael Snook
(03) 9372 8299