"It has been fun": Store closing after 23 years on Middle Street in downtown New Bern

Tina Adkins, Sun Journal
·2 min read
Middle Street Antiques is going out of business after 23 years on Middle Street.
Middle Street Antiques is going out of business after 23 years on Middle Street.

Have you ever strolled the streets of downtown New Bern and been captured by the life-size statue of Elvis that sits in front of a charming store full of hidden treasures? Now you will have to look just a little further down the street to see Elvis. The store is closing its doors.

Middle Street Antiques is holding a "going out of business" sale. It has been located at 221 Middle St. for 23 years.

Owner Gail Northington, formerly Gail Clark, said she will be retiring when the store closes at the end of August.

Northington is a native of Havelock and has worked in retail for many years beginning at Bob Clark Pharmacy, also located in Havelock.

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She started her current business in a booth at Poor Charlie's and held booths at several other locations prior to opening the downtown store.

The antique and collectibles store features an array of treasures such as vintage jewelry pieces, porcelain and bottles, glassware, décor pieces and artworks and refined furnishings.

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Middle Street Antiques is located at 221 Middle St. and will close at the end of August.
Middle Street Antiques is located at 221 Middle St. and will close at the end of August.

The items listed in the going out of business sale price are currently at 50% off their original price.

Northington said she has collected pieces from all over the world as well as received items from local residents who were downsizing.

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I've loved every minute of being here on Middle Street," Northington said. "I have met the nicest people and that's going to be the hardest part because I have made so many friends here over all these years. I'm going to really miss that. It's always been fun."

Northington will be gone, but Elvis can still be found in downtown New Bern. She has donated the statue to the O'Mark's Building at 233 Middle St. for residents and visitors to enjoy.

The store is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday-Saturday. On Sunday, the store is open from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They are closed Wednesdays.

This article originally appeared on Sun Journal: Antique and collectible store to closes after 23 years in New Bern