While strolling through Walsall, I stumbled upon the 3 Elephants Antiques Emporium, a beacon of hope on an otherwise deserted high street. The old M&S and Debenhams stores are boarded up, and the escalators at Park Place on Park Street stand still.
Yet, nestled in the corner, this quirky antique shop is a sign of life amidst the empty shops.
The promise of a ‘crystal cavern’ and a ‘vinyl destination for all your vinyl needs’ drew me to the window. The display of colourful old furniture, a gilded Venetian mask, two giant vases and a collection of porcelain-faced dolls was too enticing to resist.
I adore unique shops like this, where you can browse and discover unexpected treasures. You never know what you’ll find until you see it, and if you leave it behind, you may never see it again.
Shops like these are become a rarity, particularly in the region as major brands such as Marks and Spencer and Wilko quit the high street due to costs.
et, nestled in the corner, this quirky antique shop is a sign of life amidst the empty shops
Dave Phillips, a 69-year-old record seller from Walsall, caught my attention with an Iron Maiden tin among boxes of records. We chatted about heavy metal and he showed me the contents of the tin, discussed a newly acquired Insane Clown Posse record, and mentioned an upcoming Slipknot concert at the Utilita Arena.
The shop was filled with old comic books, sports annuals, jewelry, coins, military items, glassware, china, bottles, porcelain, and books. Some of these items were supplied by independent sellers who regularly restock their wares.
Dave described the shop as a “We’re a tat shop! “, referring to a sign that read “Timeless Antique Treasures”, with TAT emphasised. He proudly admitted, “People say ‘you sell tat’ and, well, we do! “.
He informed me that the shop has been in operation for two and a half years. It’s a multi-purpose space, selling antiques, collectables, and records on one side, and luggage and furniture on the other, offering more than just a shopping experience.
“We set up in Walsall just before Covid hit, we felt this sort of thing was needed in Walsall. And business is brisk, very good! Once people know we’re here they come in for the records and the jewellery especially. We’re doing really well.”
Dave has been collecting records since he was 14, dealing for ten years. As well as nattering about his favourite music, he’s also helping the customers who come in to The Snuggery, the community interest company on the other side of the unit.
“People can come in and talk to us,” Dave says. “With mental health, it feels as though the young people are looked after. But once they get to 18 they have less support.”
“We get people in in their 50s and 60s whose parents are gone, maybe their brothers and sisters and gone, and they’re stuck. They come in and show us messages and letters asking ‘what does this mean? ‘ A woman came in this morning and I helped her do her PIP letter.”
The refresh to the town centre, Dave says, ‘could be good’. He’s apprehensive about the disruption, but hopeful that the curiosity of Walsall shoppers will inspire them to visit the area anyway, just to see what’s going on.
There are a number of these little hopeful flashes, I learnt, walking around Walsall. Many of the big chains are gone, but if you look hard enough, you’ll see little independents grafting to make it work.
In St Paul’s church near the bus station, you’ll find a charming flower shop called Walsall Florist. It has one of the prettiest window displays in town, adding a splash of colour to an otherwise drab area.
Hogar is also there, selling unique gifts and accessories, including some rare Harry Potter merchandise.
Eclipse Records is another gem located within the church. Over at the Victorian Arcade, a line of people were seen waiting to shop at Alan Warwick Butchers, a local chain that’s been serving the Black Country for 30 years.
Their sign reads ‘Quality Is Our Future’, and judging by the queue, they’re doing a great job at securing their future in the old arcade.
I envision a town where independent businesses can flourish, and this gives me hope for Walsall’s future. Walsall may seem like it’s struggling, but it’s not defeated yet.
