Duluth’s Retro Antique Mall

You may have noticed a new antique store has opened at 118 E. First St. in Downtown Duluth. It’s a pretty crazy collection. In one corner is some of the remaining used book inventory from R. O. Carlson’s famous store, next to it is stuff from the old Molly’s Bar in Superior … and on and on. There are about 10 different people selling stuff in there, one of which is Doug Moen, who is best known for his massive collection of retro clothing.

Moen sold his massive collection in 2006 to the A. H. Zeppa Family Foundation, which opened a costume warehouse in Superior’s Mariner Mall called Northern Theatrical Costumes. That business fizzled, and Moen has reacquired his collection.

He began collecting vintage clothing in 1967 and has run a number of costume and antique stores over the years. The most recent was Doug Moen’s Clothing and Vintage Costume Rental at 1226-1/2 Tower Ave. in Superior, above the old Vintage Italian Pizza location. It was open from 1990 to 2005.

During that time, clothing from his collection was used in a handful of major motion pictures, including Dead Man, Far North, Iron Will, North Country and A Prairie Home Companion.

Much of the collection is stored in the upper level of the new antique store in piles of cardboard boxes. A few years ago Moen estimated there were about 100,000 pieces in the collection. It must still be in the tens of thousands. If you need something, go ahead and ask him. There’s a 5 percent chance he might be able to find it.

The building was previously occupied by Duluth Auto Sales, owned by Wayne “Cal” Polla. He filed for bankruptcy in 2008.

Here’s one side of the new store:

Here’s a flier:

And here’s a business card:

15 Comments

vicarious

about 13 years ago

Is it all antiques, or are there random non-antique goodies, as well? 

Does it rival the awesome 10,000 Quality Items (or whatever it's called)? In other words do they have 37 ball-peen hammers and 132 1/8" sockets?

I'll check it out.

Paul Lundgren

about 13 years ago

No, I wouldn't recommend it for hammers and sockets.

Danny G

about 13 years ago

Any idea what time the place closes?

Paul Lundgren

about 13 years ago

I think "randomly" would be a sincere answer to that.

Bad Cat!

about 13 years ago

That place is awesome! I love just wandering around in there!

Bad Cat!

about 13 years ago

I drive past it on the way home at about 5:30 - it's usually still open at that time.

Danny G

about 13 years ago

That works.  Thanks!

Barrett Chase

about 13 years ago

I love that the sign is just chalked on the front of the building. Very cool.

Wes Scott

about 13 years ago

Looks like I should carry a can of Raid
and a handgun to enter that place!

Codie

about 13 years ago

Don't be fooled by its seedy location. This antique store is surprisingly legit. I just bought a washboard and a small tapestry there today. There's lots of knick-knacks, beer signs, paintings, furniture, musical instruments, etc... You won't be bored, that's for sure!

wildgoose

about 13 years ago

Having had the distinctive experience of visiting Doug/Eric's "Bayside Warehouse" where you can find just about anything and everything you could imagine provided it is old or discarded and occasionally antique. I am not surprised at the diversity of items said to be exhibited at the Retro store.    

I just love Doug Moen.  He's a Duluth treasure and I'd like to nominate him for inclusion on Paul's list of interesting and amazing Duluth characters.

TopOfTheHillMan

about 13 years ago

The creation of this new "antique store" is also a result of the Depot Antiques closing in Superior.  Many of the booth owners/renters found themselves w/o a home and are asimlating themselves into the D/S antique market in other locations.

[email protected]

about 12 years ago

I love this place. It's extremely reasonable, and has a massive collection of items. The staff is nice and personable and willing to go the extra mile. I visit at least once of month. The chair and bomb I have pictured below are just a couple amazing finds!

TimK

about 12 years ago

WDIO just did a brief story about Doug Moen falling into an empty elevator shaft in a Superior building. He died of his injuries several hours later in a Duluth hospital.

Paul Lundgren

about 4 years ago



Building lost to fire on Nov. 21, 2020.

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