American Pickers’ Mike Wolfe is promoting the opening of Kumpel’s antique shop even as his own shop is struggling with low sales
AMERICAN Pickers’ Mike Wolfe has been promoting the opening of his pal’s antique shop, even as his own shop, Antique Archaeology, is struggling with low sales.
Antique Archeology’s Le Claire, Iowa, location suffered from sluggish sales, while its more profitable Nashville, Tenn., business drew customer complaints.
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Mike, 59, promoted the grand opening of antique store Emily Found It with an Instagram Story post on Friday.
The post read: “Grand Opening Soiree. Friday, August 25, 6-8pm” and included a link to the vintage shop’s Instagram account.
The social media flyer promoted: “caricaturist,” “refreshments,” and “freebies.”
The American Pickers star also promoted his car preservative business. Columbia Motor Valley‘s Cars and Coffee event.
Mike wrote that the event is “a gathering place for creative car enthusiasts” and invited his followers to “come and check it out!”
The TV personality is promoting his competitor after Mike hired a new agent for his antique shop as the Iowa business struggles with low annual sales.
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The US Sun can exclusively reveal that the reality TV star has hired a new registered agent for Antique Archeology Nashville, LLC.
According to the Tennessee State Department, the 2022 annual report was filed on June 23, 2023.
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The agent of record was changed from Steve Brown to Beth Welzenbach, Mike and Robbie’s sister.
The Nashville, Tennessee and Le Claire, Iowa stores are owned by Antique Archeology Nashville, LLC.
The change comes as The US Sun previously reported Antique Archeology’s estimated annual sales in Iowa, according to Experian’s Business Valuation Report.
Antique Archeology’s estimated annual sales are reportedly $62,000.
The company’s business credit score is 23, which corresponds to “moderate to high risk”.
The report claims of the score: “This score predicts the probability of severe loan defaults within the next 12 months.”
As for the financial stability risk rating, Antique Archeology received a medium risk rating of three out of five.
According to the report, “This rating predicts the probability of default and/or bankruptcy within the next 12 months.”
A representative from Mike and Antique Archeology did not immediately respond to the US Sun’s request for comment.
‘VERY EXPENSIVE!’
While Antique Archeology’s Nashville location is doing well financially, customers have complained that Mike sells high-priced items at the antique shop — including $18 socks and a $900 cat food tag.
The US Sun has obtained exclusive photos at the Nashville, Tennessee store showing the expensive items.
In one photo, Mike is selling Gone Pickin’ socks for $18.
Another pricey item is an antique Purina Chow sign for $900, while a Pepsi-Cola sign costs $1,200.
A vintage Pepsi machine costs customers $2,200.
Other collectibles include an early toy motor for $75 and a pair of 1942 Ohio license plates for $100.
Customers have complained about high prices at the Nashville store.
A customer recently wrote on Google Reviews: “Nice place to visit. There is a lot to do and see. The prices are a bit high. But you can find items that you can’t find anywhere else.”
A second commented: “If you’re interested in buying a piece there isn’t a huge range of items to choose from. Lots of Antique Archeology merch though. Everything is overpriced. Everything.”
A third said: “Kind of disappointed…Mostly just merchandise for the show…Very few items to purchase, very expensive!”
UNIQUE SELECTION
But the store does have must-see picks that fans will delight in.
One photo shows a jacket and helmet worn in the store by famous stuntman Evel Knievel.
The label on the jacket read: “This was the last jacket worn by Evel and used for a promotion. The jacket was selected in Nashville, TN. Watch Season 13 Episode 13 ‘Good and Evel’.”
The reality TV star is also showing off a custom 1952 minibike modeled after an Indian Chief Motorcycle.
The bike was made by her father and grandfather for Randie Lou Reynolds who started racing at the age of five.
The new season of American Pickers, starring Mike, Robbie Wolfe and Danielle Colby, premiered on July 10.
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