Pyrex and other items are displayed at a booth inside The Loft in downtown Tyler. (Visit Tyler/Contributed Photo)

The Loft Downtown Mall welcomed shoppers on Small Business Saturday, introducing the community to unique vintage and antique finds from local vendors. In a bustling and growing downtown Tyler, The Loft offers a glimpse into the past with curated collections of unique items from decades ago.

Co-owner Amy Burris described the space as a “vintage market,” noting the vendors are only responsible for maintain their rented space, while she and her mother, Co-owner Barbara O’Brien, operate the store itself.

Located at 117 S. Broadway in Tyler inside the historic Fair building, the 23,000-square-foot space offers a multi-level space for local vendors, collectors and crafters to showcase their unique products and creations. While the store already has dozens of vendors filling two floors, the owners have many more who are interested in being involved.

“We have a waiting list… right now we have about 40 vendors and once everything is complete, we’ll be able to get up to 60 vendors,” Burris said.

Just one vendor is occupying a space on the third floor, called the mezzanine, as some final touches are still in the works on the flooring and other elements of the store’s highest level.

Each vendor has a month-to-month contract for their space, which is rented by square footage. Whatever they pay monthly, The Loft retains a small commission. Vendors do not have to be present to sell at the mall, however, Burris said there are incentives to those who volunteer. Vendors are eligible to receive a discount on their rent if they choose to help work the register, wrap delicate items, load furniture into customers’ cars, clean, and more.

Once the third level is all complete, “We’re gonna bring a few more permanent vendors and a lot more pop-ups, which are basically people that are crafters, local artists… cottage bakers … those kinds of people that will be able to set up on a temporary basis and do little market events,” Burris said.

Whether you are a seasoned collector or just looking for inspiration, The Loft offers a shopping experience for everyone.

“The community so far so far has been very receptive,” Burris said. “People are super excited about this space being opened for shopping because it was the old Sears building and so many people remember that.”

Once a Sears & Roebuck, the building itself is filled with its own sort of nostalgia. Inside many of the vendors’ booths, shoppers will find unique vintage items that elevate that feeling of nostalgia. From items like mid-century modern decor or kitchen items people remember growing up with, their childhood toy, or an antique furniture piece that transports them to another era, patrons can truly step back in time when browsing through The Loft.

With vendors coming in weekly — and sometimes daily — to restock their inventory, shoppers can be sure to find something new each time they walk through the store. There is something for everyone, Burris says, and a variety of price points.

“Our main thing is it’s always different,” Burris said. “We never know what’s gonna be here. We have nice stuff here but we try to keep it affordable, not overly priced. We have some variety, keep things nice and clean. It’s just a fun experience.”

More things are coming for The Loft in the future as the owners continue to work toward keeping the store an exciting venue where people can spend time. Burris said there are plans to install a coffee bar, as well as an old-fashioned soda fountain, but that is at least a year out while plans are finalized.

The Loft is open every day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., giving shoppers plenty of time to look around and visit. There will be a ribbon cutting in December and a grand opening in January but dates have not been announced as of yet.

For more information on how you can apply to be a vendor or to keep up with current inventory and offerings, visit www.facebook.com/TheLoftTyler.

WHAT: The Loft Downtown Mall

WHERE: 117 S. Broadway Ave., Tyler

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week

WHY: To explore curated collections of vintage and antique items

INFORMATION: www.facebook.com/TheLoftTyler