Following a successful Restaurant Week, the Hammonton Revitalization Corporation (HRC) will host an antiques week the last week of March
“This goes with our overarching effort to make downtown Hammonton a destination and beyond,” said Jim Paul Bacon, who serves as HRC’s promotions committee chair.
And what better way than to highlight what downtown Hammonton offers. With a myriad of antique stores, the HRC thought why not.
Let’s look at the places that will be highlighted:
Antique Market Place: Located at 109 12th St., visitors can explore two floors packed with “one-of-a-kind finds,” according to its social media page. They can step into a time machine and relive the golden age of pop culture, find unique keepsakes for all holidays, peruse an assortment of vintage and antique rugs throughout the store, find vintage board games, typewriters, classic novels – you name it!
Antiques Trading Post: Located at 111 12th St., the Antiques Trading Post is more than just an antique store, according to its website. It is a treasure trove for antique enthusiasts and collectors alike. With its quaint and inviting storefront, it exudes a nostalgic charm that instantly captures your attention. From military antiques to jewelry, from artwork to collectibles, there is something to pique the interest of every visitor. The store fosters a sense of community with regular events, such as appraisals, workshops , and themed exhibitions.
Bernie’s Antiques & Artifacts: Located at 18 Central Ave., owner Bernie Pezzuto took over the store that was previously JH Antique Mall, owned by James “Jim” Holmes. Pezzuto, who had worked at JH Antique Mall as a salesperson and vendor, told the Hammonton Gazette in 2023 that it was “a no brainer” to take over the store when Holmes passed away in 2022. The location offers 13 vendors that bring in new inventory often with a variety of antiques from vintage clothing, glassware, furniture, books/magazines and so much more. When reached by phone, Pezzuto – a Hammontonian her whole life – said she considers herself a “gatekeeper” of the business. “It’s been fun,” she says.
Elemental Vintique: Located at 205 Bellevue Ave., Elemental Vintique offers vintage clothing including quality vintage jackets and coats for all seasons, and accessories, vintage records, artisan jewelry and botanical goods.
Jersey Video Games: Located at 122 Bellevue Ave., Jersey Video Games – a retro video game store – offers classic and current games. Visitors can buy, sell and trade their video games and systems as well as comic books and toys. On hand are repair technicians that can diagnose and fix broken systems and games. They also offer a wide range of product modding from the best brands in the industry.
Shoppes on Bellevue: Located at 128 Bellevue Ave., Shoppes on Bellevue is a unique antique, vintage and gift shop full of fun and surprises, according to its Facebook page. Many vendors bring in new inventory daily. “There’s something for everyone!”
Downtown Hammonton offers a variety of unique storefronts that Bacon said they will look to highlight in the near future.
“We want to make sure people know about it,” he said.
And while they are vintage exploring, they can also grab a coffee and a bite to eat.
The HRC formed in 1984 as a committee of the Greater Hammonton Chamber of Commerce to revitalize and strengthen the economy of Downtown Hammonton. In 1993, the program achieved official recognition as a MainStreet America community through the MainStreet New Jersey program.
Part of attracting businesses and people downtown are the number of events that they produce, partner to host, or help promote. First Restaurant Week, now Antiques Week and more are to follow as the HRC district has over 100 businesses.
To stay up to date, visit us on our social media pages, Facebook and Instagram @downtown.hammonton and our website www.downtownhammonton.com. Through the website, folks can sign up for our monthly e-newsletter to get updates on everything the HRC is doing and everything we know of that is happening in Downtown Hammonton.
