KINGMAN – “This ain’t your grandma’s antique store,” is how Gracie’s Vintage owner Leah Burkhart describes her business. “We’re fun. We’re the fun personal shop.” That concise description represents a perception of her business, that is illustrated by the contents of the business. Gracie’s is filled with a smorgasbord of eclectic items. Paintings, bobbleheads, dolls, vinyl records, vintage novels, 1970s comic books, candy dispensers, typewriters and even a giant bison head. “That’s probably the most interesting item in here. The bison head. Nobody else has that.”
It’s been four years since Gracie’s Vintage opened its doors and as Burkhart prepares for the last First Friday of the year, she is comfortable with where her business is. When asked about the possibility of expansion, she said, “No, I have enough going on right now. I’m happy where the store is. The bigger you get, the further away you get from the customers.”
As the owner of a small business, Burkhart’s hands are full, managing all aspects of the business events, financing, procurement, marketing, advertising, and scheduling. Expanding isn’t important. What’s important is cultivating a fun and inviting atmosphere. Something that Burkhart’s employees appreciate. As they quoted Richard Branson, “Train people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough so they don’t want to.” Likewise, that’s why customers return to Gracie’s. The personal connection to the owner, specialized attention, and focus on detail. The atmosphere that Burkhart takes pride in. Fun, fair, and full of stories.
The stories are what allows Burkhart to remain so passionate about every item and sale that Gracie’s has. “Everything has a history. Everything has a story.”
There’s no true mission statement, but there is focus on spreading stories and history of items. Tracking things and their evolutions. Burkhart gained an appreciation for antiquing and collectables because of her grandmother. When a customer asks about a product, she can tell them the item’s history. She’s not a car salesman, she just legitimately finds it interesting. Burkhart loves that aspect of her job, which is why she always stays busy. She likes to keep it loose, but focused.
Burkhart tries to have one day to herself, experiencing nature or spending time with family.
While getting ready for the then upcoming First Friday, she reflected on the communal aspects of the smalltown America, and her admiration for it. A sentiment that is reflected in her appreciation of a wide range of items. Ultimately Gracie’s Vintage is the perfect illustration of charm, from its owner, customers, location, and even its giant bison head.
Gracie’s Vintage is located at 209 N 4th St. They can be contacted at 928-263-0158, facebook.com/gracieskingman, and instagram.com/graciesvintage.
- Michael Morrison
