Shoestring Antiques has been going strong since 1993

By Robert Pam

At a recent public meeting on revising the town plan, there was considerable talk about encouraging more home-based enterprises to help boost Norfolk’s economic development. In fact, there are numerous such businesses already tucked away in Norfolk homes, and one of them, Shoestring Antiques, has been around for 14 years.

Shoestring Antiques operates out of the home of Ronald and Susan Sloan on Route 44 across from Botelle School.  It is a perfect example of discreet economic development in that it is operated out of the home of the owners, is located just on the outskirts of downtown Norfolk, and is a magnet for customers from surrounding areas.

The store, which takes up three rooms of the Sloan home, is crowded with items ranging from attractive secretaries and hand-carved bed frames to small decorative pieces.  Those with special interests may find lead soldiers, comics, jewelry and coins.

Ask the Sloans why they are in this field, and they might say they can’t stand to waste something that could be reused, or they may talk about the beauty of some of the things they sell. Their strategy has been to earn a modest return on pieces they like and that they can carry. But they might just as easily say that it allows Ronald Sloan, an accomplished artist, to pursue his work. Ronald Sloan describes his approach as making enough to cover his expenses. “You can’t eat the whole elephant,” he says.

The sources for their inventory may be local residents with full attics, barns and basements, or flea markets and other dealers.  Their customers include some from Norfolk, but also former customers of their previous antique business in Torrington, fans of Ronald Sloan’s work as an artist, and travelers on Route 44 who see the Shoestring sign and the few items the Sloans display near the road.

Sloan remembers when there were six or seven antique dealers in town, and a merchants association.  Most are now closed and there is no association.  Shoestring succeeds in part because of its low overhead. The Sloans left Torrington when their rent rose too high, and came here not only because they love Norfolk, but also to combine home and work in a space they owned.  They supplement the local market by selling on e-Bay for themselves and as an agent for others who lack their expertise.  But, like any business of this kind, in the end it depends on their eye for interesting pieces, the value they offer customers, and the amount of traffic passing through the store.  The Sloans say that winter or summer, fair weather or foul, offer no clues to a day’s activity.  Both welcome visitors, whether they come looking for art, or to chat, buy presents or decorate a choice spot in their home.

Ronald Sloan is a painter who has shown in a wide variety of shows, galleries and museums.   He paints both representational in a raw, primitivist style (see his website: rawwork.com), and abstract works at scales from several feet to smaller than two inches square.  A confirmed recycler, any parts of an acquisition that don’t meet his sales standards may become a model ship or tank, or part of a three-dimensional art object.  His home is also his studio, art library and gallery.

He is easily recognizable in town by his substantial beard.  His past life as a teacher shows in his easy conversation and ready laugh.  He and his wife contribute to making Norfolk the interesting and somewhat offbeat place it is.  In this town where yard sales are major attractions and social opportunities, it’s hard to imagine anyone not wanting to drop in for a look at the Shoestring stock.