Today we’d like to introduce you to Duane Scott Cerny.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Duane Scott. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My partner Jeff Nelson and I owned the Wrigleyville Antique Mall in the 1990’s. In 1998, we bought an Art Deco building in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood, moved and changed our name to Broadway Antiques Market (BAM). We are presently one of the oldest and largest antiques stores in Chicago and are recognized internationally as a “vintage destination.” We occupy 20,000 sq. ft. on two giant levels and represent some 75 antiques dealers. Over the years, we’ve propped over 200 tv/films, plus countless theatrical productions– Our prop business is just another element of BAM.
My vintage memoir– “Selling Dead People’s Things” will be out in late 2018. The New York Times already published an excerpt: “Traces of a Man Who Disappeared.” I think people will find it to be rather startling!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Vintage is a very niche market, so it’s always a challenge to stay connected with what our customers want. Tastes/styles change and we adapt.
Though we existed before the internet, technology is an ever-changing beast and there are only so many hours in the day. Barring holidays, we’ve been open 7 days a week since 1990. That has proven to be quite the marathon.
Broadway Antique Market – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We were pioneers in the retailing Mid Century modern. In 1990, many people thought we were crazy, but quality always stays in fashion, we specialize in Art Deco, Mid Century Modern, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s. Other than vinyl, the 90’s aren’t quite here yet.
I’m most proud of our dealers, many of whom have been with us since the beginning. Also, our dealers are vetted– meaning we don’t just sell anyone’s vintage merch— we deal only with professional dealers; it makes a difference when it comes to quality and establishing a reputation. You need to know who you’re dealing with it– and the antiques biz is one of relationships.
The other thing that sets us apart is the sheer scale/size of BAM. Customers want more/more/more. So, from the beginning we knew we had to create something that was massive in size, yet still retain a personally curated vibe.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
In 2014 we created the world’s first love song about midcentury modern– “I’m All In Love With Vintage” and shot the music video at BAM. It has been widely shared (and praised) among mid mod enthusiasts across the country. See it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgW5_BrmHN4
Pricing:
- Beginning collectors: we sell practical/useable furniture and furnishings starting as little as $25.00
- Mid range collect0r: we sell recognizable designer vintage pieces, starting at a few hundred dollars
- Serious designers, high end collectors, museums, etc: we sell high end furnishings which tend to end up in NY or LA
Contact Info:
- Address: 6130 N. Broadway, Chicago
- Website: BamChicago.com
- Phone: 773-743-5444
- Email: antiques@bamchicago.com
Image Credit:
Eric Swanger
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
