Antique Depot owner Paul Jensen (center) shares a laugh with certified antiques appraiser Karen Butler (left) and sales associate Linda Valdivia.
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Antique Depot
Back in the days when Dan and Paul Jensen worked at their father’s grocery store in Old Towne sorting pop bottles and waiting on customers, the two brothers never imagined that one day they’d end up owning the largest antique business in town.
But that’s exactly what happened beginning in 1996 when Dan and Paul converted the family’s Satellite Market on South Glassell into what is now the Antique Station. It wasn’t long before they opened a second store, the Antique Depot, directly across the street at the old Higgins Furniture location.
Both stores are still going strong, says Paul, who anticipates continued success in the coming year.
“Between the two stores, we have around 150 dealers,” he says. “A number of our dealers have gone on to open their own antique stores in town, such as Chapman Antiques. We have a great rapport with the other antique malls in town. Collectively, we truly benefit from each other’s businesses.”
Antique Depot offers a vast array of inventory, such as vintage jewelry (including some signed pieces), books (some dating back to 1692), old clocks, Depression glass, Mid-century furniture and even a vintage barber’s pole.
The Jensens rely on their excellent roster of expert dealers who know how to acquire quality inventory to meet the needs of discerning antiques aficionados. The Jensen’s presence on South Glassell isn’t limited to antiques, however. They also constructed the Jensen Building on the corner of South Glassell and Almond, which is the site of the popular Haven Gastropub and Kimmie’s Coffee Cup.
Through the years, the brothers have witnessed the evolution of Old Towne while making a mark of their own on the town’s history.
“Even with all of the changes, Old Towne is still a great place to come for antiques,” says Paul. “We are very happy to still be here. It’s nice to be able to walk everywhere for errands, dining and socializing. Old Towne is a little slice of big city in a small town.”
Antique Depot
155 South Glassell St., Old Towne Orange, CA 92866 / 714-516-1731