By Tara L. Simmons

LeAnn Bergschneider remembers browsing local antique malls to unwind after the stress of a demanding career. Those quiet shopping trips became her escape – a place where she could slow down, discover hidden treasures and simply enjoy the moment.

Today, that stress is a thing of the past because she now owns one of the very antique malls that once served as her refuge.

One day in 2022, while visiting The Peddler’s in Jacksonville, LeAnn noticed an empty vendor booth with a sign that read, “Booth for Rent.”

She couldn’t help but wonder: if simply shopping in a place like this brought her so much peace, what would it be like to become part of it? It didn’t take long to find out. What began as renting a booth quickly grew into a rewarding relationship – not only with the owners, but with fellow vendors, loyal customers and the welcoming atmosphere that made The Peddler’s feel like home.

The fit was so natural that the owners soon invited LeAnn to become part of the staff. When they decided to retire and sell the business, LeAnn embraced the opportunity and officially became the new owner of The Peddler’s on April 1, 2024.

During her first two years of ownership, LeAnn maintained much of what longtime customers already loved, retaining many of the original vendors while continuing to offer the antiques, vintage finds and unique merchandise that had built the store’s reputation. At the same time, she has gradually introduced exciting new ideas that have added even more reasons to visit.

“We seek the beautiful, unique and forgotten,” she said. “And this really is our happy place – mine, our vendors’ and our customers’. We’re like one big family here, and I think our customers feel that the minute they walk through the door.”

Those additions include seasonal Open Houses, four Customer Appreciation Days each year and four Shop & Support Days, where a portion of the day’s proceeds benefits a local school or nonprofit organization. LeAnn also keeps customers engaged through daily social media posts featuring vendor spotlights, newly arrived merchandise, upcoming events, sales and inspirational messages. Each Wednesday she posts a question (there is no right or wrong answer), and everyone who responds is entered into a monthly drawing for a $25 gift certificate from The Peddler’s.

“Our vendors are the absolute best,” she said. “They keep their spaces fresh with new merchandise and creative displays. No matter how often you visit, you’ll always discover something different.”

The Peddler’s truly is a one-stop shop featuring antique and vintage furniture and décor, handcrafted items from local artisans, collectibles including sports cards and coins, Leaning Tree greeting cards, one-of-a-kind gifts, an impressive selection of mailbox covers and yard flags, and even unique handmade sensory items.

Customers travel from near and far to experience both the merchandise and the atmosphere.

“We have a big following of younger shoppers too, including kids,” LeAnn added. “They love our books, Beanie Babies and other stuffed animals, and we even have a vendor who creates items with 3D printing. It’s just a plethora of goodness!”

If you’ve never visited The Peddler’s, their upcoming Fall Open House on Friday, September 11, and Saturday, September 12, is the perfect opportunity. The event will feature vendor specials, refreshments prepared by local bakeries and drawings for The Peddler’s gift certificates.

The Peddler’s is located at 1847 South Main Street in Jacksonville and is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 217-245-1900 and be sure to follow them on Facebook.

Whether you’re searching for a one-of-a-kind antique, the perfect gift, handcrafted décor or simply an enjoyable afternoon of browsing, you’ll quickly discover why so many people consider The Peddler’s their happy place. After all, when your mission is to seek the beautiful, unique and forgotten, there’s always something waiting to be found.