Brochures Tout Charms of Ventura Antiques Shops

In response to tourist demand, the Ventura Visitors and Convention Bureau recently published 10,000 copies of an Art & Antique Shopping Guide, a directory and map of most of Ventura’s antiques houses and some of its art galleries.

The guide, an updated version of an existing publication, provides listings for 30 stores with an emphasis on antiques dealerships, most of which are located in and around the 300 to 800 blocks of Ventura’s downtown Main Street.

“There’s been a noticeable interest in antique shopping, specifically in downtown,� said Bill Clawson, executive director of the Ventura visitors bureau. “We really think it’s a good lure to the city.�

The brochures, which cost about $1,300 to produce, were funded entirely by the antiques dealers and gallery owners. They are being distributed at the stores advertised and sent to people who inquire about the area’s antiquing options.

“We’ve been trying to promote interesting and different aspects of Ventura and give people a reason out of the ordinary to want to come,� Clawson said. “Obviously antiquing isn’t for everybody, but neither is surfing, neither is kayaking. It is something in our ammo belt.�

Don Goolsby, owner of Attic Treasures in the 300 block of Main Street, said the brochures are most valuable when people return home after their visit to the area.

“Customers take it with them, file it away and use it in the future,� he said. “I find it very helpful.�

Goolsby said Ventura has only recently begun to be recognized for its antiques stores and that the best is yet to come.

“I don’t think the area has actually arrived yet. I see that in the next year or so,� he said. “Only in the last year or 18 months have people become aware that Ventura downtown is here.�

Paul Sevoy of the Sevoy Antique Showroom in the 400 block of Main Street agreed that Ventura’s downtown antiques stores are just now becoming a real draw.

“People are finding that this is not just a place for thrift stores. Also, in the last couple of years, the transient population has disappeared,� he said. “We have a tourist-friendly, consumer-friendly environment.�