Latest news with #AntiqueArchaeology
Miami Herald
17-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Reality star shutters store for personal reasons after 15 years
In a culture where burnout and overwork are the norm, even celebrities are reevaluating what truly matters. About 66% of Americans report not having a proper work-life balance, even though 94% of employees believe it's important, according to a report from LifeHack method. As a mother of two, I know firsthand how hard it is to focus on your work for hours while your children are still small. Many new mothers who return to work too quickly find it difficult to fully concentrate, torn between professional demands and their babies' needs. It can lead to that miserable feeling of being powerless, unable to control your life and kind of wishing that the day had 12 more hours, because then you would have time for everything. Related: Beyond Liam & Olivia: Top money moves to make when you have a baby The report also shows that Italy has the best work-life balance, with only 3% of employees working more than 50 hours a week. The government provides free childcare, helping parents find more balance. In contrast, the U.S. ranks 29th out of 41 countries with a work-life balance score of just 5.2 due to long work hours and lack of parental leave policies. We often assume celebrities are immune to this struggle, but they're not. In April, one reality star made a difficult decision to close his store after nearly 15 years, citing family as a reason. "American Pickers," a long-running reality TV series, debuted 15 years ago on the History Channel. The main host is Mike Wolfe, who, alongside his co-hosts, travels across the country in search of rare antiques and collectibles to buy, sell, or keep. On April 18, Wolfe announced he will be closing doors of his Nashville Antique Archaeology store after nearly 15 years, reports the Sun. Wolfe met with fans on April 26, and the store officially closed on April 27. "After nearly 15 amazing years, we've made the tough decision to close the doors of our Antique Archaeology store here in Music City," Wolfe said. More closings: Popular retail chain to close unprofitable store locationsFamous sporting goods store closing after 70 years; no bankruptcyPopular discount retailer files bankruptcy, closes all stores Wolfe explained that he wanted to dedicate more time to family and new projects, adding that he will keep running his LeClaire store in Iowa and remain in the antiques business online. "Sometimes, even when something is good, you have to pause and ask yourself where your time is going - and where your heart is calling you next," Wolfe added. "For me, that's family…I'm not disappearing - not even close." "I'll still be picking, sharing, and selling online and at our original LeClaire, Iowa store. "But I've learned over the years that it's easy to spread yourself too thin, and balance is something we all chase in one way or another." Wolfe has a 13-year-old daughter, Charlie, and a longtime girlfriend Leticia Cline. While Wolfe's decision came from personal reasons and noble motives, unfortunately, not every business is in the position to do the same. The closure comes during a challenging time for brick-and-mortar retailers. Both small shops and major chains are struggling with post-pandemic recovery, inflationary pressures, labor shortages, and rising interest rates. Commercial rents and overhead have increased in many cities, making it harder to stay profitable - especially for lifestyle or specialty stores like Wolfe's. Related: Huge discount store with 178 shops closes two more locations Even for successful businesses, the demands can be too much. Some entrepreneurs are choosing to scale back or pivot instead of burning out, but in today's economic climate, others are forced to make that choice. The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Daily Mail
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
American Pickers star Mike Wolfe gets emotional as he's pictured saying a tearful goodbye
After 14 years, American Pickers star Mike Wolfe is now closing up his Nashville store Antique Archaeology for good. The History Channel star, 60, officially shut down his shop - which boasts vintage items, collectibles, and home decor selected by Wolfe himself - on Sunday. But on Saturday Wolfe met with supporters of the shop as they came out to celebrate the store. Wolfe appeared emotional as he was pictured arriving to the store, dabbing at his eyes, but managed to put a smile on his face once inside the store. The move is bittersweet for the reality star, who is shutting down the store to return to his hometown of LeClaire, Iowa, where the original Antique Archaeology store is based (and will remain in business). It comes as Wolfe prepares for a meaningful filming hiatus on American Pickers, the first time in 15 years. Wolfe reflected on the moment in a post shared by both himself and his store's Instagram page, and shared photos of patrons gathered at the store. He admitted he was 'overwhelmed' by the turnout. 'Mike and the crew were totally overwhelmed and beyond grateful for yesterday's turn out @antiquearchaeology In Nashville TN,' he captioned the post. 'Y'all came out in a big way to share stories and say so long to this little shop. Today is the last day we will be open we will be breaking down the shop tomorrow and moving most all of it to @visitleclaire IOWA. 'If you haven't already stop by to say hello and grab something WELL Come on! This isn't goodbye it's see you down the road In IOWA and online.' Wolfe will now be shifting gears to his hometown in Iowa. The star's friends, family, and mother, 81, reside there - as does his store and old buildings he plans on revitalizing. 'Everything I've ever known is there,' he told The Tennessean. 'I want to drive on roads I've driven on my whole life. I want to be around things that are familiar. And I want to be back there more with my little girl and with my mom.' Wolfe revealed the store's closure earlier this month with a heartfelt Facebook message where he promised fans the closure was not a sign he was 'disappearing.' 'Well, Nashville… it's time,' he began. 'After nearly 15 amazing years, we've made the tough decision to close the doors of our Antique Archaeology store here in Music City. This place has meant the world to me — not just the brick and mortar, but the people. The community. The visitors from all over the world who came through those doors, shared their stories, and reminded me every day why I started this journey in the first place. 'I've been so proud to be a part of this neighborhood, this city, and this chapter of life. But sometimes, even when something is good, you have to pause and ask yourself where your time is going — and where your heart is calling you next. 'For me, that's family. It's slowing down a little, staying rooted, and focusing on the new projects that are pulling at my soul. I'm not disappearing — not even close. I'll still be picking, sharing, and selling online and at our original LeClaire, Iowa store. But I've learned over the years that it's easy to spread yourself too thin, and balance is something we all chase in one way or another. 'This isn't goodbye — it's just a new rhythm. I'll forever be grateful for every moment in that Nashville space, and for all of you who made it more than just a shop. You made it home.' Mike found fame after American Pickers debuted in 2010 and became one of the History Channel's most popular programs. The series saw the star and his late friend Frank Fritz traveling across the U.S. in search of rare Americana artifacts and national treasures to add to their collections or sell in their antique shops. Frank eventually departed the series in 2020 to undergo back surgery, and then he suffered a stroke in 2022 as a result of cerebral vascular disease. He never fully recovered from his health woes and it was revealed that Frank died on September 30 last year at 60 years of age. However, fans were delighted to learn that Mike and his pal had patched up their differences in 2022. After Frank passed, Mike noted that he 'felt blessed' to be by his side as he 'took one last journey home.' He wrote on Instagram at the time: 'It's with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night.' He recalled about his dear friend: 'I've know Frank for more then half my life and what you've seen on TV has always been what I have seen, a dreamer who was just as sensitive as he was funny. The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself.' Elsewhere in the heartfelt post, he added, 'Who would have ever dreamed we would share the cockpit of a white cargo van in front of millions of people interested in our adventures. 'Before the show we would take off together to places we never knew existed with no destination in mind and just the shared passion to discover something interesting and historic.' 'We've been on countless trips and shared so many miles and I feel blessed that I was there by his side when he took one last journey home. I love you buddy and will miss you so much. I know you're in a better place.'
Fox News
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
'American Pickers' star Mike Wolfe makes ‘tough decision' to shutter Nashville store
After nearly a decade-and-a-half of giving vintage finds a second life in the heart of Music City, "American Pickers" star Mike Wolfe is closing a beloved chapter — and a storefront. Wolfe shared an emotional announcement that the doors of the Antique Archaeology store in Nashville will officially close after 15 years. "Well, Nashville … it's time," he began his lengthy post. "After nearly 15 amazing years, we've made the tough decision to close the doors of our Antique Archaeology store here in Music City. This place has meant the world to me — not just the brick and mortar, but the people. The community." He added, "The visitors from all over the world who came through those doors, shared their stories, and reminded me every day why I started this journey in the first place." Nestled inside the historic Marathon Motor Works building, the Nashville shop has long been more than just a retail space — it's been a place where vintage has been honored. "After nearly 15 amazing years, we've made the tough decision to close the doors of our Antique Archaeology store here in Music City. This place has meant the world to me — not just the brick and mortar, but the people. The community. " For Wolfe, its meaning runs deep, but he continued to explain that even good things sometimes require letting go. "I've been so proud to be a part of this neighborhood, this city, and this chapter of life," he added. "But sometimes, even when something is good, you have to pause and ask yourself where your time is going — and where your heart is calling you next." Wolfe continued to explain his Nashville exit and why he has chosen to reside in Iowa for the time being. "For me, that's family. It's slowing down a little, staying rooted, and focusing on the new projects … I'm not disappearing — not even close," Wolfe reassured fans. "I'll still be picking, sharing, and selling online and at our original LeClaire, Iowa store." The "American Pickers" star revealed that the store will remain open until April 27. He shared with his fans that he'd be at the store on April 26. "This isn't goodbye — it's just a new rhythm," Wolfe concluded. "I'll forever be grateful for every moment in that Nashville space, and for all of you who made it more than just a shop. You made it home." Wolfe additionally revealed that his decision to close his store was to spend more time in his hometown of LeClaire, Iowa, where his 81-year-old mom still resides. "Everything I've ever known is there," he previously told The Tennessean. "I want to drive on roads I've driven on my whole life. I want to be around things that are familiar. And I want to be back there more with my little girl and with my mom." Wolfe's decision to shutter his Nashville store comes after the death of his late "America Pickers" co-star and dear friend Frank Fritz. Last month, Wolfe remembered Fritz at the "Day of Reckoning" red carpet premiere, as he made his film debut in the Western movie. The "American Pickers" dynamic duo had a special friendship and starred on the hit show together for over a decade. "Every day we think about Frank on set. He was such a big part of the show. He was my friend since 8th grade. And a lot of times when we are traveling through a property there are so many things that capture our attention that connect us to him," Wolfe said in an interview with the New York Post. Wolfe, who has helmed the show for years, grappled with the absence of someone who was more than just a colleague, but a lifelong friend. "It's kind of hard to talk about because it's so fresh, but he is with us in spirit every single day," Wolfe said. In September 2024, Fritz died of complications from a stroke while in hospice care.
