MITCHELL, S.D. (Dakota News Now) — Thirty-four years ago, Brenda Oleson and Dan Hauser embarked on an entrepreneurial journey in downtown Mitchell, founding a business that would grow into a beloved local antique destination.
Starting out with a focus on both consignment and new furniture, the couple’s business quickly transitioned to selling antiques. A pivotal moment came when they purchased a large estate filled primarily with antiques, marking the beginning of their deep dive into the antique industry.
“We started by buying entire households and selling their contents, before moving into a full consignment model,” said Brenda. “At one point, I had over 2,500 consigners bringing in items for me to sell.”
Dan added, “We learned along the way just how captivating antiques are. It really became our passion.”
Thus, the Antique Mall was born — a vast collection of items ranging from vintage radios to paintings, photographs, and even pre-cast cars. The couple’s inventory has included everything imaginable, from gas pumps to rocks.
“It’s hard to pinpoint the oldest item,” said Dan. “We’ve had everything from old gas pumps to rocks in the back of the store.”
The Antique Mall is designed to resemble a town, with various storefronts creating a unique shopping experience. “We wanted to build a town and fill it with merchants, and that’s exactly what we’ve done,” Brenda explained.
The business, located just a block and a half from Mitchell’s iconic World’s Only Corn Palace, has become a popular stop for tourists from around the world.
“We’ve had customers from places like Germany, Japan, and all over Europe,” Dan noted.
But the Antique Mall has meant more to the couple than just a business. It’s also where they got married. Without formal invitations, they simply placed an ad in the local paper inviting the community to join them for the celebration. More than 350 people showed up to the event.
Now, after decades of success, the couple has made the decision to sell the business. While they are no longer taking in new antiques, they hope to find someone who can continue the legacy they’ve built.
“The ideal scenario would be for someone to come in who understands how to run the business and is ready to take over with everything intact,” said Brenda. “It’s been incredibly rewarding, and you’re always busy. There’s always something to do.”
Dan emphasized the potential for growth, citing opportunities to engage more on social media. “I’m past retirement age and have other things to focus on, like my grandkids,” he explained. “But there’s definitely room for someone to take it further.”
The couple reflected on their time running the business together, crediting each other for the success they’ve enjoyed. “I couldn’t have done it without him. He’s the rock,” Brenda said, smiling. “He can build anything.”
Dan reciprocated the sentiment, noting their complementary partnership. “She’s the idea person, and I help bring those ideas to life,” he said. “We really work well together.”
As they prepare for the next chapter of their lives, the couple is hopeful that someone will recognize the value in the Antique Mall, just as they did all those years ago.
