The Old Strathcona Antique Mall officially reopened on Tuesday under new ownership, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for one of Edmonton’s most beloved vintage destinations.
Mykel Lewsaw, the new owner, takes the reins from longtime proprietors Betty Reitan and her daughter Bobbi Weibel, who ran the business for 16 years. Lewsaw, who also owns the Rocky Mountain Antique Mall in Edmonton, has been preparing for the transition over the past several weeks.
“There’s going to be no major changes off the start,” Lewsaw told CTV News Edmonton. “I want to keep the operations running the way they are. But of course, there’s going to be a few changes. I look forward to what we can do over here.”
Lewsaw believes the two antique malls can coexist successfully, noting that each offers a slightly different experience. “I think there’s a lot of potential here. A mall like this is super important because you get something for everybody. No matter who comes in the door, we have something that will be of interest to them.”
Reitan and Weibel said the decision to sell the business was bittersweet, motivated by a desire to spend more time with family. Reflecting on their years at the helm, they shared fond memories of organizing a Guinness World Record event for the largest troll collection, welcoming The Amazing Race to the mall, and sourcing antiques during trips to Europe.
“It’s been 10 years since we went to Europe and bought a container of things to bring over. We did that three times. That was a lot of fun,” Weibel recalled.
Despite initially seeing Lewsaw as a competitor, Reitan said she grew confident in his ability to preserve the mall’s legacy.
“As I got to know him, I feel very comfortable that he understands the special place that [Old Strathcona Antique Mall] has in the hearts of Edmonton, and that he intends to retain that,” she said. “I’m sure that he’s going to have some new ideas… I’m excited to see where he takes it.”
With a passion for antiques and a vision rooted in continuity and subtle innovation, Lewsaw is poised to carry the Old Strathcona Antique Mall forward, honoring its legacy while embracing its future.
