Tucked in the shade of Franklin’s Main Street stands a spacious, welcoming building, where every corner seems to breathe history.
An antique armchair — perhaps once the perch of a wealthy young woman preparing for a grand ball. A collector’s edition of Goethe’s works transports visitors to the poignant, lyrical world of German Romanticism. A bird-adorned lamp evokes the stained-glass elegance of classic Tiffany design. Nearby, a pristine, unopened 1967 Hot Wheels set sits like the relic of a golden childhood.
Bryant’s Antiques is more than just a store — it is a place where memories of the past coexist with the present.
In March 2024, the store welcomed a new owner, Doug Farris, a seasoned expert with more than 17 years of experience in the antique business. Though ownership changed, the name and spirit of Bryant’s Antiques remain.
Farris’s journey at Bryant’s began modestly, with a single booth. Over time, he became part of the team, then eventually the head of what is now a true family business.
“The antique business wasn’t foreign to me; I’d been in it for a while,” shared Farris. “I had booths pretty much since I moved here. And I’d been working at Bryant’s Antiques since they first opened, so I already had a good idea of how the place was run. I had to run the back of it.”
Under Farris’s leadership, the store has not only preserved its legacy but also entered a new era. He opened the third floor, installed a sound system, upgraded lighting and security, and added more signage and advertising. Farris also found a new use for previously unproductive space.
“If you look out front, by the cash desk, we’ve got all the jams, honey, and candles in there now. Before, there was nothing; it was just dead space. So, we took that dead space and turned it into something that actually makes money,” he said.
Farris’s approach to business centers on maintaining existing strengths while enhancing the space and organization through attention to detail.
“[LEDs, signs, red velvet at the entrance, etc.] those are the little touches that I believe are very important,” said Farris. That attention to detail is often the key to success in any endeavor.
What’s inside
Today, Bryant’s Antiques houses 104 individual vendor booths. Each booth tells its own story. The store encompasses nearly 20,000 square feet and is filled predominantly with authentic antiques and vintage treasures — not merely old items.
Among other criteria, items are classified by age. Generally, anything older than 25 years is considered vintage; over 100 years qualifies as antique.
“We want basically antiques and collectibles, and we try to keep it more on that antique feel,” explained Farris. “I’m not going to say we don’t have a few things that aren’t, but we try to keep [non-vintage] stuff out as much as we can.”
One of Bryant’s Antiques greatest strengths is its variety. Whether you are a collector, a child, or a tourist, you are likely to find something that sparks your interest.
“You don’t want to just dwell on one thing; that’s where people make a mistake,” noted Farris. “If someone focuses on just one type of item, that’s fine, but how many people are you losing? You’ve got to have something for everyone.”
And it works. Bryant’s Antiques boasts a loyal customer base, including locals and visitors from out of state who travel just to shop there. Hundreds of glowing reviews on Google Maps attest to its reputation. Here are just a few examples:
“My husband and I ride through three states as we live in the ‘golden corner’ of S.C. Bryant’s is the largest antique mall within 2-2.5 hours of driving… Two huge buildings stuffed full. Most importantly, open every day with numerous dealers so there is really something interesting for everyone. Their website is awesome.”
- “When in Franklin, this should be on your to-do list!”
- “Been traveling around for antiques for a while, ever since I was young. Bryant’s Antique Mall is one of the best I’ve ever visited! The staff is very professional and courteous. Doug, the new owner, is amazing. Thanks again!”
Bryant’s Antiques is one of the few businesses in Franklin open daily – closed only on Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving. “We have a lot of visitors, especially in the summer,” said Farris. “We attract people because locals and out-of-staters know we’re always open.”
In fact, many visitors come to Franklin because of Bryant’s Antiques, and only then explore other shops in town, making the store a vital part of the local economy.
All in the family
Bryant’s Antiques is not just a commercial venture, it is a family affair. Farris’s wife Debra handles the financial aspects of the business, while their son, Aaron Farris, works alongside his father and is preparing to one day step into his father’s shoes as owner.
“We really go out of our way to help people,” said Doug. “If someone buys a piece of furniture, we’ll help them load it up, make sure everything’s secure and ready to go. Aaron used to work for a moving company for eight years, so he’s really good at packaging things up and wrapping them carefully, making sure nothing gets damaged. A lot of our customers are traveling, and we want to be sure their stuff gets home safe.”
Bryant’s Antiques is not just a store — it is a living archive. It is run by people who cherish history, frequented by those who appreciate timeless classics, and ultimately serves as a bridge between the past and the present.