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December 2023 by milan vucicevic
It's no secret that the antiques trade has changed tremendously over the last couple of generations and that nearly all of the shops are gone. Gone as well are the many unique characters who ran these shops. Larry is indeed one of these characters in that he is unique.. but not what I would call eccentric in the least.. not at all. He's unique by todays standards because he is old school.. a no-nonsense straight- shooting mid-Westerner.. and a man of his word. I've known him for over twenty five years amd we've done a lot of 'horse trading' ... all over a handshake and a bottle of wine. He hasn't let me down yet. Most people nowadays hope that when they do enter an antiques shop the owner will either be absent or lurking somewhere in the background. Or if not that he should greet them wholeheartedly and only be too willing to educate, inform and generally bring them up to speed in the highly complex and ever-shifting world of antiques and collectables. Rarely is either the case as the antiques shop is a unique specimen in and of itself. It can't be defined or explained away that easily or conveniently.. nor should it. And Neither should it's owner. Nothing can be more true than in the case of Larry's Antiques. But for those willing to take the time...For others the antiques shop is just another faceless storefront they can casually enter and seek refuge in.. until the next bus comes. Upon entering Larry's Antiques he will greet you politely and ask if there is anything in particular you are looking for so that he may guide you accordingly and not waste anybody's time.. including his own. Most people, of course, just ask if its alright to browse but he respectfully reminds them that unfortunately he is not 'set up' for that. Keeping in mind all the while that, although he does depend on the odd sidewalk traffic purchase, his shop is, by and large, an established location where other dealers and longstanding clients can find him in order to conduct business. Finally it is worth mentioning that Larry, like many independent shopkeepers, has had items stolen on more that one occasion resulting in a loss he alone has had to absorb so its little wonder he can be characterized as wary and vigilant by some peoples standards.Myself, I have spent countless hours in that gloriously 'grimy' shop sipping ( ok quaffing! ) fine wine, eating delectable cheeses, and listening to heavenly music all the while having Larry ( an academy trained keyboardist it should be noted ) extol the virtues of Handel and Bach! I have brought countless friends there over the years and Larry has welcomed them all and never has anyone offered anything but high praise for this astute, articulate, knowledgeable, highly informed, well-mannered and charming.. not to mention razor- sharp witted.. gentlemanly bon vivant! He is a national treasure and one of the last of his kind. And to all of you one-star wonders out there.. I think you just need to grow up a little!
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November 2022 by robert crabtree
Lot of haters here.I have bought lovely antiques from Larry since the 80s.his shop is not overly neat or organized and he does not own a computer. But he has more knowledge of antiques than literally anyone in WNY.He can tell you in 10 seconds if you have an original Tiffany lamp or a repo.his shop is in a 'artsy' part of town and there are some sketchy people that wander in that he has had to deal with forever.Years ago Allentown was antique mecca before most dealers fled to North Buffalo and Clarence.Larry is old school and lives and breathes antiques all day long.If you are looking for the unusual high quality piece, spend 10 minites in his shop and you might be surprised
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August 2022 by kissmemiranda
Terribly rude and no merchandise. Over priced for not quality
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June 2022 by Lea Canaski
OMG!!@
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January 2022 by Ruth Olivia Mcleod
I’m understanding that some people may not be aware or very conscious of how their attitude and tone comes across to others; however being self aware is one’s own responsibility and I find that the store owner was lacking in either self awareness or common care and compassion towards his poor customers. I find that he may have all the best intentions, yet again I was made to feel very uncomfortable in his presence and a bit stalked, I had eyes following my every move for my entire visit, I’ll make sure not to visit again.There were some antique gems in the small, unorganized, cramped, dim, unsanitary store. His vibes during the uncomfortable, forced, kitty corner conversations: were condescending and interrogative; be warned. I’d be at a loss if you asked me how someone could be so oblivious to how they make others feel? I was with my friend who also felt similarly about the experience. No hate to the store owner, Self improvement is for anyone- hope he has a personal growth journey. If you’ve ever seen Gilmore girls, I’m sure you too could relate the store owner to Taylor. P.S. RIP if you walk past the light or touch something that’s not for sale even though it was failed to be marked as not for sale.If you're reading this, I hope you have a great day!- sincerely, Olivia
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September 2021 by Toni Vansco
I walked in wearing a mask, owner was rude, asking if I'm vaccinated or not, and followed up with several condescending aggressive questions about why I'm not vaccinated. Place was a huge wreck. Needs to clean up the building and his attitude. If i could rate less than one star, I would.
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September 2021 by Kevin (HevinKevin)
There may be some gems in this disaster of a store but it is a huge fire trap. Man is very nice and knows history but he needs to close and reopen when he gets it to code
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September 2021 by Brooke Joy Blakely
Larry’s House of Hoarders
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October 2020 by Kathy Valentine
Packed in, small 6’ long walkway and turn around that’s it ☹️
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November 2019 by Becky Mulroy
Horrible place, guys a pack rat.
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November 2016 by Declan M. Hurley
The proprietor was very kind. He was very willing to help me find what I needed.
