Bellport, New York, May 20, 2013 -- “This is a sad day for Townhouse Antiques.  After 12 years, we are adding our name to the ever growing list of antique shops closing on Long Island.  The recession and the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy negatively impacted the antique industry, including us, and the home furnishing business at large leading us to close” says Mike Basch of the well-known Bellport Main Street shop.

Townhouse Antiques will immediately begin to scale back and sell our inventory at a 50-75% discount and projects locking its doors for the last time on or before the end of August.

 “I can still remember a time in the not so distant past when antiques shops were so plentiful that people from as far away as the city would get in their car and ride Montauk Highway to visit one antique shop after the other.  Almost every village and hamlet had at least one antique shop – some had two, three or more.  Long Island’s thriving antique industry is now a memory.”

“Our closing will significantly reduce the amount of “true” antique inventory available on Long Island. Townhouse Antiques has over 2,500 square feet of space, over 200 paintings plus over 300 pieces of furniture and decorative pieces from the 18th, 19th and early 20th century.”

Before opening Townhouse Antiques in 2001, Mike Basch, proprietor of Townhouse Antiques owned South Shore Antiques (1996-2001) on Merrick Road in Massapequa.

Mike grew up in New England antique country and purchased his first antique at age 12. His parents were both well-known dealers in Connecticut.  His father dealt in antique clocks while his mother dealt in jewelry and the decorative arts.

 “We will be sorry to leave the Village of Bellport.  The Village has been good to us, and we have enjoyed calling it home.”   

Townhouse Antiques is located at 152 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713, 631-286-2125, appointments: 516-798-8954.  Thursday-Saturday 10AM-5PM and Sunday, 11AM-5PM.

For a virtual tour of Townhouse Antiques click on:   HYPERLINK "http://www.Bellport.com/townhouseantiques" www.Bellport.com/townhouseantiques.

For additional information contact Mike Basch, 516-798-8954 or cell 516-581-6401.

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