How It Started

In 1976, Sally opened her first shop, The Cranberry Box, in Antique Village — the very first stall on the corner where M.O.B. Vintage stands today. Family legend has it that Dad came home from work one day to find out Mom had already signed the lease and was opening an antiques store.

A few years later, the space we’re still in today at 3742 Howard Ave became available, and Sally moved in alongside two other dealers. Not long after, Jill Rotter of Jill and Company moved into 3744 Howard Ave next door. The two women knocked down the wall between their shops to create one open, shared space — and while Sally Shaffer Antiques and Jill and Company have always remained separate businesses, Jill and Sally became dear friends and colleagues.

We lost my mom, Sally Shaffer, in 2020. Since then, my dad Joe and I have carried on the work of keeping Sally Shaffer Antiques open — and holding it to the same standards Sally always did. I like to think she’d be happy about that, and glad to know Joe has a community here on Antique Row in Kensington that knows him, loves him, and supports both of us. Karlee’s Deli even named a sandwich after him — go get yourself a Big Joe Club!

Thank You

To everyone who has supported us and our business for almost 50 years — thank you. We’re so happy to still be here, and we can’t wait for what’s next at Sally Shaffer Antiques.