City Creek Antiques has been operated by Carmen von Bothmer for the past eighteen years and will be closing its doors after December 2021.
Originally started by Carmen and her late husband David as Litvin Gallery, Carmen says she “grew up with antiques,” and she met and married her husband over their common love of antiquing.
Back then there were five people working in her shop. Now she is the sole proprietor with the assistance of Pam, who formerly operated Utah Artists Hands. Carmen has operated her store downtown for the past eighteen years.
Ten years ago there were at least three other antique shops, which gave the area the nickname “antique row”. Until recently, there were Carmen Maranda’s, Euro Treasures, Antionettes, and Briar Patch Antiques. Now all are closed. Still remaining are the Green Ant, Jitterbug Antiques and Urban Vintage.
Carmen said that Covid is not the reason for her closing, and that her business did very well during the pandemic and does well currently, because, she says, “Antiques have no supply chain shortages.” But she says that the city has not been responsive or receptive to small business owners’ major problems. “They would rather only come by to ticket my customers.”
Carmen was burglarized on several occasions over the past few years. She has photographs of the culprits and even knows where some of them attend school, but she says the police will not go after them.
City Creek Antiques offers a wide selection of paintings, Christmas decorations and plates, silver, jewelry, and antique cameras. Carmen had a loyal clientele who loved her lovely, clean, and organized shop on Broadway. City Creek Antiques will surely be missed.
Carmen will continue to work in the antique business both online and at shows.
Visit the store at 169 E. Broadway, Salt Lake City before they close.
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