NORTHVILLE, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Antique collectors and avid thrifters may be shocked to find the Knightsbridge Antique Mall in Northville will be shutting down at the end of the month after 27 years of business. 

After a routine inspection, inspectors found a myriad of issues with the shop.  Some of the problems included the parking lot, heating and air conditioning units, and the building’s roof which resulted in a liability insurance company’s refusal to grant a renewed license. 

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“It’s painful, honestly,” said Bruce McKenzie, who owns Knightsbridge with his wife, Linda. “I’ve been thinking about closing it for years, but it’s such a huge job that I never did, and when the insurance company did this, it’s now forced our hand. We didn’t expect anything to happen (from this inspection).”

The space boasts 26,000 square feet with a large selection of furniture along with primitives, pottery, mid-century modern, toys, vinyl albums, books, jewelry, stained glass windows, military items, and more according to the website. 

According to the McKenzies, this was the first building inspection that had been conducted since 1994.  

“It was kind of a shock for us because we just figured they were gonna say well, there’s a trip hazard here or that they had problems with some of the wiring and showcases — instead it was just a nightmare,” McKenzie said.

In addition to the couple’s and the community’s loss, so too are employees of the mall.  During the time of the McKenzies ownership, they’ve employed more than 150 people who share in their love for antiques. 

Originally the couple made a contract of three years with the option to extend for another five years, though they hadn’t planned to continue after that. 

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“I expected in eight years we were gonna close — and we could have — but when it came eight years, we both looked at each other and said, ‘I don’t want to quit,’ and so another 19 years have passed since I was going to quit but it wouldn’t be happening if it wasn’t for the insurance,” he said.

While the couple recognized how hard phone calls were regarding the closing of the establishment, many customers have poured into the parking lot  and store since news came out. 

“We’ve had customers coming far and wide just to come in to say goodbye to us,” Linda said, “they have me in tears and chills. It’s so nice to know that you’ve affected so many lives in such a positive way.”

According to the couple, the Knightsbridge Antique Mall will be hosting a going out of business sale until the end of October.  Donations of packing supplies are appreciated, they said.  The mall is located at 42305 W Seven Mile.