50th Anniversary Celebration

Oct 1

The first week in October kicked off a three day Celebration of the 50th Year of business for Charles Phillips Antiques. “We want to celebrate with all of those who have encouraged and blessed us with their patronage over the past 50 years,” states owner Charles Phillips. ”We plan to host a shop-wide sale along with food trucks, giveaways and a few other surprises.”

A little backstory…

Located in Theodore, Charles Phillips has supplied wholesale antiques and architecturals to the Southeastern region and beyond since 1975. With over 75,000 square feet of antiques, architectural salvage, custom built furniture, and one-of-a-kind accessories, Charles Phillips is one of the largest and most unique antiques wholesalers in the Southeast.

Every weekend, antiques enthusiasts embark into the country to this beloved Mobile establishment and wander the picturesque grounds. The property itself is equally steeped in history… The drive onto the property is an old military road built to supply the new Fort Gaines being built at the time (in the 1820’s) and continued down to Cedar Point, AL, to ferry over to Dauphin Island. The land was purchased in the 1950’s by Charles’ late father, Dr. Sidney Phillips Jr. Dr. Phillips served as a family physician to the area as well as a World War II marine who was portrayed in the HBO miniseries The Pacific and Ken Burns’ documentary The War.

The story of Charles Phillips Antiques begins with owners Charles and Sue Phillips. Charles grew up with an appreciation for antiques and an appetite for collecting. “My parents started taking me antiquing at an early age,” recalls Charles. After college and meeting his wife, the Phillips returned to the family farm to open his own antiquing business. “Sue and I put up a building and bought a tiny ad in the local newspaper advertising our shop,” he remembers. “We sold $12 worth of stuff that first day.” As the business grew, so did the antiquing trips… Charles and Sue Phillips eventually began traveling to Europe and beyond. Now with containers from around the world arriving weekly, the selection is ever-changing and no two visits alike.

Jerri’s Balloons made a few balloon arches to brighten our space. She’s local to Mobile, AL.

Charles’ and Sue’s daughter, Virginia, pictured here with Jim Bryars and her daughter Marianna.

Dressing up our zinc grape picking baskets with flowers and plants.

In the midst of the building their business, Charles and Sue raised six children and have 21 grandchildren. The Phillips’ faith, family values and serving others is the legacy of what Charles Phillips means to so many. As for what the next 50 years look like… “Plans for the future are currently in the works, says Charles. “Let’s just say the Charles Phillips brand is just getting started.”

The Celebration

Our three-day, first ever sale brought food trucks, community, family, and friends. Each day featured newly discounted items and a different local food truck. Shoppers took home treasures of all sizes. We reunited with longtime customers, met new ones, and had a great time. Cheers to 50 years!

First day special: European dough bowls; all sizes

Friday Brewyall Coffee truck joined us and served fresh coffee and snacks throughout the morning until they ran out. Definitely going to do this again in the future. We found coffee is an antique shopper’s best friend.