Dark Side Of the Attic: Newest Treasure in Largo's Antique Community

Dark Side Of The Attic is an eclectic mall in Largo offering a wide range of antiques and collectibles. 

The mall opened its doors officially May 18 and since then has focused on expanding and increasing its number of vendors to provide an even greater number of antique items. Five vendors now occupy the 5,200-square-foot space, and owners Kathy Moss, Bruce Turner and Michael Eastman are interviewing for more.  

Moss is both part owner and general manager of the store and spends countless hours painting and refinishing items for customers. Dark Side Of The Attic offers custom painting and finishing on all their pieces for "a very modest price," she said.

“It’s not real common (to offer that), typically you have to go elsewhere or do it yourself. We offer it to our customers as a little something unique,” said Moss.

There's a vast range of items, and prices. There are books selling for $1 displayed underneath intricate and colorful chandeliers priced at thousands of dollars. An entire room in the eclectic mall is devoted to children’s furniture and vintage items.

For Moss, a retired schoolteacher, collecting and selling children’s items is her favorite aspect of the business. She brings a family atmosphere into the space, with all three of her children contributing in the store.

“I love people and I love children, and this is now the next chapter in my life. This is the next best thing here in Largo," she said. 

Largo is becoming well known for its antique-shop presence, with more than 15 shops located within a concentrated area. Rather than compete, many of the shops help one another by handing out brochures with maps and information to neighboring stores.

“They’re my friends and my comrades, so I send people on if they can’t find (an item) here. I know what (other stores) specialize in, so I’ll send them over,” said Moss.

The storeowner is hopeful that the city of Largo will soon hold antique night events, where all shops will have open houses and customers can jump from store to store in one evening.

Millie Boles, who has worked under different owners in the location for several years, credits Moss’ hard work and the familial atmosphere she brings to the shop for its success so far.

“If it can be done, Kathy can do it. She’s wonderful to work with, and that’s just the icing on the cake” Boles said.