Lloyds of Lakeland, located at 301 N. Kentucky Ave., is one of only two antique stores left in Downtown Lakeland. Family-owned and operated by the DeBats, the business has been around for over four decades! It’s a treasure trove of fun and unique finds. You can browse inside of it’s multi-level, winding footprint for hours. Don’t feel like going out yet? They have online auctions periodically!
How long has your business been open?
It has been an antique store for over 45 years. We have owned it 24 years
Is there something about your personal background or history that made you uniquely suited to run your business?
Love history and cool stuff. Basically, I am a hoarder with an outlet.
If your business is family-owned or operated, can you tell us what that’s like?
We are family owned and staffed. It’s all hands on deck. We also have 2 part-time employees
Why did you decide to open your business in Downtown Lakeland? Do you have a special connection to the area? To Lakeland in general?
Lived in Lakeland entire life. When we opened, Downtown was a wasteland. Seen a lot of great changes over the years.
What’s your favorite item, product, or service that you offer, and why?
Strange old stuff. Also we conduct auctions Online everything starting at just $1.00. We cunduct onsite estate sales.
When you think about your business, what makes you feel the most proud? What challenges or difficulties have you had to overcome in your personal life or in your business to get to where you are today?
We have been here before downtown was the place to go. When we started, there were empty buildings. Don’t be on the street after dark. We have been here through all of the crashes in the markets. Still doing the same thing sometimes even with negative income just to survive. Still here even after the other antique stores gave up. Love my job. Can’t see doing anything else.
What is the most important thing for the community to know about your business right now? What’s the best way they can support you?
Check out the auction https://bid.lloydslakeland.com. We also are still buying items by appointment–call 863-640-3347.
Website: https://www.lloydslakeland.com/