JoAnn Taylor, owner of Camas Antiques, has always been interested in retail. Before starting her own business, Taylor gained valuable experience working as a sales representative and even rented a small booth at an antique mall where she sold merchandise. 

Camas Antiques officially opened its doors in 2004 after Taylor bought and renovated the historic Farrell building with support from her brother. Charlie and Rose Farrell, who had previously housed a 50-year-running grocery, constructed the building in 1924. 

With a background in retail and a love for antiques, Taylor transformed the space into what quickly became a local landmark in downtown Camas.

“The building that I loved was in Camas, and I loved the pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined streets,” Taylor said when asked why she chose to open her store there. “I feel like Camas is a great community that I am happy to be a part of.”

Since its opening in the early 2000s, the biggest change has been the expansion of the basement, allowing the store to increase inventory and stock even more unique items. 

“We usually have something for everyone,” Taylor said.

The store is the perfect place for both collectors and casual shoppers alike. Despite being a vintage store, people of all generations love shopping there.

“You never know what you’re going to find,” sophomore Dicey Delano said.

Delano’s favorite part of the antique store is the recent addition of a vinyl section on the lower level.

More than 70 vendors are featured throughout the 10,000-square-foot building. The spaces are rearranged frequently in hopes of showcasing as many items as possible. Taylor said that the variety is what makes the store so special. 

“The antique store is kind of like the heart of Camas,” freshman Brittain Jura said.

One of Taylor’s favorite parts of the store is planning window displays and looking out for unique vendors or items to add to the store with her business partner Kristen Danis. Their dedication to one-of-a-kind items does not go unnoticed by their customers. 

“My favorite item I’ve found is a big Abraham Lincoln poster,” Delano said. “It’s in my room now.”

Camas Antiques, which started as a dream and an old building, has grown into a cornerstone of the Camas community. After 21 years in business, it remains a beloved part of downtown, and locals are excited to see what every new chapter brings.