Its goal is to become the best antique mall on the East Coast.

With lofty expectations such as those, it's quite clear The Slatington Marketplace means business.Located at 8281 along Route 873, Slatington, at the site of the former Keystone Lamp Factory, the facility features antiques, collectibles and vintage items.More recently known as the Bus Stop Flea Market, it has been under new ownership since August, according to Charlette Schneck, general manager.The new, antique and collectibles market is owned by JJS Land Development LLC of Orefield, which purchased the building and property.That includes art glass, coins, money and stamps, furniture, military items, paintings, pictures and artwork, pottery, sports memorabilia, toys and much more.The facility features a whole inside full of antiques and collectibles.Jim Ingram, a collector and Civil War dealer from Alburtis, said he visits the marketplace once a week on average."I like it," Ingram said. "It's changing, getting much better."That's precisely the gains Schneck said are on tap for the facility.At present, it has room for 80 vendors; of those 65 spaces are occupied, Schneck said.In addition, it now has bid board auctions with a professionally licensed auctioneer.It also has its own snack bar, which is open Fridays through Sundays.As it currently stands, Schneck said the facility is "a work in progress.""The customers love it," Schneck said. "They are very happy."She said the business takes credit cards, and now boasts two new registers and a new computer system.Schneck said the business plans to expand to include an additional 80 vendors."They're serious about making this a premiere place in the area," she said."They want this to be a destination."Upcoming events will consist of an auction slated for noon Sunday, as well as an appearance by Santa Claus sometime next month.Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays, 9-8 Fridays, 9-6 Saturdays, and 10-5 Sundays.New vendors are asked to call 610-766-7495, or come and shop.For more information, visit

www.theslatingtonmarketplace.com.