Port Angeles retailer shutters antiques shop, moving to Nevada

PORT ANGELES — Citing a decline in business and a desire to move to warmer climes, the owner of Zeller’s Antiques on First Street in downtown Port Angeles has closed up shop and is moving to Nevada.

And he’s taking his parrots with him.

“A lot of people ask, and unfortunately, they get disappointed,” said shop owner Don Zeller, referring to customers asking if they can buy one of the parrots visible in his storefront at 129 W. First St.

Zeller, 52, said in an interview that he’s always thought parrots would make good pets and, if displayed in the front window of his shop, would draw in customers.

“They all have their unique personalities, and they’re able to express their personalities vocally, and it makes for a lot of good entertainment,” said Zeller, whose feathered friends include a blue and gold macaw, two African grays and a double yellow-headed Amazon.

“[They’re] something animated that can be seen from the front window to draw attention.”

For the past four years, Zeller has operated out of his current location after spending about 16 years selling antiques in the Antique Mall down the street.

“I was there, and I wanted to go out on my own,” Zeller said.

But over the past six or seven years, Zeller said, he has noticed a gradual decline in interest in antiques and in business along First Street in general.

“So for me, if I wanted to stay in this particular business, it was just time to move on,” Zeller said.

Zeller’s Antique’s officially closed its doors at the end of April, and Zeller said has spent the past few weeks packing up his merchandise in preparation for the drive to Carson City, Nev., a trip he expects to start in the next few days.

Zeller said he could not pinpoint one single reason for the recent gradual slowing of business in the downtown area but said he feels like his is not the only business that has been affected.

“I remember five, six, seven years ago, people were fighting for parking spots [downtown],” Zeller said.

“And now, there is pretty much no one fighting for parking spots.”

Zeller said one of his favorite things about having a shop in Port Angeles was meeting the wide variety of tourists who come “from all over” and forming relationships with customers who gradually became regulars.

“You get to meet people in the community and make new friendships throughout,” Zeller said.

Zeller also praised his neighbors along First Street, including White Crane Martial Arts and Bay Variety just to the west.

“I would say up and down the street, business owners are all nice, friendly people,” Zeller said.

“I’ve got nothing but good things to say about all my neighbors.”

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Reporter Jeremy Schwartz can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5074, or at jschwartz@peninsuladailynews.com.