World-famous Ontario antique market reopening a month after sudden closure
People across Ontario were shocked when St. Jacobs Antiques Market shut down last month. Now, however, the world-famous market appears to have turned a new page, bouncing back from reported financial troubles and set to reopen next month.
The market is reopening under new ownership, with Nicole Ferrill and Bert Flaming at the helm, and a slight name change. Moving forward, it will be known as St. Jacobs Antiques Mall.
"We made a slight change to the name because we're a completely different company," Ferrill tells blogTO. She adds that the decision to keep the name similar to the original was intentional, as the market already has a large following and they wanted to maintain that consistency.
Ferrill and Flaming are no strangers to the space. "Bert's been operating a bookstore out of the mall for the past 25 years," she says. When the previous owners faced financial difficulties, the two saw an opportunity to keep it going and ensure that hundreds of other vendors didn't lose their livelihood.
Over 100 artisans and vendors sell their antiques at the famed market, which has been serving locals since 1975. Many are confirmed to return to their existing booths once the mall opens, while others have relocated to different venues.
Those familiar with the market's history will know that in February 2026, the original owners, a furniture retailer called Mercedes Corp., announced a business restructuring on the market's official Instagram page.
As a result, the market abruptly closed on March 1. The former owners also confirmed that the store's bank accounts had been frozen, preventing them from conducting any sales.
As a fan favourite among shoppers across the province, the antiques market's new lease on life will be a welcome comeback. If the buzz on social media is anything to go by, residents are eager for the return of this local cornerstone.
The grand opening for St. Jacobs Antiques Mall will take place on April 1 at 10 a.m.
The mall is located at 805 King St. N. in Waterloo, Ont.
St. Jacobs Antiques Mall
