The Olde Shoe Factory in Lancaster, Ohio, was built in 1899 as a shoe factory. It now houses one of the area’s largest antique malls. (Credit: Ken Drenten)

By Ken Drenten

Winter is a time when many people cure their cabin fever by finding the new in the old – in other words, to go antique shopping.

One of the best places I’ve known over the years to break the boredom of bleak midwinter is the Olde Shoe Factory Antique Mall in Lancaster.

It’s a 60,000-square-foot historic building that was indeed once a shoe factory, and if you visit, be prepared to spend several hours browsing and buying. I know I’ve spent several afternoons happily sifting through the humongous collection of vintage postcards at The Olde Shoe Factory.

The sprawling three-floor building with original brick walls and creaky wooden floors was reportedly built in 1899. Shoe manufacturing boomed in Lancaster from about 1895 to 1935, and all but vanished by 1940.

Various companies operated the factories but according to local historians, all were eventually owned by the H.C. Godman Co. of Columbus. Another former shoe factory building at 219 N. Columbus St. near downtown is being earmarked for redevelopment into apartment spaces.

All kinds of vintage goodies are available at the Olde Shoe Factory Antique Mall. (Credit: The Olde Shoe Factory Antique Mall)

The Olde Shoe Factory is one of the area’s largest antique malls with more than 200 booths. Find both unusual and common antiques like glassware, pottery, primitives, coins, furniture, household décor, collectibles, coins, artwork, toys, books and much more. There’s also an area filled with rustic farm items, automotive items, signs and advertising items and tools.

The Olde Shoe Factory Antique Mall is located at 301 Forest Rose Ave. and is easily viewed along Memorial Drive (Business US 33) in Lancaster. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, closed Sunday.

For those interested in becoming a vendor, the mall has spaces available. Call (740) 687-1760 to ask questions and get started.

For more information about antique malls in Ohio go to Dusty Tires.

Ken Drenten is creator and editor of Dusty-Tires.com, a travel blog for out-of-the-ordinary places in Ohio.

Subscribe to Dusty Tires and receive a weekly email with the latest blog article. It’s free!

All rights reserved, Dusty Tires (dusty-tires.com), 2026.