Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Andrew and Elizabeth Ford have acquired Sarasota Trading Co., at 522 S. Pineapple Ave., in Sarasota, from Lance Stahl.

The deal includes the rights to the name and first right of refusal to purchase the 4,500-square-foot building.

The Fords have expanded their store there and have moved their headquarters there. They also plan to improve the property and to develop a Sarasota Trading Co. website. They opened the store in 2013.

“The past couple of years have been a period of rapid expansion for us,” Andrew Ford said.

“The antiques market is on an upswing because of the improved economy, and we are riding that wave. We are very grateful to have support from the international community, as well as increased interest here at home in Sarasota and Manatee counties.”

The Fords own Ford Art and Antiques at 136 South Pineapple Ave., also in downtown Sarasota, which specializes in 18th, 19th and 20th century fine art, antiques and accessories.

Their store at Sarasota Trading Co. features more mid-century modern furniture and paintings.

They also own Sarasota Estate Auction, a 7,000-square-foot auction house at 6030 N. Lockwood Ridge Road, in the shopping center on the southeast corner of Lockwood and Universit8y Parkway.

–Staff report