The antiques and collecting world seems finally to be gaining traction with the television world.  More and more television shows are popping up that pertain to collecting, and personally, I love it!

The popularity of new shows like Pawn Stars and American Pickers has spawned an interest in collecting like never before. People are digging through old boxes, their attics and basements (and those of friends and family) hoping to find hidden treasures that have been tucked away or long forgotten about.

The other day I received a press release from the HISTORY Channel about a new and exciting concept they are launching Dec. 6, just in time for the holiday shopping season. It’s a pop-up store in Times Square for fans of Pawn Stars and American Pickers.

Apparently the store is going to be erected at 1501 Broadway, New York City. On hand for the opening ceremony will be Rick Harrison from Pawn Stars, and Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz from American Pickers. All three HISTORY Channel stars will be on hand to meet their fans and sign autographs.

The Pop Store will offer show-theme merchandise, and there will be an interactive element for guests. The on-site games will allow you to guess the value of items from the shows on a screen, and to determine if a good deal was made.

The store will also have daily giveaways and a grand prize. I have no idea what the daily giveaways are, but wouldn’t it be great if they gave away a few of the finds the guys have discovered over the past few seasons?

If you happen to be in the New York area, make sure to visit the shop from Dec. 6-19, anytime from noon until 8 p.m., Monday to Friday, or on weekends from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Extended hours are planned the closer we get to Christmas, so guys – keep in mind the brownie points you’d score if you remembered to bring home a gift to place under the tree without waiting till the last minute.

Congrats, HISTORY Channel, for bringing these two shows to light and good luck with the Pop Shop!

P.S. – Just as I was about to upload this I heard back from the HISTORY Channel publicist who informed me that the Pop Shop WILL be selling items from past and future episodes of both shows. She told me what some of the items are that will be for sale, and I’d tell ya what they are, but that just takes all the fun out of it, doesn’t it now?

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