A new shop on West Main Street is offering Salem shoppers a curated walk down memory lane with a mix of antique charm and eclectic treasures.
Kite & Key, Antiques, Uniques & Vintage Finds recently opened at 827 W. Main St., near New’d and NewFangled Bride. The store is owned by Salem natives Charlotte and Dave Franklin and serves as a brick-and-mortar extension of their existing business, Franklin Estate Sales.
From mid-century modern furniture and rustic décor to neon signs, guitars, albums, whimsical items, and “smalls,” the shop offers a rotating selection aimed at vintage lovers and casual browsers alike. A dedicated corner known as “Jane’s Cottage Core” showcases collectible items inspired by Charlotte’s mother, blending nostalgia with current design trends.
“We differ from other shops in town in that we specialize in both antiques and uniques of all types,” said Charlotte Franklin. “From clothing to furniture, it’s a full-circle experience.”
The shop’s name, Kite & Key, is a nod to Dave Franklin’s lineage—he is a descendant of Benjamin Franklin, whose famous kite-and-key experiment inspired the brand. The couple hopes the store will become a gathering place for Salem’s vintage-loving community.
“We’ve had neighbors stroll by and stop in, curious to see what’s inside,” Charlotte said. “Our hope is that word of mouth helps us grow right here in our hometown.”
The Franklins are also noticing strong interest in modern mid-century styles and women’s clothing in larger sizes, many of which are new with tags.
Kite & Key is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 540-293-9050 or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
