Who We Are
Now with two locations!
Huntsville Alabama, over 20,000 sqft
Birmingham Alabama, 14,500 Sqft
Both filled with of furniture, home decor vintage and local artisan goodness. Open 7 Days a Week!
Visitors often say, “it’s Pinterest come alive!”
Bursting at the seams with creativity, the locals have poured their hearts and souls into this lil’ place.
It’s more than an “antique mall.” Expect to be surprised to find over 100 booths, over 115 vendors, and a new treat at every corner: ranging from steam punk to primitive, re-purposed to shabby chic. Whether you are just visiting Huntsville or Birmingham for the day, or it just so happens that find yourself traveling in Huntsville or I-20 between Birmingham and Atlanta, be sure to stop by and say hello and grab a few unique items and some locally made foods.
Oh, and don’t forget to buy a t-shirt!
Our Owners
At University Pickers we are family! The owners are sisters, the “Picker Sisters”!
It all started with a tiny booth and a love for all things old and beautiful. The store came next. Throw in some incredible, creative vendors, a vision for bigger and better, -and baby, we’re in business!
Cindi Pope and Trish Gleason grew up in middle TN with a mom that has a flair for decorating and a dad that knows his business. Mom taught us early how to shop for a bargain and make simple things beautiful. Dad taught us hard work and how to laugh at ourselves. Growing up in the Nashville area, we both learned to embrace country chic!
They were awarded “2017 Retailer of the Year” by Huntsville’s Chamber of Commerce, for their commitment to growth, community outreach and quality customer service. In 2020 they were award the “Best of BAMA-Antique Mall” and “Best of Huntsville Consignment Shop”
As little girls with opposite personalities, they clashed in a tiny, shared bedroom, once even drawing a dividing line down the center and threatening bodily harm to any that crossed. Thankfully, they grew up, found Jesus, and learned how to share. Now best friends and business partners, they work together using each other’s strengths to build up other small businesses in the booth industry. The store comes first, but they are also involved in local charitable events, hosting creative retreats and classes, coaching & hosting a yearly conference for small business owners in this industry.
Cindi & Trish love what they do. Faith & family are central to who they are. They love to help other small businesses grow and thrive, and they strive to provide customers what they can’t find in big box stores: local, handmade and unique items.
Tricia Gleason
Trish is local, living in Huntsville over 25 years. She’s a graduate of Tennessee Tech in Education, teaching for many years in Madison County, then receiving her Master’s in Special Education. She loves teaching DIY classes now and working with vendors and other small businesses to help them achieve their goals.
She and her high school sweetheart have two boys. When Trish is not busy with her boys or the store, she fills her “spare” time with painting and needlework.
Cindi Pope
Cindi is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Martin with a degree in Marketing. She loves organizing, digging in the details in business and has experience in leading teams of people.
Cindi now lives in Gurley with her hubby & son. She graduated from UT Martin with a degree in business and has homeschooled her children for the past 15 years. In her “spare” time she enjoys hiking and spending time with her family.
Things you should know
WE’RE SMALL BUSINESS.
What does that mean for you? Extremely personalized customer service and a store that is the definition of DIY. Every aspect of what we do, we do ourselves and in-house. Also, every single, unique customer that shops with us counts. And we want you to feel valued when you shop with us!
WE CAN SAVE YOU TIME AND MONEY.
Get gorgeous, one-of-a-kind items at a fraction of the cost that an equivalent piece would be at a big box store. The time and cost of picking isn’t even plausible for most of us on the go. Our Pickers do the hard work to save you money, time, and your sanity. We have it all in one location.
WE’RE LOCAL.
And proud of it. Rocket City Proud and Magic City Proud. We’re proud to be a part of the Huntsville and Birmingham communities, that are known for passionately honoring and supporting local businesses. We love being made up of other local, small businesses who are just as excited about their ventures as we are.
WE BELIEVE IN CREATIVITY AND INDIVIDUALITY.
Do what you love and own it. This applies to our vendors and to you and your home. We believe we were all created uniquely, for a unique purpose. We pray you’ll experience this individuality when you shop with us or attend a workshop at University Pickers.