American Pickers’ Mike Wolfe promotes pal's antique shop's grand opening despite his own store struggling with low sales

AMERICAN Pickers' Mike Wolfe has promoted his pal's antique shop's grand opening despite his own store, Antique Archaeology, struggling with low sales.

Antique Archaeology's Le Claire, Iowa location has been suffering from sluggish sales while its more profitable Nashville, Tennesee store has garnered customer complaints.

Mike, 59, promoted the grand opening of the antique shop, Emily Found It, with an Instagram Story post on Friday.

The post read: "Grand Opening Soiree. Friday, Aug. 25th, 6-8PM" and included a link to the vintage store's Instagram account.

The social media flyer advertised: "Caricature Artists," "Refreshments," and "Giveaways."

The American Pickers star also promoted his automobile preservation shop, Columbia Motor Valley's Cars and Coffee event.

Mike wrote that the event "is a hive for creative car enthusiasts" and beckoned his followers to "come check it out!"

The TV personality advertising for his competitor comes after Mike hired a new agent for his antique business as the Iowa store has struggled with low annual sales.

The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal the reality TV star has hired a new registered agent for Antique Archaeology Nashville, LLC.

According to the Tennessee Secretary of State’s Office, the Annual Report for 2022 was filed on June 23, 2023.

The registered agent was changed from Steve Brown to Beth Welzenbach, who is Mike and Robbie’s sister.

The stores in both Nashville, Tennessee, and Le Claire, Iowa are under Antique Archaeology Nashville, LLC.

The change comes as The U.S. Sun previously reported Antique Archaeology in Iowa’s estimated annual sales, per Experian’s Business Valuation Report.

Antique Archaeology’s estimated annual sales are reportedly $62,000.

The company’s Business Credit Score is 23, which is “medium-high risk.”

The report claims of the score: “This score predicts the likelihood of serious credit delinquencies within the next 12 months.”

As for the Financial Stability Risk Ratings, Antique Archaeology received a medium risk of three out of five rating.

The report claims: “This rating predicts the likelihood of payment default and/or bankruptcy within the next 12 months.”

A rep for Mike and Antique Archaeology did not immediately respond to The U.S. Sun's request for comment.

While Antique Archaeology's Nashville location is doing just fine financially, customers have complained about Mike selling items inside the antique store for high prices—including $18 socks and a $900 cat food sign.

The U.S. Sun has obtained exclusive photos inside the Nashville, Tennessee store that revealed the pricey items.

In one photo, Mike is selling “Gone Pickin’ socks” for $18.

Another expensive item includes a $900 Purina Chow antique sign, while a Pepsi-Cola sign is going for $1,200.

A vintage Pepsi machine will set customers back $2,200.

Other collectibles include an early toy motor for $75 and a pair of 1942 Ohio license plates for $100.

Customers have complained about the expensive prices in the Nashville store.

One customer recently wrote on Google Reviews: “Nice place to visit. Plenty to do and see. Prices are a little high. But you can find items that you cannot find anywhere else.”

A second commented: “If you're interested in buying a piece there's not a huge variety of items to choose from. Lots of merch from Antique Archeology though. Everything is overpriced. Everything.”

A third said: “Kind of disappointed... Mostly just merch for the show... Very few items to purchase, very expensive!”

But the store does have must-see picks fans would enjoy.

In one photo, a jacket and helmet worn by famous stuntman Evel Knievel is displayed in the store.

The tag on the jacket read: “This was the last jacket Evel wore, used for a promotion. The jacket was picked in Nashville, TN. Check it out on Season 13, Episode 13 ‘Good and Evel.’”

The reality TV star also has on display a 1952 custom mini bike made to resemble an Indian Chief Motorcycle.

The bike was made for Randie Lou Reynolds, who began racing at the age of five, by her father and grandfather.

The new season of American Pickers with Mike, Robbie Wolfe, and Danielle Colby premiered on July 10.