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Even before opening A Rare Find Antique Mall for business, Sherry Burchell said her venture was a success because people were dropping by.

"We opened on a Wednesday and on the Monday before I made sales, even though there was no money in the cash register," she said.

A Maryville resident, Burchell opened her antique mall business at 6467 U.S.411 South in Greenback just south of WYKO Inc.

She rents out booth space inside the 3,300-square-foot metal building and plans to expand it outside in the back, selling salvage architectural metal pieces that would fit in a garden setting.

One dramatic piece of metal consists of a large curved stand holding a huge metal container suitable for flowers or greenery.

Burchell said she has had booths for years in such malls all over this area and on the coast of South Carolina and in Indiana, her home state.

Thus far she has 17 vendors, including a woman who just closed an antique shop.

The offerings are eclectic, as is often the case with such malls.

Offered for sale are Halloween/fall decorations beside a regal American eagle statue, aged dish patterns and cookware, mirrors, vases, quilted items and wreaths.

Burchell said some of her vendors are still moving in and one man's items have sold so well that he is already having to restock his booth.

A Maryville doll collector is renting a booth to sell her merchandise.

Another unique offering is a wooden whistle that sounds just like a locomotive whistle and is hand-made by a local man.

Burchell offers mums for sale and will have more flowers available come spring.

She is still renting out booth space.