Old meets new: New Orleans antique shop accepts bitcoin

An antique shop in New Orleans is welcoming the bitcoin community, trading precious vintage goods for the digital currency.

The store, which is called David's Antiques, Jewelry, Collectables Old & New is in the French Quarter of the city and is run by husband and wife team David and Ester Edry.

Ester said she first became interested in bitcoin a year ago having read an article about it.

"I enjoy and appreciate the community it creates, connecting us to clients and friends around the world. Bitcoin is bringing everyone together, free from exchange rates and red tape," she said.

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Ester and David started accepting bitcoin in their store in early April, but said they wish they had done so earlier. "As a high-end retailer, we found that bitcoin is really the ultimate way for us to accept payment – no high percentage charges, no additional equipment, no opportunity to lose bitcoin like you can with cash, and no such thing as a 'bad bitcoin'."

Ester said she would prefer it if all her customers paid in bitcoin so her business can contribute to the bitcoin network rather than putting money in the pockets of credit card companies.

"While we wish there were more everyday transactions, there is definitely a buzz building. We are in the heart of the French Quarter, and as such, we meet many amazing people from all over the world who come to inquire about and discuss bitcoin," she explained.

Instead of a traditional credit card sticker in the window of the store, the couple opted to promote the community with a large 'we accept bitcoin' sign on the door, which customers enjoy being photographed with.

The business' first bitcoin transaction was filmed by customer Paul Snow and his wife, who purchased some cufflinks and, rather ironically, a money clip.

Paul said the payment process was extremely easy and that Ester gave him an extremely favourable bitcoin rate.

"The bitcoin world is just getting off the ground. No, you can't just walk into any store today and buy something with a bitcoin. But every day, more companies are coming online. And when you get to be a store's very first bitcoin customer? That is truly priceless," he said.

Ester hopes to start receiving more bitcoin transactions in the near future and said she'd love it if more businesses in the area started accepting digital currency.

Do you know of any businesses in your area that accept bitcoins? Let us know in the comments.

Image source: Brownian Musings