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Shell Factory to auction collectibles & more

Historic attraction has closed; 500 lots of merchandise, memorabilia, fixtures to go to highest bidders

By MEGHAN BRADBURY - | Nov 29, 2024

The first auction, hosted by Fort Myers Auction, will be live until 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10. Featured will be bulk lots of many unique holiday favorites from the Christmas store, including villages, nativity sets and ornaments. Also featured will be merchandise from the retail store including T-shirts, clothing, toys and more. To bid, register at ShellFactoryAuction.com. PROVIDED

The public now has the opportunity to bid on a piece of nostalgia during two virtual auctions — the first one open now — to liquidate the remaining inventory of the 86-year-old North Fort Myers entertainment destination, the Shell Factory & Nature Park.

“The Shell Factory was home to 50,000 square feet of gift shops, so we have dedicated the focus of our first auction on selling these retail pieces. More than 500 lots are up for bid with items spanning decor, personalized gifts, Christmas House favorites and more. Once these items are moved out, we’ll shift our attention to the larger fixtures and memorabilia,” Shell Factory & Nature Park Owner Pam Cronin said.

The first auction, hosted by Fort Myers Auction, will be live until 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10.

To bid, individuals must register at ShellFactoryAuction.com.

“Bidding for the auction lots start as low as $20, and many include multiple items within a single auction lot, so there is potential to purchase bulk pieces at a great price,” Cronin said. “The entirety of the auction will be held online, and once winning bidders are determined, the team at Fort Myers Auction will schedule private appointments for winners to pick up their items at select times between Dec. 11-13.”

The first auction, hosted by Fort Myers Auction, will be live until 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10. Featured will be bulk lots of many unique holiday favorites from the Christmas store, including villages, nativity sets and ornaments. Also featured will be merchandise from the retail store including T-shirts, clothing, toys and more. To bid, register at ShellFactoryAuction.com. PROVIDED

She said some of the most popular items that can be found in the first auction include a wide variety of items from their Christmas House.

“Such as our 7-foot Santa statue, a coin-operated Santa’s sleigh kiddie ride and upside-down Christmas trees, in addition to many unique holiday favorites including villages, nativity sets and ornaments. We also have a variety of items from our retail store including T-shirts, toys and more. Our second auction in January will feature other beloved memorabilia, including the World’s Largest Shell Factory sign, as well as restaurant equipment and furnishings that can be a resource to those in the hospitality industry,” Cronin said.

The January auction will also include Tommy’s Outdoor Cafe sign and larger fixtures.

Additional details, dates and registration will be forthcoming.

She said following the auction, they will assess any items that may not have been sold in order to determine the best next steps for those pieces.

The first auction, hosted by Fort Myers Auction, will be live until 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10. Featured will be bulk lots of many unique holiday favorites from the Christmas store, including villages, nativity sets and ornaments. Also featured will be merchandise from the retail store including T-shirts, clothing, toys and more. To bid, register at ShellFactoryAuction.com. PROVIDED

“We’re thankful for all who have expressed interest in owning a piece of Shell Factory history. Our hope is that these pieces will bring joy to people, restaurants, and attractions for years to come, like they have brought joy to us over the years,” Cronin said.

First established in 1938, the 18-acre old Florida roadside attraction was located in North Fort Myers. Cronin, and her husband, Tom took over the property in 1997 when it was under foreclosure.

It was determined in September to close the doors.