SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — Spanning 116,000 square feet, the Heart of Ohio Antique Center claims to be the largest antique mall in the country.

As many as 1,500 visitors in a day walk into its doors. Many need a map to get around.

“When people walk in here for the first time, they always have the same reaction. They look both ways, like a deer in headlights, and ask, ‘Which way do I go?’ We give them a map and help them on their way,” said Ernie Jarrell, general manager.

When Bruce and Vivalyn Knight bought the multi-building facility in March 1998, it had been a flea market that hadn’t done well, Jarrell said. Within months of opening, the buildings were fully stocked with vendors.

A waiting list of hopeful vendors was compiled and continues to date, Jarrell said. Representing 26 states, 700 vendors fill 400 booths, 100-200 square feet each, and many more showcases, Jarrell said. The mall sits on 26 acres, visible from Interstate 70, between Columbus and Dayton.

“We have antiques and collectibles ... something for everybody,” Jarrell said.

The Heart of Ohio will bring a sample of their offerings to the AntiqueWeek Antique Show in Indianapolis, Ind., on Jan. 20-22. The antiques exhibit is part of opening weekend of the Indianapolis Home Show.

Though furniture and traditional pieces may be part of the mix, Jarrell said country items and décor will take center stage at the AntiqueWeek show.

“It will be things people can carry out or use, things they don’t have to think too much about ... It will be a different clientele (at the Home Show) who may not think about antiques,” Jarrell said.

Jarrell said he hopes this move will introduce new customers to the mall. Heart of Ohio continually seeks new customers through its website Heart ofOhioAntiques.com and through eBay.

“We were one of the first to have a large presence on eBay,” Jarrell said.

Besides building the customer base, which already extends to Canada and Japan, Jarrell said the business plan is to keep the business clean and organized, stock quality antiques and provide good service.

Like everything else at the mall, customer service does seem to take on mammoth proportions. Heart of Ohio employs a large sales staff to wait upon customers, provides shipping options, and features an auction house and a restaurant on its premises.

“We take a retail approach to the antique business,” Jarrell said. “You don’t have to drive to little towns, spending money on gas and a hotel. The vendors of toys, advertising, jewelry, pottery and glassware are all under one roof.”

The mall is open daily, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., 362 days per year. For more information check the website or call 937-324-2188.

AntiqueWeek’s Antique Show will run through the first weekend of the Indianapolis Home Show, when 35,000 visitors are expected. The antique show is included in the ticketed price.

That number is based on attendance for the past nine years, said Brent Keller, Home Show manager.

“We are expecting even more because of AntiqueWeek’s participation,” Keller said.

In 10 days’ time, the entire Home Show will draw about 100,000 people, he said. The oldest in the country, the Home Show is celebrating its 90th anniversary with a flower show, the antique show, and many other special events included in one ticket, Keller said.

For details, call 800-876-5133 or visit www.antiqueweek.com/antiqueshow