American Pickers' Mike Wolfe begs fans to visit friend's antique shop despite his own store struggling with low sales

MIKE Wolf has been asking fans to visit a neighboring Iowa antiques store owned by close personal friend in order to boost its business.

This is despite the American Pickers star's own antique shops struggling to make sales.

When he's not picking, Mike runs a pair of antique stores of his own.

The 58-year-old owns Antique Archaeology with stores located in Le Claire, Iowa and Nashville, Tennessee.

But it seems there's always room for some peaceful competition, especially from a long-time friend.

Mike even helped promote the new store - which he also had a hand in sprucing up.

The reality host shared a photo on Instagram of the shop.

The beige store looked to have been chiseled into a classic, brick building.

A pair of potted plants flanked either side of the door, which had a checker-box welcome mat out front.

Floor to ceiling windows gave shoppers a clear look at the bright tchotchkes inside.

Mike welcomed his friend to the neighborhood in the caption.

"When I started the restoration on this building, I never dreamed the business moving in would be my dear friend Emily," Mike shared. "We have worked side by side for 12 years at Antique Archaeology.

"I’m so excited and proud to be apart of her life on this next journey.

"If you come to Leclaire, Iowa come check out her new vintage shop. Give this gal a follow, she has an incredible eye."

Mike's eyes have been opened recently by a sharp drop in sales in his stores.

The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal 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 said: “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.

Mike has been slammed by customers for its reportedly over-priced items and selling merchandise instead of actual antiques.

One disgruntled customer recently wrote on Google Reviews regarding the Iowa store: “Seriously there was only a handful of stuff that had been potentially picked. The rest of it was cheap Chinese-branded merchandise used to promote the store.

“I get it's a tourist trap, but come on, at least do better than that. I would have happily dropped hundreds of dollars in there if it was something really cool. Instead, it was like three things that had been picked ranging from $200 to $4,000.”

A second customer commented: “This is more of a souvenir shop for the show. Not many antiques at all.”

A third blasted: “Was very disappointed. We made this a special stop on our drive home, took this route especially for this experience. Both buildings are very small and mostly gift shops selling their own merchandise.

“Grabbed an item as a souvenir, marked $3, but charged $9. And for as much as Mike and the team picks, where is it?”

A fourth commented: “Was so excited to go to [the] American Pickers store but disappointed it didn't look like it does on TV at all. High-priced stuff with very little parking.”

A fifth said: "Great place to stop if you're a Picker's fan. Otherwise, it's just a retail shop with some kitschy antiques and a lot of logo-emblazoned merchandise for sale."

A sixth customer said: “Stuff [is] a little pricey, but many interesting items.”

In photos seen on the store’s Instagram, many items include Antique Archaeology mugs, tote bags, shirts, magnets, towels, and more swag.

Some antiques seen include vintage bikes, signs, instruments and other items.

Fortunately for the American Pickers star, Antique Archaeology Nashville has been doing well.

The U.S. Sun previously reported Antique Archaeology Nashville’s estimated annual sales per Experian’s Business Valuation Report are $903,000.