Booth sales were sluggish in November.
Truth? "Sluggish" would have been an improvement.
So why, with sluggish sales, am I on the verge
of taking a second booth at another antiques mall?
Because I'm crazy?
Yes, there is that ever-present factor.
Because I've got a really supportive husband, who likes
that being busy with antiques keeps me (mostly) out of mischief?
Well, yes.
Because I think I can better target what people might want to buy
if I split my inventory between two very different locations?
Bingo!
I am beginning to accept that I am not my own buyer!
I have a passion for American country furniture from
the 19th century (18th if I can find it!).
Pieces like this:
And this:
Sadly for my sales, American country furniture
is languishing in all too many antiques shops.
Despite all that gorgeous patina.
These pieces have such character, and they are
part of our country's history.
But period antiques are just not hot right now,
even at bargain prices.
*******************************
What is selling?
Let me give you an example:
this little table sat for months in my booth, in its original state:
I finally brought it back home, painted it with
Old White chalk paint, and popped it back to the booth.
It sold in just a few days.
Time to change tactics, don't you think?
I have been peeking around at other antiques malls,
looking for one that would be a good fit for the American furniture.
I think I have found it.
I'll be changing the Somerville Center Antiques location
to appeal more to people just starting to furnish their homes,
rather than collectors. My period antiques will move to . . .
I'll let you know when I sign the contract!
Yeah, I'm such a tease. :-P
Merry Christmas! -- Cass
You and I have WAY too many things in common already, and now I find that we also share a love of American country furniture! I like things simple with good proportions ... to much embellishment just isn't my cup of tea. Sometimes I think I'm the only person on earth who really doesn't care for Victorian fancy stuff.
ReplyDeleteIt kills me when I see a lovely piece of antique furniture with a glowing patina and good lines (and should be polished and left alone) ... but, instead, someone slaps on a layer of paint, 'distresses' it (and it IS distressing) and globs on some dark wax to provide the patina they covered up in the first place. Paint has its place, and it is NOT on lovely pieces like you have in your booth.
I wish you the VERY best in your new space, and I applaud your ability to analyze your options and pivot to take advantage of them.
Connie is sooooo right! There are a few of us out there that love the American country furniture...my house is full of it!! I've loved the pieces that you have kept in your house. Good luck in your new location, just wish you were closer, would love to go up and created inflation in your booth! donna :)
ReplyDelete