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I don't understand how some antique dealers stay in business.
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<p>[QUOTE="verybrad, post: 153278, member: 37"]I am with you. Sometimes the only one making money is the store owner. For many it is a hobby. Others come and go. There are peaks and valley's in business. For some reason, I had the worst single month in 3 1/2 years in my group shop last month. Most of the other dealers didn't fare well either but, whether or not it was the worst month overall, I don't know. I have been doing this long enough to know that sometimes you have to weather bad stretches to get to the good. </p><p><br /></p><p>Presidential election years are generally bad for retail due to uncertainty. Here in the Midwest, sales drop in the antiques/furnishings business with the first good weather since people are thinking about outdoors, gardens, and such. Summer is not particularly good until August when people are thinking about getting out of the Summer mode. I am in a large university town so a whole lot gears to August here. I can do 1/3 of my year's business in August if I am well enough prepared for it. Ditto, with Christmas season. </p><p><br /></p><p>Often, these large malls are on highways to catch travelers or near other major attractions to get the associated business. I have my doubts about whether or not this is as good a strategy as it once was. The business has changed and many of these large malls have closed. You no longer can just trot out stuff and expect it to sell. You really have to merchandise these days to have any thought at being successful.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>
[QUOTE="verybrad, post: 153278, member: 37"]I am with you. Sometimes the only one making money is the store owner. For many it is a hobby. Others come and go. There are peaks and valley's in business. For some reason, I had the worst single month in 3 1/2 years in my group shop last month. Most of the other dealers didn't fare well either but, whether or not it was the worst month overall, I don't know. I have been doing this long enough to know that sometimes you have to weather bad stretches to get to the good. Presidential election years are generally bad for retail due to uncertainty. Here in the Midwest, sales drop in the antiques/furnishings business with the first good weather since people are thinking about outdoors, gardens, and such. Summer is not particularly good until August when people are thinking about getting out of the Summer mode. I am in a large university town so a whole lot gears to August here. I can do 1/3 of my year's business in August if I am well enough prepared for it. Ditto, with Christmas season. Often, these large malls are on highways to catch travelers or near other major attractions to get the associated business. I have my doubts about whether or not this is as good a strategy as it once was. The business has changed and many of these large malls have closed. You no longer can just trot out stuff and expect it to sell. You really have to merchandise these days to have any thought at being successful.[/QUOTE]
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