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Discover Mid-America — March 2010
Back in the groove
 |
Well, we’re back to being monthly. In case you didn’t notice, we combined our January and February issues into one. The move brought on savings — advertisers foregoed a bill from us for a month and we saved on printing and shipping costs.
Yes, our revenue dropped, also. But there were no complaints from readers or advertisers. And that’s who we listen to.
I took it as a reasonably good move overall, especially considering the relentless winter we’ve been having. Few people consider a visit to an antique shop during a blizzard.
Suffering the snow and cold did take one’s mind off the lousy economy. Imagine if the weather had been spring-like all winter in the midst of political strangulation in Washington and joblessness numbers. Kind of weird dichotomy of circumstances. Does being warm make the economic woes more bearable? Maybe, maybe not, but utility bills can be lower.
Peggy Whiteneck’s Good Eye column this month makes some excellent observations about what’s happening to the antique business and how dealers can survive the downturn. Her vantage point — New England — in coming from the country’s antique trade birthplace gives her a lot of credibility.
Location, in Whiteneck’s mind, is the key and she writes about success in the “geographical cluster of antique shops” and for the antique business to be “integrated with other commercial interests in their area.”
Good insight — antique dealers thinking of going retail should take note.
As spring looms, I’m in the frame of mind that things will be better for 2010. Maybe not the scaling of an economic summit but at least a movement upward. A weeding out of sorts has taken place; new shoots should spring forth. Mark Ufferman, owner of Brown’s Emporium antique mall in Independence, MO thinks that’s happened and the only people (dealers) left are the smart ones.
“And they’re making money,” added Ufferman.
I tend to agree, though there the attrition will continue. Still, when I get a call from an experienced dealer such as Sharon Cotter telling me she’s opening a new shop (The Treasure Chest) in Peculiar, MO, it brings a smile. The demand for quality antiques and collectibles will rise as the economy improves and the buying demographic expands — meaning attracting younger folks interested in antiques.
In the past, I’ve pointed to River Market Antiques in Kansas City, MO as a magnet for younger buyers. Visit that mall and you’re likely to see a thirtysomething working the front counter.
Now I can do a little youth bragging myself. Jake Parrott has joined the Discover staff as an advertising representative. Jake is 23 years old, a graduate of Kansas State University.
When he told me he liked antiques, I admit I thought he was stroking me for a job (a tough job, at that). When I pressed him, he said, “I have an appreciation for things that are old.”
While Jake isn’t into 18th century furniture, he does collect vinyl records. I can relate, I was there, and that’s good enough for me.
Bruce Rodgers can be contacted at publisher@discoverypub.com.
> Refurnished Thoughts Archive — past columns
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