Archive for July, 2009
The Consignment Shop, a Format for Dealers
Wednesday, July 29th, 2009The more you think about all the different ways antiques dealers operate, the more you realize there is still one original format, the consignment shop. It’s got the best qualities of both the dealer and auctioneer; it’s a place to dispose merchandise in a consistent business pricing format. What makes this configuration work is the [...]
The Trend In Antiques, Will Mid-Century Modern Wither?
Friday, July 24th, 2009Mid 20th Century decorative and fine arts has been the dominant period of collecting and decorating, certainly for the last decade. The classical English, French, and Italian designs have been relegated to the dust bin of the out of fashion styles, or have they just been dormant and unnoticed by the public. Taste has always [...]
The New Antiques Business Method: Commercial Alliances Among Dealers
Friday, July 3rd, 2009The first question concerning how the antiques business will operate down the road is will it survive at all or be forced to evolve, like the banks and auto industry, but without government assistance. It also creates the perfect storm for change and innovation. Just as the Sotheby’s/ Christie’s duopoly operates on deception, fraud, and [...]