As a follow up to some of the recent discussion on the condition of antique shows, Scott Hansen of Briarcliff Manor, NY poses some thoughtful questions for discussion
Perhaps there’s a follow-on discussion for the Gazette to all this talk about the disappointing sales at shows. What are the dealers doing to survive? I would expect a change in their behavior – more advertising, more personal solicitations, a change in inventory, discounting, a change in show structure, etc., but, in my own experience so far, nothing like that is occurring. The show admission prices and parking fees haven’t changed, nor has the advertising – either from the shows or from the dealers. I don’t see any greater willingness to negotiate, or any change in inventory. Even my local wine shop has made changes like this, but I haven’t seen it in the antiques business yet. Is it all invisible to me?