I’ve had the pleasure of exhibiting at the show for about 13 years, and each year the quality of merchandise on exhibit seems to keep getting better.
This is the kind of show you can find just about anything your heart desires. If you are looking for 18th-century furniture, you’ll find it. Should you dream of having a 5-carat canary diamond – or even one in pink – they have it. Perhaps a Tiffany window, no problem! The show offers row after row of drool-worthy antiques.
Often dealers claim the climate of the show sets the pace for how well the business will be for the rest of the year. If that theory holds true, we’ll see strong numbers at auctions, and many sales at shops as the energy this year was very high, and the shoppers were there to spend their money.
Every year the show does something for charity, and they enlist the help of the dealers to donate items for the cause they choose. This year it was for the Make a Wish Foundation Southern Florida. The Miami Beach Show and Make a Wish will help send a special 7-year-old girl and her family to Disney World.
In past years the show took up three exhibition halls. This year we were down to two, and I think it enhanced dealer’s sales greatly. While there is nothing wrong with a big show, it can become daunting to try to see it all in a few days, and I also think it makes it a bit challenging for some buyers to decide on what item(s) to take buy.
We had seen an increase over the last few years of jewelry exhibitors. And while jewelry is a strong seller during the show, I think it was smart of management to cut back on the number of jewelry dealers in the show.
Overall, the feedback I received from other dealers/friends on the floor was very positive. Sales were strong, many of their longtime customers came, and they were pleased. I will say early dealer buying seemed weak. Many of the dealers complained there wasn’t much to be found, and past shows, many dealers will tell you, the dealer-to-dealer sales are usually very strong.
If there isn’t enough to see and buy at the show, there is always the outdoor flea market that runs a good portion of Lincoln Road that is open on the first Sunday of every month. Many of the dealers head over there before making their way to the show. There are always reports of great finds at the market, that get put on display in dealers’ booths later that day. This year I found a beautiful vintage Pucci button-down shirt and denim jacket. My friend, whom I shared a booth with, bought a vintage barber’s pole, which worked. It sold within an hour of being placed in our booth.
Mark your calendar for the show dates next year: Feb 2-5, 2012. It’s certainly a show you won’t want to miss.
For more information, please visit: http://www.originalmiamibeachantiqueshow.com/
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