More Bad News for "Brick & Mortar" Antique Dealers

Last week I posted about a Wall Street Journal article that chronicled the decline in prices of pre 20th century furniture. The article had some rather dismal statistics on not only the declining value of antique furniture, but also the decline in popularity. I thought it was an excellent article to reference when writing a marketing analysis about antique furniture, and coming from the WSJ has much credibility. To read the August 13th WSJ post click HERE. But wait, there is more bad news for the industry from the Los Angeles Times about the decline in retail antique shops.

Earlier in August the Los Angeles Time ran an article in the Homes and Garden section on the decline of the Brick and Mortar antique shop. The article states that many dealers are closing retail locations and selling strictly online. The author states that many collectors are moving to online purchases as well, and many are also forgoing traditional dealers and purchasing directly from auction houses. The article also briefly mentions the changes in tastes which are currently moving toward modern or 20th century design and changing lifestyles for collectors of today.

The article states "Walk the antiquing districts of Southern California these days and you'll sense the acceleration of the trend here. Earlier this summer, Cari Markell cleared out her Silk Roads Gallery on La Brea Avenue. Bruce Graney closed his Pasadena store last year after operating for nearly three decades. So did Sally Gould Wright of Richard Gould Antiques, a Los Angeles business her parents started half a century ago. Many antique associations have seen membership dive, and the Antiques Dealers Assn. of California has kept its numbers steady only after allowing in dealers who don't have brick-and-mortar stores or who sell pieces that aren't technically antiques."

In order to stay viable, both dealers and show promoters are trying to reach new collectors, and are allowing for the change in focus of what is now considered collectible and in demand, such as 20th century design.

The article continues "Therien & Co. has branched out from period antiques to more modern fare. Two years ago, Garcia started showing 20th century pieces, mostly one-of-a-kind furniture from France, Italy and Austria. The San Francisco Fall Antiques Show hired a new executive director last year and, for the first time, themed its event to showcase 20th century modern design. Lisa Podos, who later resigned as director to raise a baby, says the move was a nod to younger collectors who want one great object to go with contemporary furnishings. "They are more eclectic," she says. The Los Angeles Antiques Show now accepts pieces that aren't old enough to be antiques. A 1930s Art Deco table might be seen alongside 17th century chairs. Ray Azoulay and his fellow organizers may add "Design" to the show's name to broaden its appeal."

To read the full Los Angeles Times article, click HERE.