I talked with a dealer who exhibited at the Philadelphia Antique Show, surely one of the better high-end Americana shows in the country. For whatever reason there was little energy among the collectors who attended. Even with premier dealers and wonderful antiques offered, sales were so-so.
I have read about shows that had the same problem in the past, but I have never read an explanation that made sense.
“The market is down” is one reasons given. But even when the market is up investors await the next set of bad news.
“The right mix of collectors did not attend” also is voiced. But the show is looked forward to by many and its marketing is exemplary.
“The collectors dealers were waiting for” never showed up. While it is true that dealers, like sailors, have collectors in every port (every city and region where a show is held), the Philadelphia Show draws from all over the country.
“The weather was terrible.” There was some rain but the show the show is held indoors.
“The weather was gorgeous.” See above.
“Several dealers pulled out at the last minute or were ill.” Didn’t happen.
“The show conflicted with (fill in the blank).” Nope.
In any case, if anyone has any insights, please let me know. It could be that collectors, dealers, and the connosseurs do not know. There may be too many variables at play to make sense of the pattern they create. The reason may be why there are no one-armed economists according to former President Truman (one the on hand they point in one direction, on the other hand they point in the other…).
Given the confluence of events that lead to a less than sterling show, statistically it makes sense that some would not rise to the occasion. But which ones? A mystery that may never be solved.
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