unrelated photo; booth at Chartreuse today
Guilty as charged. Although it's been a mild winter, weather-wise, it's had all the hallmarks of winter for a junker: no fleas, no good estate sales. Or maybe I'm just getting pickier? Every estate sale lately has seemed unappealing for a junker like me (fine antiques, interior-decorator's dream, orientalia, etc.). What happened to all the "bring a mask/80 years of accumulation/digger's dream" sales? I shouldn't complain—I have so much merchandise already! But you know how it is; it's in our blood.
I vowed earlier this year to get a grip on what I already own, so have been working hard at managing the hoard and ATTEMPTING to make my home more livable.
A big part of that was loading up the etsy shop, and it's paid off big-time! I took the time to list new items, maximize SEO (to the degree that I care to), and focus—and it worked. Three times in the last 2 weeks, I've surpassed my own record, and if today is any indication, I'll do so again. It's been a struggle to hit my etsy stride, but I'll admit it's working—and it's really gratifying. More on this in a later post.
And, although I feel like I'm neglecting the booth a little (ok, a lot), it's rebounded miraculously. This January was the best I've had in the last 4 years, and I'm hoping it's a sign that the economy is slowly recovering. I'm fortunate to live in a fairly recession-proof area, though. But to my thinking, if people are buying vintage, things are looking up.
I'm hoping the same is true in your area and your shops. I'm also hoping that you're doing all the buying that I haven't been, because I'm coming back with a VENGEANCE. The next good sale I hit will be a FRENZY. I can feel it!
I think you're right, things may be picking up. A friend and I went to an antique mall in the Midwest yesterday an hour before closing and the parking lot was full! People have the itch to buy!
Posted by: SamovarKath | 18 February 2012 at 10:21 PM
Just noticed the new header-very nice! I've been rediscovering local thrift shops after a winter of no shopping.
Posted by: martina | 18 February 2012 at 10:36 PM
glad to see your latest posting. i was getting worried about you. no sign of your blog for 2 weeks. glad you've been busy. have you visited the animal shelter yet? i know your new best friend is there waiting for you. take good care of yourself.
Posted by: joanne streeter | 19 February 2012 at 09:33 AM
Things have been getting better here (Mass.) too. Fingers are crossed.
Posted by: Maureen | 19 February 2012 at 12:02 PM
That's the beauty of etsy -- if the brick & mortars are slow, etsy can still be humming along. Glad to hear you're selling a bunch online!
Counting down to yard sale season here in the PNW...
Posted by: Into Vintage | 19 February 2012 at 01:35 PM
I have to agree with you, I have been bored at even the local haunts and sales in the past few months...not that i really want to change my style or mode of shopping, but I have needed to kick myself into travelling to different places to buy, to get inspired!
Posted by: Donna Goff | 21 February 2012 at 12:53 PM