Random Thoughts of Spirit of the Past Antiques

March Newsletter

2012-03-01T21:41:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone!

February started out slow for the first week, but sales increased throughout the month and by month's end dealers had sold 2.5 times their investment in display space! We've seen sales of items priced in the $100.00 to $150.00 range increase, especially furniture. We've also seen the average total sale increase. One final indicator is that unlike January, most sales have been cash purchases.

All these indicate that tax refund "season" is upon us. March enjoys 27 days open for business, five of which are Saturdays...by far the busiest day of the week for us.

Debi and I feel it is very likely we will see tremendous final sales figures for March.

At this time, selecting new dealers is suspended unless a dealer comes along with great experience and great product. We will be offering expansion to our current dealers, certainly with open shelf units and likely a locking display case or two. We do not have any open booths at this time but if any come open they will be offered to current dealers as well. Please let us know ASAP if you desire to expand, offers will be extended on a first come/first serve basis.

We've finished bringing our own inventory from Rapatee to the store. Some of it waits to be inventoried and priced. We had a major hurdle to overcome when the computer at work died on us...but it has been replaced and all bookkeeping information is once again current.

Cathy Trotter has agreed to help behind the sales counter a couple days each month. She will be in the store with Debi this coming Sunday, and will watch the store on her own this coming Tuesday. Debi and I will be attending a memorial service that day for my sister Betty, who passed away last week.

Everything from the new Web Store, to Debi's new office, and many other projects, are still under "construction". We're progressing as fast as we can, and we feel that "Spirit" is moving quickly in the right direction.

Sales for the first day of March, today, ended with dealers reaching 3x rent! That is on a Thursday! I (Dan) strongly urge our dealers to maintain your display space well this month...bring in new product, keep the displays looking good. We're going to see much product moving out the door this month...might as well do everything we can to make the most of it!

There is much more I could get into...but after lasts months "thesis" I'm determined to keep it short this month. Thanks to all for the efforts in February...Dealer Appreciation night was fun for Debi and I, and we hope to do that sort of thing again...new antique stores are opening, or opened, or coming soon...to Pekin and we're seeing great results already from cooperating with our neighbors. We have enjoyed good comments regarding the new third room..and customers are finding us from the surrounding areas!

Again...March is going to be a blast!

Dan and Debi

Rapatee is nearing completion

2012-02-21T01:17:00.000-06:00

One more load of merchandise waiting to be brought to Pekin. Another in the van, and our storage areas in the store are full.

But, with some concentrated pricing efforts we should be able to finish the job of getting these items on the shelves and on sell within the next couple of weeks!

We'll have the last load in the store by Monday, 2/27.

My sister Betty has passed away.

2012-02-17T02:36:00.000-06:00

Betty had been sick since Spring of 2011, not feeling like herself. But she didn't let on to many about just how ill she really was. Her faith in God was very strong, and she chose to put her health in his hands. She was busy promoting her knew book, "Is it yet Tomorrow?", doing book signings while at the same time writing a sequel.

This past summer when Debi and I opened "Spirit of the Past Antiques" Betty traveled from her home in Michigan to join us, and support our efforts in every way she could. She held a book signing, and lent her sparkle and spirit to the festivities. I know she left an impression on many folks, Betty always did. She had a true zest for life.

I couldn't tell how ill she was. She never let on. While she was visiting she took the chance to spend time with us, and our brothers Ernie and Del and some of their families. She had a great time!

Then by early fall, the cancer she had not let slow her down came expecting payment and when she finally sought treatment it was too late. She's been very, very ill the last four months and at 10:50 pm on 2/16/2012 she passed away.

It is perhaps evidence that when anyone is ill, they should not put off seeing a Doctor. There is the perhaps...if sooner...if. There is also though, so much of Betty....her way of living, making the most of each day as it came, always trying new things. She couldn't always allow herself to be distracted...and I say that she packed more into each day than most of us!

I'll know more tomorrow about if there will be a funeral, or any other facts. I do believe years ago she donated her body for research...so there might not be a funeral. That is more evidence of Betty right there...she couldn't imagine just laying around even after she passed away.

So, Betty is with God, and Lord...you best have a list of things to keep her busy or she's going to come up with her own ideas! I'll miss you Betty until I see you again. I love you. Say Hi to Mom and Dad.

Dan

Nine days (open) into February

2012-02-11T20:40:00.000-06:00

The start of the month was slow, dealer sales were down under 2x rent the first five days. But the last four we've kicked it in strong and dealer sales for the month are now up to 2.5 times rent. I was particularly happy that the last four days averaged 3.2 times rent.

One concern is that we have a month where some dealers are hot and others have barely sold at all. But nine days is hardly a large enough sample to get any idea of trends. As we saw today (over 6x rent) things can change in a blink of an eye.

Sixteen days to go...hopefully we'll see the strong sales continue and we can get closer to, or perhaps pass for the first time, 3x rent. I (Dan) think it is important to see a positive trend as rent investments are increasing in March.

As to our own sales, the opening of the third room has gone better than expected, and we are very excited by our own numbers. Debi and I have discussed the benefits to the dealers that this creates. We can use rent to pay bills and what is left over can be used to advertise the store. We want to open up our efforst to let Peoria know we are big enough to be worth a trip to Pekin.

Today, from 10:15 until after 4pm, we had many folks shopping. The lot was very full, as were the aisles. We've noticed a trend where the more people are in the store, the more likely every shopper is to purchase. We wonder if shoppers kind of "feed" off each other.

Anyway, this post seems all to "money" related and the most important thing was we saw many people having a good time. Debi says the busier the store gets..the goofier I get. I did notice most folks were laughig and enjoying the "show".

We managed to conitnue to price Rapatee items...getting closer to the day we are done.

Guess I'll play a game of Risk against my arch enemy the computer and then get some sleep for tomorrow. Sunday, Debi and Jaime will be running "Spirit". In the morning I'm cleaning out what will become Debi's new office and then going out to do some marketing.

February Newsletter (Book)

2012-02-02T23:21:00.002-06:00

“Spirit of the Past Antiques” February Newsletter

Chapter One: “Making Money”

Hi everyone! This WILL end up about half a book, so much to talk about! I apologize if it gets a little long, or if I cover things I’ve said before.

January sales were down. Dealer sales ended just above 2x rent, around 2.2. That falls short of the goal of 3x rent, and represented the first time we failed to increase from the month before since September. Debi and I had been concerned there would be a decrease in sales in January. We believe it will be a natural occurrence. Our “trends” have followed those of most retail stores…and actually differ from the typical antique store. We found December’s Christmas shopping to be strong. It will be a hard month to repeat and may be our best month for, oh, one or two more months before our natural growth catches up to it.

Likewise, January followed the same “retail” pattern of lower sales. If these patterns continue we can expect very good sales in February and March. The next two months are “tax return” season and shoppers should be able to afford higher ticket items. We’ll see. I’m (Dan) betting from past experience in retail that I’m right. Seriously, I am betting on it. We’ve brought in a great deal of furniture expecting to see higher investment items sell well over the next 60 days. (More on this later)

On a related note, I had a conversation today with a dealer about what can be done to increase sales. I have to say that I get thrilled when folks make every attempt to create as much sales success as possible. Debi and I DO NOT want to make a living collecting display rent checks from people who are not enjoying good return on their investments and efforts.

Before we opened the store, Debi and I had never been dealers in our lives. In fact we’d never owned a store of any kind! But over the last eight months or so (most of which we’ve been open and more still learning the ins/outs and preparing the store) we’ve learned much from 50 hour weeks in “Spirit” and our research and that experience led us to enjoy our personal best month of sales in January…despite it being a slow month! I’m mentioning that not to brag, but as a precursor to some suggestions I would make to anyone investing in display space in “Spirit”.

First, the average antique mall sells (turns) about 10% of its inventory in a month. Our own inventory turns slightly higher than that rate. That means that if everything you sell is priced right, displayed right, and is desirable merchandise, you can expect 10% or slightly better to sell. If you stock $1,000 in inventory…you should expect $100.00 in sales in a month.

IF you are achieving that turn, and yet struggling to profit because rent seems too high, or price of product is too high, then you have options available that can help.

Increase inventory. A $60.00 shelf unit has 40 sq. ft. of space. That is five 2 ft by 4 ft shelves. The top and bottom shelves are difficult because they are 2 ft. wide and merchandise is hard to display, it gets lost in the back. There are ways around this by placing larger items on top…or lowering the height of the top shelf. The bottom shelf can be used to display wider products. But even if we FORGET ABOUT those two shelves entirely…we’ve still got 24 sq. ft. of display space. Let’s say we desire to sell THREE TIMES our rent of $60.00, or $180.00.

24 sq. ft of shelf, $18.75 every 6 sq inches, can we accomplish that in inventory? Not with $1.00, $2.00 items which take up too much space. Examples that fill about 6 sq inches and that sell for $18.75 or more? Coffee grinders, oil lamps, primitives, art glass, even two or three sets of salt and pepper shakers will fit in 6 sq inches and combined can easily sell for close to $18.75! Averaged with the oil lamp that takes up 6 sq inches and sells for $30.00 and it all works out.

So it is about a large enough amount of inventory, number one. If a dealer fills the three middle shelves with a total of $1800.00 inventory, and manages to fill the top and bottom shelves with half that, or another $600.00. That’s $2400.00 inventory. 10% turn and surprise, the dealer has grossed not 3 times rent, but FOUR Times rent!

Cost of goods is another concern of course, that is an area dealers need to answer for themselves but a common goal seems to be buy for no more than 1/3 what you plan to sell that same item…and frankly 1/3 may be a bit high. There is something about cleaning up a vintage or antique piece, and putting it in a retail environment that seems to magically increase its value! The truth is, it is the hard work and determination that dealers exhibit to gather valuable items into one location for ease of shopping which is the true magic. Between gas and time spent locating items, and the effort to research and price them, then display them, expecting a reasonable profit margin is completely fair.

Large enough inventory and then if sales fall short of the 10% turn?

The first thing to look at is how your items are displayed. Have you done anything to attract the shopper’s eye? Bright colors, linens, anything to draw attention can only help get your product noticed. Next is cleanliness. Are your products cleaned? Are your display areas cleaned? It is in the lease that Debi and I clean the common areas, and that cleaning display space is up to the dealer. There is a reason for this as if Debi and I spend every day cleaning, and it would take every day, we simply can’t do the job of selling your products, or walk the store providing security, or do the bookwork to get sales checks done on time.

Regarding the display, too much inventory can hurt as well! Consider that if you were a shopper, would you reach to the back to look at an item if it meant lifting something off of it, or moving items to get to it? Can a shopper even SEE some of the items at the back? There is a point where too much inventory will hurt your sales. At some point, it may be viable to consider expanding to more display space if you are trying to make more money. (Another point here, the most valuable small items are jewelry, coins, perhaps even collectables such as pocket knives. Those things obviously fit in pockets and as such are the first items stolen from display areas. They are hardest for Debi and I to protect. Any items that are small enough to fit into a pocket are likely to end up in a pocket if not locked up. It costs about $70.00 plus lock for a decent locking shelf display case. It is worth it.)

Finally, if your inventory is of proper investment, if your display is clean and appealing, and you are not making sales, you can consider your prices. Selling for too low can cause a potential buyer to have doubts of an items authenticity. Selling for too high, well, you won’t often sell anything when it is priced too high. It is important to research your items well and price at a value that is correct for the area market. (Book prices, even Ebay prices, can often be a little higher than the Pekin/Peoria market will pay. Why not sell on Ebay? In some cases it may be a better option, but consider the time spent, the commission, and sometimes an antique store IS the better choice.) We would add that including any research by way of good descriptions of the item either on the price tag or perhaps included on a little sign attached to the item helps as well. People like to know the history of the items they are considering buying.

Again, if you are selling less than 10% of your inventory each month, and your display is done well, you need to look at your pricing. Even if you are managing the 10% turn, watch closely items that have been on display past seven, eight months, they are reaching the point where they should have sold. Perhaps they are not something attractive to area buyers? Perhaps they might be replaced with something else? Debi and I do not suggest a reset every one or two months, we feel that even six months might be a little early, but at that point it wouldn’t be “way too soon”.

Well, I said this Newsletter would be half a book. And I’ve just about covered the first chapter: “Making Money”. Other ideas are seasonal decorating, seasonal merchandise. One thing we DON’T think helps a great deal is discount signs. Everything is Twenty Percent Off!”? We haven’t seen many shoppers come in looking for the “bargains”. Many assume prices have been fixed (raised to make the discount pretty much meaningless). What Debi and I do, is when it is time to lower a price on an item which has been in our inventory too long, is simply change the tag. Crossing out a price, and writing a new one? It worries us because any shopper could have a pen and do the same to any item in a display area where a dealer has already set the “example”. And, how do Debi and I tell the difference between a legitimately crossed out tag and one that is a shopper applied “discount”?

We have done our best to explain what we’ve seen work and what we’ve seen that doesn’t work. Of course, leasing display space means each dealer is their own boss. Please take our suggestions with the helpful and hopeful intent we have to provide advice to anyone who desires it. The main thing, because honestly folks none of us including Debi and I are likely to get rich at this, is to just have fun!

Chapter Two: “Some Neat Stuff!”

We have ONE booth available in the first room starting on March 1^st. It is 8’x6’ and rents for $120.00 per month. We will offer it to the first dealer who asks! After this booth, any others that come available will be offered based on a waiting list we are beginning NOW. So if interested in a booth…let us know asap.

We have up to three new dealers joining us in February. Welcome new folks!

Sunday, February 26^th, at 5pm we are having a Dealer Appreciation night. Let us know if you plan to attend. We will have pizza and soft drinks in the store and it will give everyone a chance to meet other dealers!

Feb 1^st we opened the “Third Room”. This 800+ square foot addition to the store is where Debi and I will display most of our own merchandise. We have found that selling our own products is profitable. It pays the bills, puts money in our pockets, allows us to keep rental prices low (reasonable), and gives us a chance to display items which smaller display spaces can’t afford to keep around waiting for a certain buyer. A good example of this is furniture. We are not known to carry much furniture due to the display design of the first two rooms. There just isn’t much room for big items. As such, people haven’t come in specifically looking for furniture…and those types of items have not sold at the 10% turnover (or better) that our smalls have enjoyed. We will “take the hit”, and stock furniture to build a reputation of having such items.

The third room will include a “rest area” where customers can enjoy a cup of coffee…someday we’ll have snacks available also. There will be a table and chairs. Dealers should also use this area to sit down and price items if needed. Use of this resource will allow customers to move about the store more freely. It would be a shame for a dealer to lose a sale because the customer cannot see everything on display.

We want to stay a mall. We can’t even imagine trying to constantly stock our own inventory for a store the size of ours. There may be concerns regarding the third room, but it amounts to about 1/4^th the entire area of the store. We are not trying to sell only our own product. No one renting a full display area is going to ever be asked to leave in favor of our own merchandise. But, we ARE going to use what space we need for our own products, for the reasons already mentioned.

“The Pekin Daily Times” is going to do an article about us in their business section! It will help of course get word out about “Spirit of the Past Antiques”. We are pursuing our regular advertising and marketing strategies, considering some additional efforts, and have some things in the works which we are not ready to disclose just yet. And some things which we will not disclose because we’re the only ones in the area doing them and we kind of like having our own secret “fishing holes”. :^)

Coming soon, we’re going to redo the lease. Nothing will change for our current and “new” dealers. The wording may be simpler, that’s pretty much it. For future dealers who sign up, we are going to change the lease to require a first and last month’s rent and an initial 3 month commitment. After 3 months the lease will become monthly as everyone enjoys right now. We find that dealers often start out slow. It takes a bit for shoppers to see the new items and think about them, or tell others about the new stuff, before things really start to move! A three month commitment is our way of making sure we sign up people prepared to go the distance.

We also wish to stress that as sales increase, all dealers be as self-sufficient as possible. If we spend time doing your research, or helping mark your tags, we are taking time from doing the work that sells your merchandise. And, as much as we enjoy visiting with our friends, we must make economical use of our time. If we have to step away from a conversation, please understand that we are at work and just doing our jobs.

We’ve hired a company to set up our Web Store. We found that our design was simplistic (we’re not experts in this area) and didn’t present the kind of look that we desire to express online. The Web Store is coming, that’s all we can say at this time.

We are expanding our security system by adding cameras not only to the third room, but additional motion sensors and another camera in the first room where shoplifting has been most prevalent. Our own recent inventory revealed that of over 1,000 items, we were “missing” four. In this economy, that is not an overwhelming number.

A reminder that as of March 1^st shelves will rent for $60.00 per unit. Locking cases will rent for $90.00 per unit. Please inform us no later than February 20^th if you wish to downsize or terminate your lease for this or any other reason. Regarding expansion, let us know soon if you wish to expand. We currently have a little space left that we prefer to make available to our current dealers. We also have a large amount of our own inventory and as we research it, price it, and display it, we will be less inclined to remove it at a later date.

To be completely honest, in less than eight months of being open Debi and I have seen many dealers enjoy great success, and a few that have not. We know it can be done. We THRILL at handing out sales checks to the success stories, and we get a sick feeling in our gut to collect rent from those struggling. But, so often there isn’t a thing we can do to change a dealers results. We are already doing everything we can. We’ve learned that being a mall has its own brand of stress that doesn’t come from selling our own product. We’re watching as sales increase and gleeful at the progress in just these short months. Our community deserves to be proud of the early results, and should be optimistic about the future.

But, where I can see the store ending up is with Debi and I selling our own inventory along with 20 or 30 solid dealers. Keep in mind that is less than the amount of dealers we currently enjoy. No, we will not toss anyone out in favor of our own inventory. But as natural attrition (people leaving for whatever reason) takes place…we will FIRST offer expansion to current dealers, SECOND either take the space for our items, OR ad carefully selected new dealers. Our vision is to be a good quality, profitable, premium service, antique mall where dealers feel they get top of the line representation and everyone from the newest shopper who just happens to find us to the longest tenured dealer feels this is the place they wish to do business.

We think the Web Store will add a new dimension to the possibilities available to everyone.

We know that adding the third room, and the great opportunity provided by the upcoming opening of “Derby Street Antiques and General Store” , will help draw customers from greater distances. Debi and I wish there were many antique stores in Pekin for that very reason. I’ve mentioned before that we could “enjoy” the 33,000 residents of Pekin as the only antique mall in town, or DELIGHT in sharing those 33,000 and the 100,000+ residents of Peoria and the many more beyond!

We think we’re heading in a great direction friends! Our customers continue to comment in many positive ways about “Spirit”, from the layout, the prices, the service, the products, we’ve all done a great job and things are going to get better and better. Just think of it, the strides we’ve made in less than a year! The first year is supposed to be about struggling, what great evidence the results to date are regarding the rewards the future brings!

We are so happy to have so many good folks with us on this ride. No one is going to be thrown off the bus, or have their ticket revoked. But as we progress we envision widening the seats a bit when room allows and being more “first class” for the passengers.

Thanks everyone for the great times and ties we’ve enjoyed! And for those we enjoy in the future!

Dan and Debi

10 days into January

2012-01-11T00:00:00.000-06:00

We've finished 7 of the 25 days we'll be open in January. Sales are at pace to equal or slightly beat November's totals. One trend that continues is a noticable discrepancy between dealers who are already at or above rent, and those struggling to just make rent.

Debi and I haven't been long in the business, but with some experience behind us we're seeing what works and what doesn't in the store.

For our part, our biggest struggle has been selling furniture. This was addressed in the January newsletter. With the purchase of "Simple Country Pleasures" in Rapatee, we've acquired a number of decent quality pieces of furniture. Several items are in the store already. We're selling these at good prices, lower than we would ask in most circumstances. Our purpose is to establish a reputation as a good store to shop for furniture.

We're also in the midst of expanding into a third room at "Spirit". The latest word from the Landlord is that his part of the construction will be completed this coming Sunday or Monday. Once we can get in, we will paint, set up fixtures, and move in as soon as possible. We'll then bring many more bigs in to the store. Again, as mentioned in the newsletter, our intent is to expand the customer base to persons shopping for bigs. Let's be honest...we just haven't had many in the store and we can't expect to attract this new customer base without the merchandise to offer! It may take a bit to start a trend towards larger items. We know that, and we don't expect our booth dealers to use precious display space.

To those that do bring in furniture, we hope our efforts will succeed in helping your sales.

Now, as to the subject at hand about the differences we're seeing in results for our dealers. If folks are looking to improve their sales, some of the best results have been:

Coming in often to clean and rearrange/decorate display space. Those dealers that do this, simply enjoy better sales than those that don't.

Good pricing. Good products. Large and varied inventory. Better results have come from dealers who bring in antique or vintage items, and price them according to the Pekin market. Primitives/vintage glassware/signs/jewelry have all been selling. There isn't a noticable trend except that reproductions and "newer" (we've some in the store which we really shouldn't have) items aren't moving. We also have many items which have been in the store in dealers booths since we opened. Is it time for a price change, or a product change? It would be a good idea for dealers to walk the store and check pricing. How do yours compare?

"Spirit of the Past Antiques" has enjoyed sales close to the triple rent figure we aspire to achieve for two full months and it looks like January will be the third. It can be done. It is being done by many. We do not believe we've even come close to the best sales figures we can achieve. We've only been open seven months! And, we've many dealers who are just as new to this as Debi and I. A learning "curve" is to be expected. We are very happy with the community of dealers we've extablished. The store is currently completely full. When we finish setting up the third room, we hope to have opened up some spaces in room one for expansion. All our current dealers will be offered what space is made available before we contact people on the waiting list.

One announcement which will be "official" in the February Newsletter. We've noticed that the single shelf dealers..either using open shelves or those in locking cases..do tend to struggle the most to earn profitable returns. As of April 1st, we're going to end the opportunity for anyone to rent less than a full shelf unit or locking case. We'll certainly strive to offer expansion to those folks (to a complete unit) first. We don't want to force anyone out...but we never feel right taking payments for rent when a dealer isn't earning profits from the display space. And single shelves are just not big enough to "absorb" a bad week.  They are too "hit and miss". Obviously the few pegboards do not lend themselves to expansion, so we'll keep offering them in the same manner as we have since we opened.

Debi and I have our hands full with the expansion. Not only are we opening up the third room, but we will be setting up a business office for Debi where the current storage room is located, and we will be remodeling (rearranging extensively) the sales counter area. Behind the counter we will be setting up displays of our products...thus keeping more of the floor space available to dealers.

We also think removing the "paperwork" in favor of an "old country store" appearance will give the customers a little more enjoyable shopping experience.

Because we've got so much on our plates...the Web Store continues to be tauntingly close to completion..but still out of reach. We've decided to hire outside help to check out the design and make the Web Store as atttractive and efficient as possible. It is coming...no new projections as to when because I've optimistically made too many already. All I can say is...it is on the way.

When I (Dan) say we've got much on our plates...I'm not kidding. The items we've brought in from Rapatee have just scratched the surface! We worked all but one day in December and all but one day so far in January to move items, research and inventory them, price them and get them on the sales floor! Our attention is on the details of timing to get the third room open, and all previously mentioned, done as soon as possible. If at times we've seemed tired, or unintentionally "short" to anyone...please understand it is simply because of all we are trying to accomplish in as short a time frame as possible.

"Spirit of the Past Antiques" will be a stronger business entity due to the work we're putting in this month. We'll be a better place for shoppers, and a better place to be a dealer. One of the last things we want to see is folks that have struggled to date to make rent decide to give up prematurely. But, we set up our lease to be one month at a time because it would be worse to us to see dealers want out and be stuck in a lease. We've had many people coming in wanting display space. We are well stocked ourselves with items to display. If anyone does want out...we hope they don't decide to stay for fear of hurting our feelings. Debi and I feel the friendships we've made with our dealers go much further than "rent". And if anyone does decide to pull out...we'll understand.

As the title mentions, it is 10 days into January. On the 14th we'll have been open for seven months! We've been through a summer, fall, and Christmas shopping season. Results overall have been more than Debi and I expected this early in the process of establishing a store. But, we've also seen enough months for folks to determine if their personal results are acceptable. (Some dealers have expressed that "making rent or a little better" is about what they expect...if they are happy with that and being a dealer is more of a hobby, we certainly understand and have no issue there. It does throw off our statisitcs a bit...lowers the results overall...but why not have room in the store for those doing this as a "hobby"? It's ok by us!) Perhaps what I'm trying to get at is this simple...as a dealer at "Spirit of the Past Antiques" are you having FUN? If you are...wonderful! If it is going to take better sales, well, we've offered some suggestions, we've seen the store work for many so we know it can work for anyone. If a dealer isn't satisified, and especially isn't having fun...the 20th is the last day of the month to give us notification that you wish to end the monthly lease agreement. We've got folks who want to expand...we've got our own product...and we've got folks that want to move in. You won't hurt our feelings and in fact you will releave us of feeling so rotten to be taking your rent when you aren't making any money!

Now, I suppose I've rattled on and on again...and I hope I've created the right "tone" in this post. I don't want to sound like I'm pushing anyone out...and I don't want to sound like I don't understand that some folks are just having a good time and not worried about "profit". Though we ARE going to end the single shelf rentals...we'll find room to offer expansion to those folks. No one is being asked to leave. Likewise, no one is being asked to stay if they wish to get out. "Spirit of the Past Antiques" was started with the intent to be a fun place to own, or be a dealer, or shopper....that is the point I'm trying to make....if you are having fun, stick around, we think it is only going to get better. If you are not having fun, or not making enough sales to make it fun, don't worry about us...do what is right for you!

Dan

Charlie Chaplin's "It's a Dog's Life"

2012-01-08T00:43:00.000-06:00

AMC was running a Charlie Chaplin marathon tonight. Debi and I caught all of "Modern Times". Towards the last half hour, her six year old grandson, Ethan, joined us and became quite interested in the movie. I was impressed with how he caught onto the facial and body expressions...understanding the plot very well. He asked why the movie was not in color. We explained that it was very old, and movies used to be in black and white. He asked about why there was no talking, we explained that old movies couldn't record sound. ("Modern Times did have sound, just not much more than background noises as that was Chaplin's "thing".)

Ethan laughed soundly at the right parts, and often expressed his own narative, "He told him to leave!", stuff like that."

I was fighting back tears of joy!  Here was a six year old enjoying a Chaplin flick...filmed in 1936! I loved it.  When the film was finished, Ethan wandered off to do his own thing. Debi and I were just so proud of him, and so happy to see something as classic as a Chaplin film could still captivate a child!

Then, during a preview of the next film, "A Dog's Life", Ethan reappeared and asked, "Is there another one!?"

"A Dog's Life" is a 1918 Chaplin short, just 30 minutes.  None of us had seen it before. We three watched it start to finish.

(Chuckle) In this world of video games, "Star Wars", and everything big...fantastic...amazing...it is so nice to see "The Little Tramp" come out from mothballs to capture the imagination of a child.

January Newsletter

2011-12-29T00:33:00.000-06:00

Yeah, it is a little early.  I'm (Dan) up late tonight and thought I'd get the newsletter done. First, we had good sales today, not great, but good. What was remarkable however were the customer comments...and some of their other reactions to the store.

We had one person so impressed that she told her in-laws who are visiting from near Chicago about "Spirit" and later in the day they came in and enjoyed themselves. Shortly after, we had a nice visit with a gentleman who used to do an Elvis act...Debi and I enjoyed his tales of persons he's met, experiences he has had. He was very happy with the store and plans to be a regular.  Towards the end of the day, another customer who had been in earlier returned with her Mom! Between these visits, the usual good comments were heard.  Our community of dealers should be proud of their displays and the stunning visuals you are presenting to our customers! Folks, you are making something special here. And be certain...because roughly 3/4ths of the store is yours..it IS you who have created most of this place!

Sales for the month, on December 19th, passed November to be our best month yet! Since then, with six more days of being open we've just been building on the numbers. We will reach close to three times rent for the month. We're at 2.5 times rent FOR ALL OF DECEMBER with three days left.

Debi and I enjoyed the Christmas displays brought in, and we thank the folks who went so far as to bring treats. I did leave some for the customers...I really did!

Some folks are probably wondering where the vaunted "Web Store" is...we have it ready to replace the web page anytime, even have a few items pictured and displayed. But we want to open it up with a good number of items so that folks visiting won't be turned off by limited choices. We've kind of been sidetracked, which I'll write about in a bit. When we get it up and running we will list only or own products for a bit to work any bugs out of the design...then we will open it up to everyone. There will be a fee of some sort...and we're going to limit the items to a certain price range, and with consideration for ease of shipping. But, it is coming.

Now, why we were distracted. Quite by accident Debi and I located a small antique store and through a short working relationship with the owner...we ended up being offered a price for the contents of the store! We felt the offer was excellent and accepted. We now have thousands of items, most of very good quality, which we will be bringing in to "Spirit" starting right away in January. To those who may be concerned we are moving away from the mall idea...I assure you that nothing will change regarding your display spaces. Future expansions for our dealers MAY be delayed while Debi and I figure out how much room we need for these new items. But, we'd already called a halt to new dealers due to the limited space...and suspending expansion opportunities will be temporary.

In fact, as many folks know, Debi and I have flirted with opening a third room for quite sometime. Because "Derby Street Antiques and General Store" plans to open soon..we had decided to wait until they have an opportunity to fill up a bit before we expand. Now, with this purchase, we've gone ahead and arranged to lease the third room! We will use it to display our products...keeping the original two rooms as a mall. There are positives to this for everyone, just a couple real quick.

First, by selling our own products we can keep the price of display space rentals low. Frankly, we HAVE to sell our own products to make the store viable. That, or we drastically raise rent and expand to an amount of dealers we don't feel we can serve at the level we wish to offer.

Second, many of the newer items are furniture pieces. Everyone has done well with smalls in "Spirit", but for obvious reasons we've not displayed much funiture as a group...and folks aren't coming in looking for it. By putting our own furniture inventory in the third room, Debi and I will take the initial "hit" of having to wait until word gets out that we have a good selection of bigs. Once we see sells of those items pick up..we'll let the booth dealers know.

We HOPE our reasoning is sound. We ask that dealers be patient with us in January while we get the third room up and running. As mentioned, we think in the long run it will benefit everyone.

Now, regarding the third room...it is a little over 800 sq.ft. of display space. The inventory we purchased is housed in a one room school house that I estimate to be near 1500 or more sq. ft. Space is going to be tight as is, we do not anticipate having room to add new booths in the third room. As in the past, any booths which become available will be offered to our current dealers first. No one will be shut out from expanding when the opportunity arrives. It is just not going to happen in January.

Let's see, what else? Advertising and promotions! We had a neat promotion in November, a "Christmas Extravaganza" where we worked with some local businesses..served some treats, had some extra advertising...we plan a couple more events like that one, one around Valentine's Day and another later on. We are also expanding our advertising in the "American Classifieds"...we're adding an advertisement one week each month in their online ads. It will be a banner ad where folks can click on it and it will take them directly to the Web Store...or Web Site...depending on which is ready when it first runs. I also spoke with the owner of "Derby Street Antiques and General Store" and he is up for cooperation between us. He will allow a flier in his store and we in turn will add them to our maps of areas businesses. By the way, there is no reason for those who wish to expand why you can't rent space in more than one mall. In fact, I suggest it!

You know, the more antique stores near us...the further and more often people will travel to visit and shop in Pekin! That is just a simple fact. I wish we had twenty antique stores in town! So, I hope everyone will support the efforts of the new mall...honestly it is probably going to be better for us than if we ran an ad a week in the "Daily Times!" Think of it like this. Pekin has 33,000 or so residents. Would we rather keep them all to ourselves and be a "town" mall, or would we like to attract the 100,000+ people of Peoria as well? A second mall makes that attraction far more likely! They can't open up soon enough as far as I'm concerned! :^)

What else....what else....rental prices. We'll enjoy offering the discounted rates of $50.00 for a shelf unit and $70.00 for a locking case in January and February. As of March 1st, 2012, rates will go back to $60.00 per shelf unit and $90.00 per case. That is back to where they were before we discounted them. A handful of folks joined us after the rates were discounted, I suppose to them it will seem like a rate increase. As we've seen sales pick up to levels approaching 1 1/2 to 2 times what we saw even in October...we feel the return to previous investments will be easilly absorbed in sales.

Coming soon we will be revising the lease. Nothing is going to change other than some better wording and the deletion of the "barcode security system". It has proven incompatable with our cash register. We recently performed our yearly inventory...and as we suspected it lends evidence that we have not had a major issue with theft in the store. Of about 1500 items, we could not account for 4...after six months! How many of those four were theft, or perhaps items we somehow failed to ring up...we don't know, maybe they ended up on the wrong shelves. But, four items! That's not bad. By the way, with the addition of the third room, we will be expanding our security system to include more cameras and motion sensors! And, Debi has only been onboard fulltime for about one month...her continuing to be a second pair of eyes in the store can only help as well.

We'll be closed New Years Day. We appreciate our dealers being patient as we've taken some holidays off. The breaks have kept us fresh.

I suppose everyone is board with all this by now. You know, putting the newsletters on the blog makes them available to more than just the dealers. But Debi and I figure we haven't much to keep "secret" about "Spirit". In fact, I hope our regular customers, even new potential shoppers, enjoy (if possible the way I meander) getting their chance to be a part of the overall workings of "Spirit". Afterall, it is certainly they who keep us all able to find these great antiques and put them in the store!

And, when they come in and compliment us...wow...shoppers, you DESERVE to have a decent place to look around for things you want! But, thanks...it's your dime keeping the lights on!

Happy New Year everyone...those antiques just got another year better!

Dan and Debi

Three days left to shop "Spirit" in 2011!

2011-12-28T20:56:00.000-06:00

We'll take a two day break on the 1st and 2nd and open up at 10am Tuesday, January 3rd.

That day, Debi will open the store and I will begin bringing in some really neat furniture which will be priced and ready to sell Tuesday afternoon!

These last three days of the month, there are bargains to be found all over the store! Many dealers seem to have decided independently of each other to have "clearance sales"!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2011-12-23T18:29:00.000-06:00

Getting ready to close the doors soon for Christmas. Debi and I will be back at 10 am Tuesday morning. Thanks to tremendous community support, we passed November today...having the best month of sales since we opened!

I'm torn between giving an end of the year speech now..or next week before New Years. I guess I'll wait until New Years Eve.

Tonight my thoughts are of seeing family tomorrow, spending time with Debi and Jaime, and some wonderful holiday feasts!

Blessings for us this year have been many, and we thank the Lord that He has taken care of our health, our needs, and allowed us the chance to see so many "miracles". Everyday, another "miracle" walks into our lives. And by that I mean the kind, friendly faces that enter "Spirit" and give us a reason to smile, laugh, and cheerfully enjoy our day.

People.......THANK YOU....I've never felt better about the world we live in then when I think about the souls we've met.

Merry Christmas, and God Bless you all!

Dan

"Spirit of the Past Antiques" is full

2011-12-13T17:24:00.001-06:00

I had our advertising sources change our ads to remove the "accepting dealers" portion. We have around 40 dealers, and have enjoyed some expansion recently.

Debi and I have also acquired the inventory of a second antique store, which we will bringing in to "Spirit" in January. This changes NOTHING in regards to our design for the store. No dealers will be asked to leave, or downsize. We will be a mall first, but by selling our own items we can keep the cost down on rental space.

Debi is working from home tomorrow to finalize the Web Store. Just a matter of posting pictures and descriptions of some products to get it going.

Sales for the first eleven "open" days of December have been remarkable! I think we'll certainly have another record month, likely pass November's old record before Christmas. Of course, as mentioned in previous posts, I expect January will be very slow regarding sales. It will be a great opportunity for ourselves and our dealers to do resets.

Dan

"Gold Rush!"

2011-12-09T18:36:00.000-06:00

I like to watch this show, "Gold Rush" on Friday nights. Several guys down on their luck trying to strike it rich, literally, in the frozen tundra of Alaska! Each week, it seems they are just about ready to start mining that precious yellow metal when some unforseen event (usually a mechanical breakdown) causes another delay in an already short season of mining.

Let's see. So far this season there have been:

House destroying floods in the hometown, requiring a halt to mining to try to "save" anything that didn't float away.

Water pumps too full of mud to work properly, followed by the absence of the only mechanic in the crew capable of desiging a filter to cleanse the water. His new lady interest, however; seemed to distract him enough that he didn't care about finding gold.

Vehicles too wide for quickly constructed roads, dozers incapable of moving frozen ground, hills too steep to mine on, fits and starts to locate sutable claims, and then finding that part of the claim was mined already.

We had attempts to dig holes inside holes dug long ago, now clogged with old equipment.

We had squabbles, feuds, complaints, and demands to drill holes to make sure there was any gold to begin with.

I'm sure I've missed many. For all this, so far from three mines, we've seen I think around 12 ounces of gold discovered!

So it has me thinking, what more could happen to our misfortunate gold diggers? (Keep in mind, it is a tv show and there MUST be something by way of financial guarantees for being on the show...so it PROBABLY isn't really a sink or swim thing.)

Anyway, my predictions of upcoming misfortunes:

Native American burial site. After days of digging, an Native American mound is discovered....putting another hault to efforts to find gold! Add to this, dinosaur bones, mysterious lost civilizations, and perhaps even an Egyptian Tomb (who knew Alaska could even have these!?!?)

Grizzly bears steal all the food...leaving the men starving, but unwilling to quit digging!

Or worse...the cameras freeze up and everyone is unemployed! :^(

Who knows...tonight, we'll find out more...

Dan

Five sales days into the month...

2011-12-06T21:24:00.000-06:00

...we are averaging just over 3 times dealer sales to rent! Now, the Christmas shopping season has much to do with these fantastic sales figures, so I caution that after the next two 1/2 weeks we'll likely see a big drop off.

The best news is, as always, folks continue to find the store...and come back...and tell their friends and family members....and they come in to shop.

Debi and I are not getting much done by way of the Web Store, we're trying. Once it is established, maintaining it will not be as difficult.

We rented two more shelving units today. I've lost track of how many we've got left.

I received good news from one of our advertising reps who met with the owner of the new antique mall on Derby. They are interested in working with us to refer customers to each location. I was so very pleased to hear this, and hope to meet with them soon myself to establish a trade of fliers, etc. Having a second quality mall in Pekin is great! I'm hoping to combine some efforts with them to let people in Peoria know that this town of ours is fast becoming a great location to hunt for those speical treasures that can only be found in antique stores!

Dan

December Newsletter

2011-11-30T23:41:00.001-06:00

So much to report I'm going to kind of sort it all out with as few words as possible.

1. November ended and we reached just over 2.5 times dealers sales to rent! Our goal is to reach 3 times, so we are getting closer each month. November was of course a record month.

2. Our "Christmas Extravaganza" promotional weekend was the second busiest weekend we've enjoyed. We just missed doing even better than our grand opening weekend!

3. We continue to offer our "Bundle Package" to customers, the special offer will end on Dec 23rd.

4. The Christmas shopping season is certainly upon us, and we are finding more and more new customers...who in turn become repeat customers. We've no idea how far this store can go..but it is clear we've not yet scratched the surface. The compliments about the store are seemingly endless...and Pekin has been so supportive of everyone's efforts! We're excited about reaching out to Peoria through some newly planned advertising.

5. We know December will be another very good month. On that note, we caution everyone to expect a slow January. Our best guess based on past experience in the retail field is that "tax return season" (February and March) will be very good months...possibly similar to November and December.

6. We purchased a new lighted sign for above the store entrance. It should have been installed weeks ago but illness with the signmaker delayed things. He has stated it will be installed on Friday 12/2/2011

7. In January, we will begin packaging price tags in bags of around 100, and charging for them. The cost will be around $.03 each and we are seeking only to recoup the cost of buying them. Regarding tags, please use tags with strings, or be VERY careful to tape tags to an item in such a way as to not harm the product. Please do not use adhesive tags as they can damage the item and can be very difficult to remove.

8. We're still working on setting up the Web Store. Frankly business has been so good as to slow down the completion of some of our projects, and this Web Store is but one that has been delayed. Every effort is being made to hurry it along...but sales come first.

9. Debi and I continue to find every corner of the store where we can stock our own items...thus leaving more shelves and cases available to dealers. In December we lowered the prices of the cases and shelves, and have no immediate reason to raise them back up. Eventually, and everyone might as well know, we will return to the slightly higher rates. Not sure when, no hurry, everyone enjoy the lower prices for now while we find dealers to fill the last spots available.

10.  We have discontinued the silent auction in favor of donating a predetermined amount of our own sales to the "Tazewell County Museum".

11. We are up to 38 dealers and it looks like we'll end up with around 55 to 60 by the time we reach capacity. As we grow, we hope to provide the kind of service to our dealers that we have managed thus far. But we ask that everyone be as self-sufficient as possible.  While we don't mind helping with things like determining prices, please be aware that we can create more sales by communicating with customers, planning advertising, even just cleaning. The more our dealers can do for themselves...the more we can, in return, work to increase sales.

12. Keep working your display areas! We have a number of dealers earning three, four, in some cases five or more times rent. It can be done with the right product, display and pricing.

13. Thanks everyone for the Christmas decorating! The store looks great! "Spirit" closes on major Holidays. We will be closed Christas Eve, Christmas and New Years. There may be times we are forced to close during bad weather (we live on a street that is low plowing priority) ...and will have a sign in the window to notify customers of this possibility.

14.  We'll be asking that updates to the lease be signed, mostly to clarify display locations in the store as some folks have expanded, downsized, or moved to a new spot. The only changes to the lease will be that we have accurate records of where everyone is located.
15. It begins to look like we had an incident where a dealer "gave up" without picking up merchandise. We have tried to contact this person but received no reply. As everyone knows, we don't collect late fees, we tend to go past deadlines (see lease) in regards to people pulling out without charge. We also insist on using a monthly lease, as we don't want anyone "stuck" in the store if they want out. But as the store is getting full...we need folks to notify us of any downsizing or pulling out by the 20th of the month so we can respond to the situation by contacting potential renters..especially now with the booths, and certainly eventually with all locations in the store. The lease states that items abandoned will become the property of "Spirit of the Past Antiques". We've decided to give this person until the end of December to pay for the months that items were on display...and pick up the product. In January if this isn't done we'll donate it to Goodwill. (We don't feel right just keeping it. Although, I suppose in the future to recover the lost rental income we might have a different perspective.) I mention all this mostly to remind that we need to be notifed of changes in display rentals, including downsizing or terminating the lease, by the 20th of the month. It is assumed a dealer has commited to the next month if we do not receive timely notification...and rental charges will take place for the following month. To keep rental prices as low as possible for everyone, we must follow this part of the lease.

16. I typed fast and I suppose I might have missed something.  Debi and I try to provide updates during the month and we'll always notify on Facebook of any important news on the blog. We've emailed this newsletter to those we could. We've included an offer to print a copy of this for those without computers with Novembers dealer income statement. Hopefully we've given everyone ample opportunity to stay informed.

17. We wish everyone a great Christmas season. Thank you all so much for being with us while we grow! On Dec. 14th we'll celebrate being open for six months! Time has flown by and we're way ahead of where we expected to be at this point. The first year of a new business is supposed to be pretty tough, many don't make it. Perhaps it is luck...intuition...who knows, but "Spirit" is doing pretty well...and our dealers deserve much of the credit. Help us reach that goal of sustainable 3 times income to rent by bringing in great products! Price well, decorate, and clean and perhaps...we can consider expanding on our goals!

Dan and Debi Bruns "Spirit of the Past Antiques"

A different kind of treasure hunt

2011-11-30T08:14:00.000-06:00

This morning, continuing to seek the clog in the drain that has both restrooms closed in the store!

I'm too big to go down there in a wetsuit...just hoping the Drano worked overnight, otherwise we've got no bathroom until we can get a plumber in. Well, we wanted our own store. :^)

Great day off!

2011-11-28T21:38:00.000-06:00

Sometimes we have to step away from the store for a day or two, just to recharge. Although we have many projects to complete, and the end of the month bookwork is approaching, we felt today was a good day to relax and take a drive.

Now, as folks know, we started out as antique "enthusiasts", mostly just refurnishing our 100 year old home with items appropriate to the time period it was built. We used to enjoy traveling the state, and bordering states, visiting antique stores and shopping for those special things that we felt would fit into our home. We've missed those trips.

So, today, we just took off and went shopping. I can't say where, because we plan to go back, but we found ourselves in an antique store owned by a wonderful gentleman in his later years who is planning to retire soon. I mentioned to him that we had just opened a store in Pekin, and next thing we knew...we were dashing to an ATM and our "day off" had turned into a true "picking" experience!

This kind man offered us some excellent investments, encouragement, and shared some of his experiences with us. I cannot claim that a guiding hand led us to his STORE, as I have not asked our Father for financial help in our endeavours...but I have asked Him to guide our direction regarding our morals and ethics. I do believe He led us to this MAN who happened to be a Preacher, and was obviously a man of high ethical standards! It was great to see a man of such character had done well in the antique trade.

It was a wonderful shopping experience, and we will soon be offering some outstanding new products including a little bit of Canton, Il history...chicken bone porcelain...many things that customers have been asking us to locate. We also have some great primitives, and even a little "advertising" including a 1960's "Nestle's Cocoa" package (a bank). A total of 26 things...folks will just have to stop in to check them out.

For our home (which was the intent after all) we found a great oil lamp, very ornate diamond pattern Depression Glass...not sure the maker. Folks who have shopped "Spirit" will be surprised to know this is the first oil lamp we have kept for our home. :^)

Mostly though, what made the day so wonderful was meeting our new friend. I tell ya....if I can make my customers in "Spirit" feel as great as he made us feel....if I can behave with the honesty and caring he displayed....I'll be doing my job!

Dan

Can't wait until tomorrow!!!!!

2011-11-24T20:55:00.000-06:00

I'm so excited to see what records we break this weekend!!!! Mostly, I'm hopeful that we have some special treasures waiting for just the right people! I love it when someone has that "Oh!!! Oh!!! There it is!!!!", moment.

We should have our Gift Certificates ready to go in the morning. That should help the folks doing Christmas shopping.

The store has had some new people rent display space...and many dealers have stocked up recently. It's a great weekend to get in and see what is on display.

On another note....I don't know what is up with me, but my old battle wounds like the bad hip from getting rear-ended by a semi, the bad knees from wear and tear, the hands..worn out from working physical labor, and many other parts of me just sort of run down...have all decided to hurt at the same time. I took some medicine (probably shouldn't do this) that Debi takes for a bad back...and I'm kind of loopy right now. But I don't hurt so bad.

Oh, and I found an old Marx toy tractor on Ebay....from a guy in Peoria selling it, and I think I won the bid! It is not in the greatest shape...but it is really cool looking. I liked it because it's just about as old as I am...and though it has it's own rough parts it is still running. I should have it in the store soon.

A Tale of Two or ThreeTurkeys

2011-11-23T23:59:00.000-06:00

There were these three turkeys. Well, there were these three turkeys among many on the Jones farm, but our tale requires that we mention only three of the many. Their names were Al, Newt and Red. Red was a bold bird, hefty from buttering up to Farmer Smith at feeding time and always being first in line.

When farmer Smith would enter the turkey pen, with feed, Red would even attempt to open the gate for him. And after the feather flying frenzy of feeding time, Red would follow farmer Smith towards the gate, often earning another little bit of corn from Smith's pocket. Red was indeed a big bird.

Newt was a foul bird, complaining often and not one to trust the leadership of the Smith's, something didn't seem right. Al, on the other hand, made Newt's suspicions seem minor. He would strut about all day pointing out all the reasons why so many turkey's could never hope to survive...how the turkey pen was overpopulated. He had many thaories about what disastors would befall his less intelligent companions. And, it is one of those theories we will mention later in this tale.

While Al and Newt debated often, they never quite noticed the extra servings Red was getting, nor his method of kissing up to farmer Smith. They barely noticed Red at all, to be honest.

One cold day, farmer Smith appeared as usual and after the festive, feather flying feeding frenzy some hours had passed when suddenly Newt noticed Red was missing. Concern grew and Newt and Al went looking for Red. They, being smart (for turkeys) managed to escape the pen and for the first time in their turkey lives explored the great farmyard!

Now where was Red? They checked the barn, the chicken coup...having a laugh at those hens who worked so hard laying eggs. What a way to earn their feed! Newt gave them all a sound speech about eggs having a right to live! As they looked for Red, Al preached away about all the dangers of the overpopulated turkey pen. Newt grew tired of listening, he'd heard it all before and Newt decided to explore the Smith farmhouse! He slipped away from Al, and enjoying the peace and quiet managed to enter through an open window.

He could see the Smith's and their family gathered in the dining room, they had just begun their own feeding time and had bowls of salad. Newt was careful not to get caught as he explored the house. He went upstairs and found the bedrooms, the bathroom and some closets. He snuck back downstairs and saw the living room, then he crept past the Smiths and into their kitchen.

And there was Red! Headless, feathers missing, and skin burnt brown and steaming! Newt made a mad dash for the open window and out to the farmyard! He ran about, "Al! Al! Al!"

Al appeared from the outhouse where he had been searching for Red, "What is it Newt?"

"Gather up all the turkeys...we've got to get out of here! You were right!", responded Newt.

"About what?"

"Cripes Al! Global warming is REAL!!!!!!!!!"

Watching "The Walking Dead" recently...random thoughts

2011-11-21T21:17:00.000-06:00

I thought the title was about Debi and I in the store last Sunday. We were seriously tired and hurting.

Of course, "The Walking Dead" is a television series on AMC on Sunday nights. Debi and I love it. I have been a "zombie" fan since even before the original "Night of the Living Dead" by George Romero. He, of course, put the stamp on what it means to be zombie!

Sure, "28 Days Later" added the ability to run to our ghoulish friends, family and neighbors that have recently passed or been bitten by a zombie and thus been intiated into the zombie ranks. But aside this recent change in the world of the zombie...Romero will always be (to me) the mind behind our mindless, hungry, villains/heros. (Depends on which side you are on.)

So why do I like zombies? They are the bluecoller, everyday, average monster/creature...the everyguy of the horror type beasties! Vampires? So elitist! I mean...they bite someone for food..only occasionally chosing to actually add an additional vampire to their ranks. They often "dress" for dinner...and even have that "eurocentric" attitude! Aliens? Too much technology, and other than the general feel that the Martians from "War of the Worlds" were really working for a galactic "Terminex"...I've never understood the draw that we of earth would hold for such advanced creatures.

Nah...give me the everyday zombie who could be anybody...seeking to eat anybody...and add anybody to the "club". And, I like that "running" (to some extent) has been part of the zombie's ability in "The Walking Dead", though as the title indicates it is more like fast walking.

So, I've thought, how about something else. Let's face it...zombies think, a little. They eat, which means they must also ummmm, poop, right? They can see, hear, smell...they appear curious. But I've wondered if since we are expected to belive they are DEAD...why can't the humans amongst them simply hide out and wait a few months until all the zombies rot away? And that leads to my idea...perhaps, instead of falling to pieces...could zombies actually enjoy the ability to HEAL? I mean, not like they get perfectly healthy...ya know, more like the more they eat, the healthier they get? Last week Bert the zombie had a limp...he eats Aunt Martha and this week he's jogging like a champ!

Maybe even their "thought" process could improve? "Hey! Bert's chewing on Uncle Herb's leg while he's driving Herb's Cadillac!"

It's a direction I can only imagine as I watch "The Walking Dead"...and sometimes, yeah...I'm kinda on "their" side. Depends on who they want to gnaw on at the moment.

I can imagine the "zombie" theme song goes something like, "...wouldn't you give your hand to a friend? Think of me as a friend..."

Good night all. See some of you in the store tomorrow.

Dan

For the month

2011-11-19T22:29:00.000-06:00

We completed our 17th day of business for the month of November today, and for the first 17 days we are much closer to three times sales to rent than we are two times!

Now, I've typed and deleted several comments....not sure what to say other than WOW!

We've got alot of work to do yet, many projects to complete, I don't think we've scratched the surface of what this little place, "Spirit of the Past Antiques" can accomplish.

But we are certainly moving in the right direction. So many folks deserve credit for our early success...so I'll just mention that Debi and I know we've had help, and we appreciate it.

We've not come close to hitting our stride!

2011-11-06T23:13:00.000-06:00

Saturday, "Spirit of the Past Antiques" enjoyed it's busiest day since the Grand Opening weekend! In fact, it was our second busiest day ever!

Some of my (Dan) observations:

We picked up several more "regulars" recently. That is, folks who found our store and have expressed certainty that they will return. These included some from out of state that travel to find antiques and vintage items for their own collections or for specialized resale outlets of their own!

Comments about the store continue to be VERY favorable.

Folks who have been shopping repeatedly practically overwhelmed me on Saturday. What was great, is our dealers have stepped up efforts to stock their display areas and we had many items new to the store for them to see!

Now, I've mentioned in the last few blog entries our marketing efforts, including new signage, promotions, advertising and the like. MOST of these haven't even taken place. The sign should be "hopefully" a week away. The other events begin on the 10th and continue throughout the month.

People are liking us, and liking what they find. That is the result of a solid group effort. I can't think of a good way to express how lucky Debi and I are to have so much help in the store.

As mentioned...Debi is coming on board full-time very soon. She has made great efforts to get the Web Store ready...tomorrow I plan to take pictures of over 70 of our own items to "experiment" with to get the new online store going. It won't take lone to get this available to our dealers. We've researched the potential and we think an online store can increase our inventory turn quite well.

Now, I make no claim that Debi and I are going to get "rich" with "Spirit of the Past Antiques", and that is not our intent. But since the first full month we have been making expenses and some extra, which we have invested right back into "Spirit". We've lowered some display space prices to make sure the store fills up as fast as possible. It would be reasonable to expect that someday in the long run we'll have to raise prices back up to where we'd budgeted them. But, we'll make sure we get our dealers well established and successful before that day.

We've some shelf space still available, many cases, and someday when I'm done "playing" with my booth I'll let it go to a dealer as well. (We've had a store almost five months..and yet I've never had a booth of my own. I took an opportunity to enjoy one and get the experience of setting it up...stocking it...just, seeing what it is like. It was hard to get as much inventory in it as it takes to make it successful...so far, I still like the shelves better. But, it is a good learning experience.)

Thanks to Saturday November is off to a great start. I'm also remembering that the store is about having fun (Hence the booth...spent money by not offering it to all the folks on our waiting list...just to play around.)

I think I'll keep it until December and then put it up for grabs. I'm keeping track of what I sell out of it...and I'm halfway to rent already! There might be a future for me as a dealer yet! (Just kidding...not for more than fun...renting space and helping dealers sell is what I want to do for a living.

Besides, in a month my attention will likely be on marketing the Web Store.

Rattled on and on again. Figures. :^)

Dan

POST ITEMS YOU SEARCHING FOR TO PURCHASE ON THIS PAGE

2011-11-04T10:16:00.000-05:00

For our online and in store customers. You can ask our dealers and ourselves to be on the lookout for items you wish to buy by posting comments on this page! Give a good description, and include a price range you are willing to spend.

For our dealers. Please check out this page often and if you have an item you think fits a request leave a comment on this page!

Keep in mind everyone that all sales should take place through "Spirit of the Past Antiques", either in the store or on the web page. We want our "cut" of the deal...it's only fair. Besides, there is sales tax and stuff to consider. Any posts which include emails, phone numbers, or ways to get around buying and selling in the store will be considered (because they are) a creepy thing to do and we will delete them.

This ghost town of a blog will soon have a new purpose!

2011-11-04T10:09:00.000-05:00

As mentioned, with Debi starting full-time in the store in less than two weeks..we are going to be able to take the next steps in building, "Spirit of the Past Antiques" into a pretty neat little place.

By adding the Web Store, we'll be able to offer products nationwide! We've found a source of advertising which promises to help both the web sales AND bring traffic to the store. Infact, as we've researched...we've discovered there isn't much we can do which won't help both!

We're finding out that we can either keep trying to grow in physical size and stay only a brick and mortar, which if we do that we start thinning the services we can offer to our vendors just because of the shear volume of work it will create, OR we can go the web store route...provide premium services to a smaller, select, group of dealers.

The one thing that I've honestly hated since opening "Spirit" a short four and change months ago is watching some of our dealers struggle to make decent sales. Sure, if we take in rent it doesn't matter to us....does it...yeah, it does, big time. We know from what we've observed that many dealers have done very well...what we want to provide, is the kind of services that maximizes sales, for our dealers and ourselves.

As to the "title"....I suspect this blog could become a place where dealers and customers can leave comments. I'm putting up an example of what I mean..check out the "Customer Wants to Buy Page".

Some interesting tidbits

2011-10-28T01:36:00.001-05:00

Stayed up late celebrating, being happy, smiling...things are going really well at the store! For the last seven business days dealers have averaged 2.9 times in sales over the cost of rent! That is really close to my ultimate goal of averaging three times rent! I mostly attribute the great sales to the many dealers who have brought new product in over the last couple weeks...and of course Christmas shopping is beginning.

I believe the next two months are going to be outstanding!

Some things going on regarding promoting the store in November:

We ordered a lighted sign for above the entry to the store. It is unfortunate, that the sign maker has just come down with some health problems, but I spoke with him this week and he assured me he is intent on completing the sign asap. We'll take the 4'x12' sign currently above the door and move it to the North side of the building. We are also having a professional sidewalk sign made which should help street traffic know about us! In the end, we will have six signs up around the store..and still one on the way someday when the landlord puts one up. (Don't count on it soon...he's injured)

We have a front page ad coming out on Nov. 10th in the Advertiser, including publication regarding our "bundle package" which we've brought back. The "bundle" is simply if any "Spirit" tagged item (Debi and my stuff) of over $20.00 is purchased...we give back 20% of that items value towards a second purchase of anything in the store! We'll do this until Christmas. It's a way to promote dealer sales....and we feel like we've found a system to help shoppers understand how it works.

The weekend before Thanksgiving we are involved in the "Christmas Extravaganza"..that is a group effort with six other local small businesses which will promote shopping in the store...alot to get into, but suffice it to say it should get us noticed...ads will be in the Pekin Daily Times and five weekly newspapers in the area as well. I think some radio ads are coming out regarding it...not sure though.

The owner of those five papers, who lives in Madon City, has agreed to run a little story about the store and our planned expansion in early 2012! Her papers enjoy a circulation of around 20,000...so that will help get us noticed as well!

And finally, we are considering one more form of advertising (we tried facebook ads...not sure we liked the result) which I don't want to get into but it looks promising.

Of course, most of these things cost a little bit...but NOW is the time to get noticed! I think we're on the verge of a huge leap these next couple months...not just because of Christmas shopping..but also because more and more people are finding us!

You know, for a new store....we (dealers and Debi and I) have been fortunate to enjoy the support of the community. We have so many repeat customers..and I mean WEEKLY...we all owe a big thank you to the patrons who support us while we grow.

And Debi and I should be thanking the dealers who have stuck with us, grown with us, and been patient while we learn our jobs and get this little business going. If you guys hadn't come on board when you did it would have been very hard to present such a great place to our customers.

Now, if I can make a suggstion. To those of you who have enjoyed excellent sales...and have excess inventory, I'm not trying to be a salesman or anything..but think about it. We KNOW Christmas season is going to be the time when sales take a big leap. We have shelves and locking cases available. We have a one month lease. NOW would be a great time to expand for a couple months and increase those profits!

That idea would be expecially constructive if you are planning to take a big booth in the new room when we open it. Why not get your product in now and have it in the store for when you expand?

On a sad note. We have had our third (total since we opened) incident of shoplifting recently. We hadn't had anything stolen for over two months....so I am very upset about this! Someone stole a pillowcase off a pillow in one of the booths..we did not catch the act. We've taken steps to increase security because of this...a short term plan, as well as a long term plan that when we open the third room we will add four more cameras to the store! We think we'll only need two in the back room due to it's shape...which means two more can go out in front. (Probably...where they go is still in the planning stage) We know this is a problem that every store of all kinds goes through, but we will never get over the feeling of having let our dealers down when this happens. Rest assured, we try our best. And a big thank you to the dealer who was so kind after the incident.

Wow I've rattled...and look at the time, 1:30 am. I wish I could go open up right now, but of course it is not a good idea in the middle of the night.

Debi will be minding the store this last weekend in October as I am traveling to Iowa City to visit my daughter Amanda. Jaime plans on helping Sunday as well. I know I'll go through withdrawals being away...almost wish I could load up the car with inventory and Amanda and I could go door to door selling it! I do love this business....seeing so many folks finding special treasures that our dealers have brought in...count myself lucky everyday.

Just one more random thought...we had a really nice guy from Michigan stop in yesterday (Thursday), his name is Bob. He found us on the internet. He fixes up vintage and antique clocks. He was so courteous...and he was one of the shoppers who walks the whole store a couple times, and then goes back and grabs exactly what he wants (the advantage of a small store...people don't get lost or forget where that "treasure" is waiting.) Anyway, he picked out three clocks and was so nice while I was having one of my "Dan moments" fighing with the modern contraptions that drive me nuts (This time it was the debit/credit machine) Bob was just so patient...even when the best box I could find to pack his clocks was too big for two of 'em but too small for all three. (Seriously...I was a mess there for about five minutes and how he kept from laughing out loud at me I don't know. :^)

Well, Bob says he travels this way about three times a year, and he'll be back. So there you go my dealer friends! Another good customer and many opportunities to make good business with good people in the future!

Guess I'd better try to get some sleep...or maybe I'm asleep and the last week+ is a dream? I hope not.

Dan

Haven't posted in a bit.

2011-10-20T10:54:00.000-05:00

We've been busy with several projects. But instead of talking about the store, I have something else on my mind. Today, now, the visitation and funeral for a very special person is taking place. For such a small store, our dealers have seen their share of loss lately. A father of one of our dealers, a mother of another dealer, and now two of our dealers, a brother and sister, have lost their mother as well.

As much as I wanted to attend the funeral, I'm caught trying to run the store as Debi could not take the day off. This person was someone we were blessed to have come to know over the past four months. She was someone we enjoyed knowing and we will miss her. But we were so fortunate to know her.

You know, I have always had an admiration for the past...the way things were made, the way things were done, and the society which was built that was the foundation for the way we live today. I wish there was a way to return entirely to that foundation, but realize that between television, computers, the internet, we have kind of technologically defeated the fabrics of a world where folks saw each other everyday, worked together, and knew each other as friends, neighbors....family.

The great family get togethers are all but gone. Remember block parties? Social organizations such as Moose Clubs, Elks, held an important place in the culture...although they are still around, have you looked at the age of the members lately?

Where we are heading is kind of scary. Every man for himself? So we've lost most of the small stores, the small towns have few businesses left at all. We've lost touch with each other!

In this world, it is natural for me to be drawn to old things...as such I sit in "Spirit of the Past Antiques" surrounded by memories. And here I am thinking about the most precious things from the past that we have...and are losing it seems at such a rapid pace...and that is our elders.

I hope we all realize how much they've tried to leave us. As Tom Brokaw wrote, "The Greatest Generation", about those that battled the Depression, fought our largest war, and put together a powerful economy and nation...anyway, as he recalled that generation, I guess I wish I could invoke the same respect for our most experienced citizens who later added to the countries might by standing up to foreign powers...sent a man to the moon, and spread civil rights across the country.

What are we, after all, if not the shadows of the folks who brought us into the world? We are what they left behind. And, before we lose them all, I hope we find ways to express our gratitude.

I lost my Dad in 1993. I lost my Mom in 2001. My oldest sibling is fighting for her own life...they give her a 30% chance to recover. I lost a friend this week. All taken, or battling to delay being taken, by the natural journey of time.

These old things, in here, these antiques...I admire them for lasting so many years. But, wouldn't it be great to give them up if I could, to trade them to give the most important old things more time with all of us?

Dan

Back to work

2011-10-11T07:50:00.000-05:00

My thanks to those folks who have expressed concern and have said a prayer for my sister Betty. I saw her in Michigan this weekend. She has forth stage Lymphoma and is also suffering complications from severe pulminary lung disease. The honest truth is she will not get well, and her time is likely short. It could be a few days or a few months. Betty is hospitalized and they are trying to stabalize her, her white blood cell count was extremely low and they gave her a transfusion which brought the count back up. But the therapy she receives to kill the cancer cells also kills good cells, and she is not producing enough white blood cells on her own.

Once stabalized, they will put her in a care facility. At that time if anyone wants her address just ask and I'll have it.

I'm returning to the store today. Debi worked it this weekend, it was very slow but our sales for the month remain quite good. We're going to have a great month at the store.

I have many projects which I need to catch up on. Today I'll assess my priorities and get started.

Spoon River Drive

2011-09-26T08:43:00.000-05:00

Spoon River Drive starts this coming weekend! "Spirit of the Past Antiques" is located in Pekin at the corner of Highways 29 and 9 (215 N 5th St.). We're right on the way to Spoon River and invite travelers to stop in and view the thousands of antique and vintage items we have in the store!

Visit our website www.spiritofthepastantiques.com for a preview of over 150 of the special treasures that await!

Our prices do not "inflate" during Spoon River. We have ample parking and an easy, comfortable shopping experience indoors!

Starting a new facebook ad!

2011-09-21T22:48:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Debi we have a facebook ad going out in Pekin and Peoria. This is her project, so I don't know the details. But I'm excited to see what results it brings.

Sales have picked up again, and we just might have our best month yet. It will be close. But then, it could be our worst full month as well as they have all been pretty equal. The trend tells me that it will be a good ending to the month and I'm getting so pumped for October through December when I think we'll do some great business!

It is hard to believe the store is just over 3 months old. We've learned so much already. I still feel like staying open all the time. Debi and I work about twelve hours a day...but we love it. I can't wait until she can come on full time.

It has been quite the ride, and after we have established ourselves long enough to prove ourselves to the doubters, I think I'll write a book..."New Car, or a Small Business? How to Open and Operate a successful Antique Mall". (Of course we've got to prove ourselves first! So far, so good!"

I'd like to welcome new folks reading the blog!

2011-09-19T15:23:00.000-05:00

I just finished putting hundreds of fliers in dozens of area hotels/motels. It did my heart good to see so many cars from many parts of the country today!

It's great to have so many folks visiting the Peoria/Pekin area, and I hope as they/you read the blog, and visit the website, that we have exhibited the kind of experience you can expect at "Spirit of the Past Antiques! We are new, we are learning, and hopefully the many kind comments we've received from our customers will translate well into a great experience for our future shoppers!

If you've found the blog first, please visit www.spiritofthepastantiques.com for a great preview in pictues of the thousands of antique and vintage items awaiting your viewing at the store.

Thank you, welcome, and looking forward to seeing you!

Dan and Debi Bruns

Please keep my sister Betty in your prayers.

2011-09-18T22:42:00.001-05:00

She is in intensive care, battling several illnesses. Some shoppers may recall Betty, she came down from Michigan for our grand openning to sign copies of her book, "Is it Yet Tomorrow". We've finally managed to track down the hospital she is in, and it sounds like she is not in a life or death situation at thsi moment...but her husband is deaf, she can't communicate due to the breathing equipment...and the hospital is unable without her permission to give many details. So obviously we are in the dark a bit. We still don't know the results of some tests...and we are quite worried.

Just say a word to the Man Above about her, please.

Spoke too soon!

2011-09-17T21:52:00.000-05:00

"Sales for the first five days of September have been great! I believe we are hitting our stride..."

Pride goeth before the fall.

What a letdown Marigold Festival was, and as someone said, Fall property taxes were due the 15th. Sales dropped very low, and have just the past two days begun to pick up again. Overall for the month we are still even with last month's sales. But before I say something stupid and jinx things...let's say I'm CAUTIOUSLY optimistic that we've jumped another hurdle.

Debi and I are discussing a couple options to promote store sales in the short and long term.

To use sports terms....we're still leading by 2 touchdowns, but have been sacked and it's 2nd and long. If tomorrow doesn't produce enough yardage...we've a trick play or two to try on third down.

Happy Birthday to Debi Bruns!

2011-09-15T17:04:00.000-05:00

It came on a good day as she has Friday off and will be in the store tomorrow. Debi is much like I am, we can't get enough of this place.

Our 5th anniversay is coming up in October. We met in early 2006. So, in a way we're still newly weds. But, in the five years I've known her I've come to understand she is someone who enjoys life...laughs easilly and often...and honestly cares about the people around her.

May she have many, many more birthdays and never lose the enjoyment she gets from life. It doesn't take much to make her happy....and she trully appreciates the good things that come her way. I know I'm lucky to have her in my life...and I believe that is true of just about everyone she meets.

Wow. I announced the addition of...

2011-09-14T16:51:00.000-05:00

..descriptions and prices to our website on Craigslist and inside of two hours we had over fifty hits! I hope folks are finding things of interest.

Makes me a little nervous, as there is no way even 150 pictures can give a good idea of everything in the store. The only way someone can see everything is to visit us. But, if this encourages a visit....good!

Adding prices to the website photos

2011-09-12T20:04:00.000-05:00

I have completed the first gallery, working on the second. Hopefully tomorrow I'll get a good chunk finished.

When completed I'm going to turn my attention to adding still more pictures of "Spirit of the Past Antiques" inventory....both our own and our dealers of course.

I think I'll set up a system of removing items which sell on a daily basis, and updting the site www.spiritofthepastantiques.com on a weekly basis.

On another note, I am very unhappy with sales the past week. We started the month with five great days, and since then have been very slow. I supposed the Marigold Festival would be a boost...but it turned out to be a bust. Thank goodness I was at the Pekin Bottle Club show! Sunday when Debi openned the store, she enjoyed a rush of traffic from folks that came directly from the show to our store.

We are ahead of last month, regarding sales. And I guess that is a good thing, but folks who know me know I'm never satsified. Our own personal sales are very high...not worried about that. Would just like to see some dealers take off, some are lagging again. It's the same old folks who take care of their retail space are doing well, folks that don't are hurting.

Pekin Marigold Festival

2011-09-08T08:30:00.000-05:00

The Pekin Marigold Festival is this weekend. Vendors are setting up today in Mineral Springs Park. Debi watched the store yesterday while I set up a sign near the park on Court Street. It will only be up until Sunday, but we want to let the folks at the festival know about the store.

We are excited to be open during the festival, and the events will culminate on Sunday when I set up two tables at the Pekin Bottle Show at the KC Hall. It runs from 8 am until 3, and I will be handing out fliers about "Spirit of the Past Antiques" www.spiritofthepastantiques.com while Debi and Jaime run the store from 12-5.

We had an outstanding first five days of September, but Tuesday and Wednesday were very slow. We wonder if between the Labor Day weekend and the festival will always be slow days? We expect this weekend will be very busy.

First five days of September went great!

2011-09-05T18:39:00.000-05:00

I do believe we're hitting our stride. Not much to say as time is running out...but it's been a very good start for the month.

Why am I up at midnight?

2011-08-31T00:32:00.000-05:00

Because I fell asleep about 8:30 on the couch. Just woke up, and before I try to go back to bed..(fighting the urge to open the store)..I thought I'd jot down a few memories from today.

We had two ladies happen to meet in the parking lot, cousins...they each are return customers and each had nice things to say about the store.

Had one guy come in, we talked while he shopped and he saw many things that reminded him of his past. He spoke about dime stores in Pekin, Mauries back in the day, other places...snack counters in many stores where as a kid his Mom and he would enjoy a lunch. Honestly he sounded like someone who just walked out of our "philosophy" page on the website! He didn't find anything to buy...but I invited him to come in anytime to shop, he said he really likes the store and is glad we are here. He's going to let people know about us.

Another fellow came in later, and bought a couple items, one each from two brand new vendors that just signed up with us. He complimented the store and spoke of how he'd been "roughed up" a bit by a lady at another store who was unhappy when he mentioned the price she was asking for an item was too high. The guy was just looking for items he collects...he knows their value. One thing he bought today wasn't even on his "collection" type list..just something he liked. He liked alot of other items and was considering buying more. I don't push sales...so I let him decide without pressure. He's coming back, a nice guy...another regular I'm sure. But more importantly...he was happy with his experience and he didn't feel feel like I'd pushed anything at him.

A younger customer came in. She was tired, just got off work. Just wanted to shop. She said she walked from home (doesn't have a car) to have someplace to go. Honestly...I think it is crummy that she has to walk across downtown to get to a store just to window shop and feel good about it. But at least she had a place to go and someday, someday like many young people who are struggling these days maybe she'll find herself at a better job and be able to do more than just look! She's welcome to window shop anytime. (She's bought a few things on other visits...big purchases to her I'm sure..and that means something, they're big purchases to me too.)

And finally a guy came in who has purchased from us before. He still hasn't forgotten how I kind of "helped" hold onto a lamp he wanted until he could pay for it. I don't remember if he bought today, or was just looking. But on the way out he turned around and said, "I like this store."

That was one day! And believe me, I've skipped many of the compliments and kind words and best wishes that went on between the ones I mentioned.

So I woke up and yeah I was tired..it was a busy day, and I fell asleep on the couch again. But after recalling the kind of day it was...is it any wonder I feel like opening the store again, right now.

Ya see....people are believe it or not still human beings. They get tossed about in today's world...stress from work, can't cross a street without wondering if the next driver has gone berserk or not, got bills on bills...or sick family...mostly they have the kind of things people always had but between then and now the places to be that offer a break from the crud have kind of disappeared.

I'm no genious. I think I hit on something with this store because I too got tired of getting tossed about and missed the days when people acted like they cared about each other. It was a neat little accident but I think the best thing I have going for me is the big white flag in my brain that says, "Truce! I'm taking a break from the crud and anyone in this store is welcome to pretend it is still the good old days in here!"

Well, something is working. And not just because of the feelings customers are getting that are strong enough for them to comment, compliment, and return again and again....but also because I FEEL like opening the store at midnight, 12:30am now, because I like it there as well.

Whatever it is about the store that is giving the customers a good feeling about the place. I wish I could tell them all that they're giving me the same feelings right back. Now maybe if we only had a snack counter as well...a cheeseburger and a shake sound good.

Busy Tuesday

2011-08-30T16:41:00.001-05:00

Making Sunday look slow!

Busy Sunday!

2011-08-28T21:03:00.000-05:00

It was fun watching the customers find treasures all day! We had some great shoppers and one thing that has been neat is how many are young folks!

We getting much more interest in the shelves...have anotehr new vendor moving in on Tuesday or Wednesday...and had several more inquiring.

The store is looking full. Tomorrow turns out to be some what of a day off as the brochures I expected to deliver to area hotels are not ready yet.

An old friend stopping by tomorrow!

2011-08-24T21:15:00.000-05:00

Folks who knew me (Dan), us (Debi and I), well..folks who knew us before we opened "Spirit of the Past Antiques" know how proud we were of researching local history and ancestry and stuff like that. We've got a little collection of "Circleville" relics in the living room and I can tell stories about Wyllis Cooper (my personal hometown hero...yeah I call Pekin my adopted hometown..get to know it, really know it, it's a nice place.) anyway people who knew Debi and I before we started the store know we liked trying to help out the Tazewell County Museum and Educational Center when we could.

We gave them some Circleville stuff...and I donated my research on Wyllis Cooper...we were helping with their research on War of 1812 veterans when starting "Spirit of the Past Antiques" took all our time and we had to drop our offer of help.

But we wanted to stay involved. So once a month we hold a silent auction at the store and donate the proceeds to the museum's building fund. If it helps them get a home to display their items...let the kids in the county learn a little history...that's all we want out of it.

But, sometimes things come back in a good way! Museum volunteers and the Director are stopping by tomorrow and are going to interview me, take a picture of me handing a proceeds check to the Director...and do a little piece on us for their website. There is a chance it could make the local paper! Keep your fingers crossed. I wouldn't mind free publicity!

Make it to the paper or not...it is nice to have a friend in the museum. It doesn't hurt a bit to stay involved in the community.

Great sales again yesterday and today!

2011-08-24T16:36:00.000-05:00

This is getting better all the time! What makes me most happy is that we're getting so much repeat business and people coming in who were refered by someone.

I hope whatever we are doing keeps working. This is a fun place for folks to be...there is no doubt about that.

Life is not all about the store!

2011-08-22T21:03:00.000-05:00

I had a great visit with my daughter, Amanda, today in Iowa City. Didn't think about the store at all. I'm tired from the drive (300 mile roundtrip) but ready to get back to work tomorrow morning.

My sister Betty went and had a birthday!

2011-08-19T22:36:00.000-05:00

Just when I thought I was catching up, she jumps another year ahead!

Betty is the oldest, and I'm the youngest, of seven kids. We are twenty years apart in age. Yesterday I was a little kid visiting her home, there was always something neat to do...and Betty always knew the best places for ice cream, movies...that kind of thing.

Then one morning I woke up and now I'm 51!

Happens to all of us.

The Pekin Bottle Club

2011-08-17T21:40:00.001-05:00

I went to their monthly meeting tonight, and was very impressed with the presentations and organization. I noticed that many people in attendence (25 were there) have been customers in the store. As one important aspect of starting "Spirit of the Past Antiques" was to be involved in the community, it was a no-brainer to me to go ahead and join the club.

I'm sure I will learn a great deal about antiques from going to the meetings. We have a couple of dealers in the store who are members...one was at the meeting tonight and made me feel right at home! Everett, by the way, is one of the nicest people I've ever met. At the end of the meeting I mentioned being excited to learn about antiques and he responded, "I'll teach you what I know."

Now, are there words to describe how great that made me feel? I can't think of any. I wish about 1000 people would read this.....SOMEONE whatever higher power you want to call it...has been looking out for Debi and I since we started this venture. And there are several people...Everett, Cathy, Mike...not going to name them all but SEVERAL, that I suspect are hiding their wings (angels).

I'm undeserving of the kind of support I've received. But I hope the small difference I can make..through the efforts that sometimes feel heavy upon my back...are enough to make positive results in the successes of these kind folk. I know I will do everything I can...and still not be able to do what they've done for me, for my confidence in humanity...for my joy in being around them.

Oh, and, I signed us up to have two tables on Sept. 11th at the bottle clubs annual show. Debi will watch the store while I promote the store from the show! I think I'll take the "coolest" stuff we have...not concerned with selling, just with making a good impression.

The month is half over as far as business days are concerned!

2011-08-16T15:04:00.000-05:00

26 business days (open for business) in August. Tonight at 7pm marks the helfway point. I was seriously concerned with sales before the month started as we are new, August is traditionally a slow month, and I'm a big worry wart!

We have achieved my goal for where we should be already...and are a little ahead of it. I'm told we'll be busier when the kids are back in school. If so, this month could turn out to be a good month. Not bad as I had predicted, not decent as I had hoped, but good!

People continue to comment on how nice the store is, and how great the products are! I owe so much to our dealers who have worked hard to bring in some great items!

The one hard part is approaching though, and that is the few dealers who haven't had very good sales. Although I can point to the overall picture and honestly say the opportunities have been there...it still is hard to not see everyone do well. I hope that in the next week some folks will catch fire...but can't think of a thing to do beyond the efforts we are making to help them.

Is it a coincidence? Is it prices? Is it product? I do know that it is the dealers who have been consistently in the store and changed up product, cleaned up their sales areas, and been involved just generally that are doing well. I've taken it upon myself to do some resets...but that's about all I can help with.

Keeping my fingers crossed for everyone. The store as a whole is doing well and Debi and I are at a point where we COULD start taking some cash home now and then...but we won't. We're letting it build up and putting it back in the store as we think of new things that could improve the look.

If the store were clay, I would say we have just about finished molding it...just a few tweaks left here or there, at most.

Not many people read the blog

2011-08-14T22:05:00.000-05:00

Good. :^) If there were alot of folks reading these things I'd be worried about the state of sanity around here!

Do the use real gorillas to make "gorilla glue"? Or is made made by gorillas?

Mid America Antique Show

2011-08-11T12:02:00.000-05:00

It's this Friday, Saturday and Sunday! Don't forget to visit the many great antique shops in the area as well! Links can be found at http://www.spiritofthepastantiques.com/

Mid-America Antique Show in Peoria

2011-08-10T15:58:00.001-05:00

This Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Peoria is the Mid-America Antique Show! I hope folksplanning to attend will remember to visit the many fine antique stores in the local area.

We have a great list and links to many of the shops at http://www.spiritofthepastantiques.com/

Who knows what one might find, who one might "meet", years after they pass!

2011-08-07T22:23:00.000-05:00

Recently, Debi and I were traveling to yard sales in search of "finds" for "Spirit of the Past Antiques" www.spiritofthepastantiques.com (I'm supposed to do that now and then).

We ventured to Dunlap, Illinois in Peoria County to sale, the location I do not wish to reveal. I will say though that we were near Princeville and my family history includes many distant relatives named "Mart" buried in Princeville and likely many descendants alive near there today whom I've never met.

Jonathon Mart Shull and his wife Georgianna lived in Peoria County, Northwest of Princeville, in the 1870's. Jonathon's middle name was taken from his mother's maiden name.

Now, it just so happened, that many objects at this sale were from the one time home of Georgianna (Not gonna say the last name). A very interesting woman who never married but had an eventful life and one which I'm grateful to have learned a bit about by visiting with the kind folks who had organized the sale.

If you haven't guessed, I don't want to give too many details...just the story. Something about the items of Georgianna's struck me, gave me an odd feeling. I started wondering how many Georgianna's could one county contain? Was there a connection?

But, what are the odds? So I put the thoughts away. Debi and I purchased some items...fortunately I haven't sold them yet. We passed up a hide covered trunk which was for sale. (This trunk was worth far more than the folks were asking, but honestly I had filled the car to the brim...I need a truck!) So the very old trunk, 1840's, 1850's at the newest, was left behind.

It ate at me. The more I thought about it, the more I thought there must be a connection. Could she have been named after Great-Grandmother Georgianna? I couldn't take it, I actually dreamed about it one night. So I drove back up and left a note at the site of the sale asking those folks to call me. Thankfully, they did.

We chatted about the trunk, I hadn't determined for sure to go back to buy it. Our hours are wearing me down a bit and Debi is hurting badly from arthritis in her back...hurting badly, I don't know how she is going to come out of this, she went to the ER, has to see the Doc, likely get an MRI. That's another subject and I ask that everyone keep her in their prayers. So, anyway, buying the trunk wasn't a priority.

But they called, and we chatted, and I mentioned some family names trying to learn Georgianna's roots, I mentioned the name "Mart", but nothing rang a bell with my new friend. That was Friday.

I thought about the trunk all weekend. Worried about Debi, I didn't even mention the fact that we could still buy it to her, not until about 4:30 this afternoon (Sunday). She said, "Go get it!" So I did.

These people...who are among the kindest I've met since opening the store, not only took the time to allow me to buy the trunk, which meant meeting me away from their home where the trunk was stored..on a hot afternoon, but they included a book filled with pasted newspaper clippings from their Georgianna's past!

And what clippings do you suppose were in the book? Among many, were two obits, one for a "Mart" and one for a "Camp", both family names from the Shull side!!!!! NOW does it not seem there is a good chance there is a connection between Georgianna Shull and this "new" Georgianna I'm just beginning to know from her possessions and her own scrapbook!

Such a mystery, could the antique, hide covered trunk have been owened by a family member some 150 and more years ago? If only Debi weren't down, I'd turn her ancestral research skills loose to find the truth. Soon, when she is well, I know she'll get the answers about all this! But for now, I'm left wondering. So many possibles...so many clues, too many to be entirely coincidence!

Wow, that's all I can say...my interest in history, ancestry, and antiques are peeked by all this!

Was there a full moon out, today?

2011-08-03T23:45:00.000-05:00

Sometimes one can see the moon, even in the daytime. Light catches it just right or something, I don't know. But the reason I'm wondering is because it just seemed most of the folks I encountered were "struggling" a bit...including me. Chemistry my head wasn't quite balanced.

I had an argument with the landlord, he and I kind of bounce heads now and then. Different kind of people I guess. Truth is, he's an alright guy..and means well, we just don't "get" each other. The worst thing about it was I had just helped a very nice person set up her shelf...new to the store..and the impression she must have gotten about me couldn't have been a good one.

Not that I'm worried about what people think of me, I'm long since past needing "approval" from anyone...I just go about doing things as best I can and usually the dice fall pretty good. But what should have been a good experience for her couldn't have been as nice as it could have. And for that I am ashamed.

You know, you can't turn back the clock and change things...but when I see her again I will apologize for my part in the "dispute" and try to make the best of things.

Meanwhile, while that and other experiences lead me to believe that just about everyone was having it tough...for some reason, I also cost myself the chance to rejoice in the huge pick up in rentals! I believe we have up to five more shelf units being taken this week, along with a peg board wall and a couple shelves in a display case!

If this happens, the store will be pretty much half full of intended rentals. (Our items take up space as well, so we "look" more like 70% full.) I didn't think we could grow this quickly! Sales are down the first two days in August though. What we could use is for the extra sign we ordered to show up so we can draw more attention to the store.

Alot going on. Should get to bed. I believe our "Kramer" products will arrive tomorrow, and suspect it will be another busy "vendor" day with people setting up.

Net chat with Dan and Debi available on our website!

2011-08-01T19:30:00.000-05:00

In July, Debi and I, along with our vendor, Cathy, hosted an hour long web chat with members of the iantiques community.

We have posted the first 15 minutes of the interview, conducted skillfully by Cathy and aided by Dan Briddle of iantiques.com, onto our website http://www.spiritofthepastantiques.com/

It can be seen in its entirety on iantiques,com. Subject matter includes our own involvement in history, ancestry, and antiques...and how we started "Spirit of the Past Antiques", and what our plans are for the future of the store.

I get a little silly...(what's new?)..but we enjoyed the experience and can"t thank iantiques, Dan Briddle, and Cathy enough for helping us get news out about the store.

As always I strongly recommend anyone with even a passing interest in antiques to join the iantiques community! We are members and have a link to their site on ours.

We've got product in the store....

2011-07-31T18:02:00.000-05:00

...that in the YEARS of shopping antiques I've never seen at prices I'm honestly shocked at!

I'll be updating the website, hopefully if it works adding a new "furniture" page to the photo galleries tomorrow night. Then I'll post a simple add on craigslists all over the state, one a night, simply inviting folks to visit http://www.spiritofthepastantiques.com/

Ladies and gentleman, we are no longer in the minor leagues of antique stores...we are a serious power hitter and folks NEED to get to the store to see this stuff!!!!!! I'm so stoked right now I, I'm telling ya...anyone, everyone...get down to the store and have a look!!!!!!!!!! And it's just going to get better in the next few days!

So we complete our first full month tomorrow

2011-07-30T22:20:00.000-05:00

I can't begin to express how excited I am! Most of our dealers have done very well, and no one has not seen at least some movement of their product. I am preparing the "newsletter", where I will hilite many changes (for the good) coming in August for the store http://www.spiritofthepastantiques.com/ (supposed to put that in here once in awhile) We're further along at this point than I had hoped!

The only worry I have, is how to express my concern for the few who have not caught fire just yet. Because the store is supposed to be about more than just making money for Debi and I, we set up the lease so that a dealer with slow sales could "catch up" on a following month without shelling out another month's rent. But, I do want to let one or two know that if they continue to lag...it may mean that either they change their "tactics", or perhaps give it up at the end of August.

While were doing everything possible to build up a solid customer base as quick as we can, we are still new...August is (reputably) a slow month...and I am a bit concerned it may be tough to match July's figures. I suspect those that did very well will weather the month just fine...but those who have just managed some sales are likely going to be in a bit of trouble.

I do not relish the thought of counseling anyone to give it up. But if it comes to that I will. We're a strong store, and have seen too many do well, how does one kindly tell someone they might just not have the product, the time, or the knack, to be a succesful dealer? I don't like this part of running the store...but it is for everyone's good, those that succeed, and those that don't.

Pekin Mainstreet Super Cruise

2011-07-27T16:10:00.000-05:00

I've been reading about the events and planning involved in creating the "Super Cruise" weekend. It took a great deal of work! This is the thing about starting up "Spirit of the Past Antiques" as a one horse operation (two when Debi is available full-time) as much as I'm trying to stay up on events in Pekin, and want to get involved, I can't be two places at once.

I sincerely hope that the Super Cruise is a great success and next year when there ARE two of us I plan to get involved and spend some time helping. In the meantime, we'll have the store open until 9pm and I guess hopefully the fliers I put out today and little bit of word of mouth from my business friends downtown will help let people know where we are.

Pekin Mainstreet Super Cruise 2011!

2011-07-26T21:31:00.000-05:00

This Friday and Saturday expect 1,000 antique or vintage autos and 6,000 folks to be in Pekin! We have decided to stay open until 9pm Friday and Saturday night!

Our location on Hwy 29 and so near Hwy 9 should be a big plus as these folks will be driving around town!

Great way to cap off the Grand Opening month, it has been a very good success for almost all our dealers and ourselves. We're contacting every dealer available to bring any auto related items into the store.

Three new booths being stocked in August!

2011-07-25T22:05:00.000-05:00

We have two dealers expanding and one new dealer moving in! I just spent six hours remodeling to add two new booths. As mentioned in a previous note...we now have ten! All are rented. I don't have a clue how I could make another booth in the store..so folks will have to live with shelves.

Honestly, Debi and I don't even have a booth, we rely on the shelves for our sales and we're doing fine! We love the flexability of the units, adjusting them to fit our product. But then, we don't sell big items so the shelves are a great fit for us.

Speaking of a great fit. Check this out http://www.kramerize.com/ we are now the areas special dealer of Kramer Antique Restorer!!!! They have rented display space and NOW..NOW...seriously NOW, antique buyers can make those special purchases look amazing! Please go to the site...you won't believe your eyes!

That's the Spirit!!!!!

Dan

American Pickers!

2011-07-24T19:17:00.000-05:00

Just a little test. Something tells me if I put a well known name in the title section I'll attract attention.

The real reason I've called you all here, is to tell you about "Spirit of the Past Antiques". We are just a little antique mall in Pekin, Illinois. I'm told, we are a pretty neat store! Please visit our website at http://www.spiritofthepastantiques.com/ for more information.

We just had two of our dealers expand! We now have TEN booths, well, tomorrow we have TEN booths, right now I have the job to put together two more to go along with our existing eight booths..making the total TEN!

We also have forty shelf units and twelve locking display cases. Not all of those are rented yet, but we have TEN booths rented!

Please visit the store, 215 N 5th street in Pekn, Illinois. We are open 10-7 Tue-Sat and 12-5 Sunday! We have TEN booths! Someday, we will add a new addition onto our store...perhaps this fall, and we will have more than TEN booths!

Did I say we have TEN booths? All rented. Lots of neat stuff to buy! And I'm told it is a very neat store. I need to vacuum the floor tomorrow as well.

Just concluded our live web chat!

2011-07-22T23:10:00.000-05:00

I know, I should have posted about it on the blog...but I forgot. If you missed it, we're going to eventually have a copy on http://www.spiritofthepastantiques.com/

Thanks to the delightful interviewing skills of our vendor Cathy...the show went great! Debi and I couldn't be more thirlled about getting the word out about the store. And I think the community of dealers are very lucky to have someone like Cathy stepping up for everyone!

What touched me most, is when Cathy said she doesn't get a feeling of "competition" at "Spirit of the Past Antiques", it seems everyone is working together. She is right! We don't have a single vendor who is only looking our for themselves.

Now for the good news...I know when I've stuck my face in front of people long enough. There was talk of continuing conversations from the store...and I'm for that, but I'm no expert and I feel other dealers should have a chance to have some "face time". If we continue these, I invite any dealer interested to join the fun...and I will keep the lights on and hang out any night to help do these chats...but I am retiring from the internet spotlight.

I need to focus my barley controlled manic mania on face to face sales and keeping the effort to expand the information about the store going. And it is the dealers who know their products! After all, I can claim to have carefully laid out the floorplan along with Debi..but what is a shelf without something on it?

I think I'll expand on some of my thoughts about the "Community of Vendors" in the monthly "Spirit of the Past Antiques" news letter...let's do something special with this...those that have the time. Maybe iantiques will want to stay involved, or maybe we'll just make our own "specials" and put them up on the website?

Debi and I will be considering some ideas and passing them on.

Dan

I love this store!

2011-07-20T17:30:00.000-05:00

Things are going really, really well. We are at the point on the 20th that almost every single vendor has long since sold enough to make August rent and then well beyond. Just a couple out of 20 that are lagging a little. And each of them sold more today!

We are making expenses, and honestly selling enough of our own product to wish we could stock the whole store ourselves. (Which would be selfish and stupid.) The truth is, what matters is that we continue to have good inventory turn, or at least see things that have sat be taken out in favor of different product.

Hmmm...I thought July was supposed to be a hard month? BUT, now that I've bragged. I believe August is going to be a tough month. We won't have the great opening day weekend, and with the heat and garage sales going on I suspect it will be harder for everyone to do well. I'll have to work hard to keep customers coming in.

We're losing (temporary) our estate sale lady who rented a peg board and shelf unit. She doesn't do sales in August, but she'll be back in September and probably October. Our total rentals have gone up in July and I see no reason to believe that trend will change. We aren't growing as fast as I'd like, but that...like everything...is pretty much because I have high expectations.

Had a grouchy guy come in today and tell me we'll never make it. The town is crummy, antiques are crummy, people are crummy....he said he tried a store like this years ago and it failed. I just told him it takes someone who is good with people. :^) OK...maybe I shouldn't have done that. But I couldn't help myself.

DESPITE what some have said about Pekin (it's own people) we have had nothing but great support from the community, and heard so many best wishes and good lucks...it just touches our hearts! By the looks of things...if July is a tough month, the way it's turning out...we're in great shape. Just have to get through August to expect the traditionally better sales months ( four in a row!).

Some great news...Debi is going down to four days a week at her job! This frees us up an extra day for someone to do the face to face public work that I've been trying to do on our one day closed a week. I can feel myself getting a little tired, and look forward to the help.

More great news, my step-daughter Jaime is seriously going to try "picking" and setting up her own display in the store. What a great lesson it will be for her! And, I think she'll have fun. I wish more kids had a chance like this as Jaime is going to see what goes on behind the products she buys in any store, the buying, pricing, stocking...slow sales, hot sales...unexpected expenses. Wonderful learning tool.

Well, I've got to make some sales regarding offers made by customers to vendors. not many reading the blog, but hello to those who do!

Dan http://www.spiritofthepastantiques.com/

The sign is up!

2011-07-18T21:18:00.000-05:00

It has to have a good impact on "impulse" shoppers. Looking forward to the results.

I also now have a talent for drilling through concrete that I never had before. :^)

Day off

2011-07-18T14:48:00.000-05:00

Spent the day putting some peg boards up higher so they work better for dealers, phoning various "suppliers" and getting odds and ends covered, went to staples and picked up some fliers, picked up new sign for back of building...then discovered I hadn't the tools to drill though concrete or brick or whatever is under the surface to put up the sign!

I have a great sign and can't figure out how to put it up!

((%^(()&!!!!

Will think about it and try to figure it out.

Hot out!

2011-07-16T16:13:00.000-05:00

We have nice cool air conditioning!

Preparing for weekend.

2011-07-14T20:13:00.000-05:00

Time to take the camera back in and get some new photos. Some of the last batch are sold, gotta get them replaced. Still working on describing everything.

I'm not going to get too worked up as to what might happen like last weekend. We've still got the fair in town and Sunday is the 3rd Sunday Market in Bloomington. But we've picked up on sales the last three days, weather is supposed to be very hot...so maybe folks will take advantage of our air conditioning and take at least a break from the fair?

We'll see. We've got some great new merchandise in this week...pictures coming.

Dan

Hello to all those from Peoria.Com!

2011-07-13T15:24:00.000-05:00

Welcome, enjoy, perhaps enjoy..who knows, but welcome.

I just enjoyed my visit from ChefKevin. Not to insult him but by his description of the kind of items that interest him...he reminds me of me. Unusual, things that catch the eye. I'm going to return the favor of his stopping in and catch a meal at his location. Looking forward to it.

I mentioned to him that he could write a review of the store if he wishes. Hope he does so as good or bad, I'd love suggestions.

Anyway, I feel a little guilty about "soliciting" on Peoria.com, and I had cut myself off...until this morning when I went in to read and there was this little computer generated sign saying, "Post...Post...POST!", so I did. Bwaa hahaha.

Thank you all so much for visiting my website and you are all of course invited to visit "Spirit of the Past Antiques".

Read the blog...if you dare. Many thoughts are kind of disjointed...nothing too worthwhile..leave comments if you choose. Be a "follower", what a dumb word.

Dan

Much better sales!

2011-07-12T17:21:00.000-05:00

Much relief.

New show coming to the "Lifetime" channel

2011-07-11T23:20:00.000-05:00

"Sister Pickers". I caught an ad for it during "American Pickers" tonight. It seems to be a similar premise, except in this case, as the title suggests, the pickers happen to be sisters. That seems like throwing a new shoe on the horse and calling it a zebra. (I like making up my own expressions)

Seriously, the interest in antiquing, collecting, treasure hunting, is certainly high. Being the oddball that I am, I have always been sort of a strange type of "picker". As a kid, I loved searching old barns, old houses...always had an interest in archaeology and practised my own "digs" in the town dump from time to time. I lost fishing poles to large fish while being too interested in searching the banks for old lures or other such lost artifacts.

I've tried my hand at metal detecting. Volunteered to help on three achaeological digs. Most recently I combined my interest in finding stuff with Debi's interest in ancestry..and for two summers we searched the farm fields where a town of 400 persons (including relatives) once stood. I then simultaniously turned my attention for a couple months on finding the location of her GGG Granddad's mill on the Mackinaw from the 1840's (I believe I found a surviving piece of the sluice from the mill..but not certain, it resides in our basement.)

I never ended up with sheds of finds out back, or a house crammed full of stuff. Just many fond memories and a few very personal relics. Our home is not a collectors dream, but we have our share of antiques we've acquired slowly...for use or for display. Yeah, I guess I've sort of been a picker but not the type on television. It's kind of fitting I'd rather run the store than be out everyday looking for treasure...and keep my own searches "part-time".

It is fortunate than that interest in picking, ie antique dealing, is so high.

Anyway, on the subject of pickers and television shows. I've had some ideas. How about shows like:

Picker Survivors: Contestants are placed in the wilderness, where their negotiation skills are tested as they each have some items of value...such as food, shelter, water....which Pickers will survive, which will not?

The Picker Bachelor: Traveling from town to town the bachelor picks his way among single women looking to get the best bride for the money (or is that even legal?).

The Picker Golf Pro-Am: Described simply, "Hey! That guy just picked up my ball! Come back with that! Hey! HEY!"

"Magyvpicker": a secret agent has a talent for using paper clips, rubber bands, duct tape, and various cleaning supplies to make amazing, life saving, gadgets. Oddly enough, he never carries the stuff on him but "buys it" as needed from the very villains he confronts!

So then, to end this installment, as I retire for the night I do so with the thought that Mr. Haney from "Green Acres" would make us all look amaturistic, silly, and negotiate us into the poor house.

New photos coming to the website!

2011-07-11T17:32:00.000-05:00

We are working on a second photo gallery page. Have 30+ photos of great products to show to our viewers. I have the pictures taken and it is just a matter of adding them. Be watching http://www.spiritofthepastantiques.com/ and they should show up soon.

Today I visited "Christies" and "Step Back in Time", two antiques stores in East Peoria and Washington. We traded business cards and I had a nice long chat with Charlotte at "Christies". She has been manager of the store for years and gave me some good advice. They were slow there as well this past weekend.

All in all, I guess we just keep doing what we are doing to let folks know about us, and we'll be fine.

OK, I think we've got our answer to the slow sales

2011-07-09T17:43:00.000-05:00

The Heart of Illinois Fair started Friday in Peoria. A quick glance at attendance figures, and what I found was in 2006 they had over 200,000 people show up at the fair.

In Pekin, we're a spoke of Peoria and it isn't surprising now, looking back on it, that the customers we've had have been quick lookers and non-buyers. Especially if, being on Routes 9 and 29, we are a stop on the way to the fair?

More evidence that the fair may be behind our slow days, I just took a quick drive around Pekin, and the whole town looks dead. People went somewhere.

This has been something we experienced in June, when the Third Sunday Market, an antique show in Bloomington, took place.

I think we need to be more aware of what is going on around us, and adjust accordingly. For instance, a reminder to myself for next year to look into advertising in anything to do with Heart of Illinois. Especially reminding folks we have a nice, air conditioned store about 15 minutes away!

Live and learn. Guess we can't compete head to head with rides, live shows, and all the other attractions. Unfortunately...it goes on until the 16th! Time to get some cleaning done and relax.

So much for high expectations :(

2011-07-09T17:01:00.000-05:00

Very slow the last two days. Not sure why as after last weekend I expected much more traffic. It wasn't so much we didn't have shoppers, as we didn't have much in the way of sales.

I know of course this is a public "blog", but I'd rather say honestly that I'm dissappointed than put some false spin on a couple of slow days. Debi and I will pay attention to traffic the next few days, and consider what made us start out like a rocket on opening weekend, and fizzle out a week later.

I know one thing that helps is people are talking about us. Word of mouth is getting our name out. Hmmmm, maybe we drew most in right away with our advertising? We'll figure it out.

Preparing for the weekend!

2011-07-07T21:14:00.001-05:00

I have a good feeling about the store right now. We had a great Thursday and perhaps it is leading up to another astonishing weekend!

I must comment, that many folks have said something to the effect that Pekin would be a tough town in which to open an antique store. But I've found the community support and interest to be as good as can be expected. People are in the store almost all the time, sales don't always reflect it...but then we've plenty of room for more vendors and perhaps we're missing some antiquities which would have sold had we had them.

I would love to find antique dealers specializing in: toys, tools, advertising and historical items. We're pretty strong on bric/brac and dishes. Nothing wrong with that, but a good variety is certainly desirable.

I had an idea today that I intend to pursue. Wedding Gift Registry! I think between our website and our ability to print some great pictures...we might be able to offer a registry service. Couples could come in and pick out items they would like, we could take pictures and perhaps post them on a page on our website. Persons could then check out the page and chose a gift, call us to see if it is in the store and pay over the phone..we could set it aside until it is picked up. Or, they could come in to purchase it.

I'm sure we could work out the details. The thing is, an antique as a wedding gift makes sense. It is an item which expresses a certain individuality of taste...it is obviously long lasting (not to mention an investment)...frankly, I think back to the six crock pots gifted after my first wedding, and maybe this might be an nice alternative way to go? Hmmm, register at a "normal" retail store...and register with an antique store! Thus, the special one of a kind items that a young couple might wait years to purchase could be given to them as gifts!

This is certainly something I think we could offer.

The five minute type anything that comes to mind experiment

2011-07-06T18:40:00.000-05:00

This is going to turn out bad, what if I say something I shouldn't? Do typosmean I have to start over. I make too many typos anyway, now I'm making more than usual!!!! !!!! those are cool looking, hmmm, now what? Why did the question mark get to be curved, I don't trust it. Stopped, why? How does the brain work? Does mine work like everyone elses...don't DON'T answer that Debi. I should mow tonight, not gonna, hmmm, thinking of Debi and the idea of work comes up?

Paragraph, designed to give reader a break? Or a way to make something look longer? Caesar didn't see it coming. should have. Cleopatra was a good movie and wasn't Elizabeth Taylor hot back then! I see a typo,going to ignore it.

Did they have antiques back thenin Egypt or was everything too new? Ha, just thought of the answer, no they had old stuff. So, were the first persons to recognize an antiquejust amazed? "Hmmm, Grog, look..they used to make fire with sticks!!! Haha, we got flint!"

Five minutes nearly up. Thus, we come to an end of another valuable message regarding http://www.spiritofthepastantiques.com/ though I should probably try to blame it on a different store.

Dan

Continuing to find new dealers

2011-07-05T22:09:00.000-05:00

I counted five serious inquiries regarding display space today. Expecting to sign up some tomorrow. Our booths have been rented for about one week, and I've started a waiting list on them.

Customer traffic remained high, but sales were down a bit. I believe we sold so much over the weekend that we're a tad low on product.

Debi is back to work full time and her help, and company, will be missed. I'm a one man show now until we get the store full and either take another great leap of faith and bring Debi in early, or we gain access to the next part of the building and expand in size.

I think that for the rest of the week I'll concentrate on steamlining everything from getting foam wrap and bags...to grabbing vendor information sheets. I expect the weekend will be busy again and I'm going to want to run things as smoothly as possible.

I wish the landlord would allow an antique store cat, I've four at home that would make great company.

Dan

Monday, July 4th

2011-07-04T21:05:00.000-05:00

Enjoying the sounds of fireworks outside and getting ready for our first full week after the Grand Opening. Our website, http://www.spiritofthepastantiques.com/ continues to grow in views, and I suspect word of mouth and our advertising have been sufficient to continue some good percentage of the surprising and welcome sales figures we experienced this past weekend.

Debi and I ventured out and found some new antiques to add to the shelves! Now, I'm going to spend one last hour before bed...just relaxing. Tomorrow I go in early to clean and stock shelves.

I trust our dealers will tell friends about their successes, and perhaps we will see some more display space rented this week. Our booths ae all taken, but we've plenty of shelves and cases available. To keep making an impression on our customers...we need to fill these.

Dan

Saturday Afternoon....

2011-07-02T13:47:00.000-05:00

Our Grand Opening weekend continues, and thisis my first chance to blog about it.

A huge thank you to the Pekin Chamber of Commerce for the ribbon cutting, and to Pekin in general for the tremendous support we enjoyed beofer opening on our first official day! This was, for those who missed it, a classic example of a town stepping up for one (or two) of its own! Debi and I will never forget the turnout and kind words. Even our honorable Mayor was here!

The turnout among customers followed, and if it is any clue...I mentioned this was my fist chance to blog. What a great way to start a business! We hope, and that is sincere, we HOPE to have presented a good store with qulity shopping and that everyone had fun.

Saw a smple of a gem stone found in our giveaway that was taken to "Treasures and More" to be made into jewelry. They only spnet $5.00 and came away with tow nice necklaces...and better still, memories of having "discovered" the treasure themselves. I hope we send many customers their way, as well as to the other great stores in Pekin.

Now, I need to sign off as I hear cars pulling up. (Oh, my sis's Betty's book signing has gone well too...gotta go!)

Dan

Jello still creeps me out!

2011-06-30T18:22:00.000-05:00

I know, our Grand Opening is tomorrow, and I should talk about that. But, visit http://www.spiritofthepastantiques.com/ and you can get all the info on our new store that you need.

Right now, I am thinking about jello. I don't know why. One moment ago I wasn't. And that, is how jello gets away with it, it is forgetably permanent! Gets away with what? Existing! It doesn't have anything flavor wise that can't be reproduced in kool-aid, does it? What the heck is it about the stuff? It wiggles?

Before I go further, read this: http://www.jellogallery.org/jellohistory.html

Alright, imagine this conversation, "Gee, Dad, the steak is still wiggling!"

"Yes, son, mighty fresh!" Yeah, sure...it wiggles, great!

You can trap solid bits of food, like fruit, in it. "Gee, Dad, sure glad we trapped that wiggling steak in the jello!"

"Yup, it can't get away now son!"

Ever see the movie, "The Blob?" But aside from that. I didn't read the history of jello either...so don't feel bad if you skipped that part. But it leaves me wondering, just who was picked to eat the stuff first?

So, come to the Grand Opening of "Spirit of the Past Antiques"...no jello.

Dan

Busy day!

2011-06-28T21:17:00.000-05:00

The last booth is rented. A very nice lady came in, she and her husband have years of accumulation and feel it is time to let some things find a new home. I believe this will be a common theme at http://www.spiritofthepastantiques.com/ With our one month lease, and simple systems to rent display space, word is getting around that for a small fee folks can control the sell of their own items.

These aren't dealers, but folks who prefer to let go at their own pace, avoiding an auction later. They can bring in vintage and antique items and all have been more than understanding that we can't sell everything...but the right things.

Even compared to an add in the paper, our prices aren't much higher for an entire month! And what I like most is that all these fine people, and this is the third I've signed up this way, plan to sell for a few months, and then will take what hasn't sold and find a new avenue to liquidate. It will keep our inventory fresh.

Along that note, and I don't know if anyone else has tried this but I think it is a great idea, I signed up a fine young lady who does estate sales. She has brought in three shelf units (15 shelves, 120 sq ft.) of merchandise from her last sale. Instead of calling it quits after three days, she and the homeowners have agreed to a split of the sales, and she will allow us to sell the merchandise for a month! We all win, the homeowners have longer to liquidate, she can earn money, and I earn money on the display space rental!

I watched what she brought in, and all fits the criteria of 30 years old or older...except for a few collectable pieces which I am not ashamed to display. And once again, the merchanise has a shelf life before it is removed...keeping things...FRESH!

As we do this, I believe my estate sale lady will continue to rent shelves from other estates.

The one thing that concerns me, is keeping the store at a comfortable level of antique and vintage items. At this point, it is looking pretty good. I've seen much, much worse, and we are nowhere near what I would call a flea market. In fact, I think we are turning into a pretty nice antique store!

With some exceptions. Our photographer brought in some new artwork recently. I was looking at some of her new work and was just stunned...wonderful! We also brought in some books from a couple of local authors, to go with my sisters book which we will stock. She is joining us for our Grand Opening and will be signing her books in the store!

So, our concept of Antiques, Artisans and Amazing Things continues to take shape! I'm a little tired tonight, feeling good though, and can't express how excited I am for the Grand Opening.

Dan

A story, "The Coonarac"

2011-06-26T16:40:00.000-05:00

When I was a young boy, my parents would travel to Houston, Texas as often as they could to visit my sister. I recall the trips fondly, Dad would select a different route each time, always looking to save an extra ten miles from the last trip. This was the early 1960's, and Eisenhower's fine interstate system wasn't entirely completed, so two lane roads, Highways, were still often the best way to travel.

It was on one such trip, on the way to Houston, that Dad led us deep into the Ozark Mountains! What a great place. The roads would wind up one big hill, down the next, and it took many more hours than Dad ever expected...but wasn't it worth it for the scenery. Even as a small boy I recognized we were somewhere special. And, honestly, I don't think many outsiders ventured into those hills too often. This was well before Branson, Mo. became a tourist destination. This was well before the United States became smaller because we all managed to shove ourselves into the same cookie cutter mold of fast food, fast travel, and fast paced life.

So, when it was well past time to eat and our stomachs were rumbling louder than the hard working engine of Dad's Buick, Dad finally accepted that he could not will us out of those mountains and to Houston any quicker whether we ate now, or after we found flat ground.  Dad finally picked a cafe that met his approval. It was a large addition on a house, just off the Hwy. A fine example of ingenuity, "Honey, time to go to work!", open a door and there you are in your cafe.

It was inside, while we ate, that the local folks would sneak an attempt at a glance at we strangers, try as they did, to do so without disturbing us. But Dad was not fond of being among new people and not meeting them. It wasn't long before the cafe was loud with chatter and buzz among the men, while their wives glanced at each other and winked whenever their husbands would boast a complete lie or stretch the truth enough that it would beg to talk just to end the torture

Yes, Dad could get a room talking, comfortable, feeling like everyone in it was eating at the same table, when he felt like it. And this cafe was comfortable with us enough that when we were ready to leave, the locals drew me into their fun and games. As Dad was drawing a tip from his pocket, an older gentleman, slender and tanned as leather, turned his face towards me, "When you get on the road boy, watch out for the coonarac!"

"Huh?", I educatedly responded as would any eight year old. Then the men in the cafe had at me like a pack of wolves.

The man spoke again, "The coonarac, son! Haven't you heard of it? It's a critter that lives in these parts. Watch out for it!"

Then a man thinner and taller, but white as a napkin entered his piece, "I live up the hill, boy. I got them coonaracs living in my corn! I hear them at night, in my tall corn.  They watch me. They climb up on my roof and try to get into my attic! They come up on my porch at night! Watch out for 'em!"

I was getting a little scared. Dad was deliberately letting them speak with me before he would pay the bill. Dang it but he could have helped us escape, but he didn't!

Finally, a man who I honestly can't describe after all these years, except to say his voice was deep, southern and scary enough just by itself, slowly put the end to these warnings of this strange, horrific animal that I was well past beginning to fear, "The Coonrac, young child. I spend nights in my cabin preparing my sermons for Sunday. I speak my words aloud and with my candle I can see the glowing read eyes of the coonracs below my floorboards listening to the words. I can see them, watching me, listening!"

Now Dad finally rose to pay, and I was inches behind him. The first man grabbed my arm and I lurched a bit, "You scared laddie?"

I couldn't make the words to answer. "When you are in that car and traveling, just keep saying coonarac over and over, young man, and you'll soon enough not be scared...if you trully listen to your own words."

In the car, I did as the skinny old man said, and soon enough I wasn't scared anymore.

Now, if you are reading this....say coonarac to yourself and see if you learn the mystery of why I was no longer scared of the mythical coonarac! Try it! COONARAC, COONARAC, COONARAC...

The moral is, always listen to your own words.

Dan (Leave a comment...be the first to solve the riddle. Good luck!) That's the Spirit!

I've received some outstanding news!

2011-06-24T12:15:00.000-05:00

As our preparations for the Grand Opening Weekend of July 1st thru 3rd continue, we had a most pleasant surprise!

My sister Betty, a published author, is coming to town for the opening and we have added a book signing to the events that weekend! I'm not sure the times, or days, just yet, but Betty has been traveling the Midwest doing signings at bookstores, and we are lucky to have an opportunity to have her help us celebrate the beginning of the store!

Betty's first book, "Is it Yet Tomorrow" began circulation last spring and has enjoyed critical success. It is a semi-accurate account of the young life of our mother, who faced many challenges growing up, even surviving, as a little girl. Betty is currently working on a sequel, and persons I know who have read the book are anxious to see where she takes the story next.

Along with our antique dealers and artisans, it is neat to have Betty come in and combine her craft with the many fine products we have available.

We're constantly updating the website, http://www.spiritofthepastantiques.com/ and interested parties can view some new photos that we added last night.

Plans for the Grand Opening still include free samples of gem mine ore from Rose Creek Mine in North Carolina, snacks, drinks, and a ribbon cutting with the Pekin Chamber of Commerce at 9:30 am Friday July 1st! It is turning into an eventful three days, and I'm sure everyone will have a great time!

All I can add is, "That's the Spirit!

Dan

Someone else always has it worse than you

2011-06-23T15:43:00.000-05:00

Ever feel down in the dumps, chips are down, you've got that sinking feeling, lower than earthworm...got that aint no cure for the summertime blues? Any kind of blues? Just downright no good?

Could always be worse. The new cat gets to visit the vet tomorrow, snip snip.

A kitten shows up at our door

2011-06-22T18:37:00.000-05:00

A sign, cats are pretty smart about finding good sources of food, shelter, and servants...I mean, owners. No, servants.

As I was sitting in the store on a slow day, which is going to happen for awhile no matter much of a hurry I'm in, I received a phone call. Step-daughter Jen, visiting from California, has captured a kitten in need of a home. We have three cats already, and recently Debi and I determined that three are enough.

Our local shelter was kind enough to offer to take the kitten, after a two month waiting list. For a shelter, that's pretty good. As I said, cats are pretty smart about finding, etc,etc, and the shelter must have a very good reputation among cats to enjoy such full capacity use! Now, don't tell me the cats didn't mean to go there, it is a good place, a no-kill shelter and I've seen it. If I were a cat, well, I can only hope to attain such a high rank, but if I were a cat I wouldn't mind three hots and a cot at our shelter!

But here was this kitten that had obviously determined it wanted to live in our home. Simply showing up at the door would never have earned it welcome. We know cats, we know what they are up to, we know about their rears forcing us to move at night so they can take the best part of the bed. We know they wait until we get up to take the warmest cushion on the couch, and pretend to not understand they should move when we return.

So what does this kitten do to gain entrance into the home? It picks on Jen and her children. The soft hearted persons who have no concern if Dan and Debi already have three cats, or thirty! And it coils its way into those soft hearts and thru them finds itself in our home and watching as they do its dirty work. Can it stay? Can it stay? Can it stay?

No, of course it can. The battle was lost when the phone rang. But, I put as much effort into sounding determined to say no as I could. So later when someone complains that it just stole their pork chop, or a ring went missing just after the cat walked by, or we get cold at night in the winter because now we have four cats to cover up the vents...well, I can claim I never wanted it in the first place.

But, I did, I always do, because no matter how tough I try to act, I'm excited to watch the antics of another bigshot in the house, despite knowing it puts the rest of us still lower on the list of who is really in charge.

Besides, like I said, cats are pretty smart about finding good sources of food, shelter, etc, etc, and if the kitten thinks our house is going to be a good place to live..even with us starting up "Spirit of the Past Antiques", even if it is a slow day at the store, I guess it's a good sign. The cat seems to think things are going to work out pretty good! And cats are smart about things like that.

I hope things work out quickly...because I would like to earn some money so I can send step-daughter Jen from California a cat or two a month for a couple years, just spread the love around.

Dan

Tuesday and the second week starts!

2011-06-21T22:02:00.000-05:00

I picked up a third spinning wheel today before opening the store! All three are nice antiques, and when I placed them together on display it was visually stunning. Been telling people that ask that I'm planning to start a yarn spinning "club".

I arrived at the store about an hour early and did some cleaning and organizing. I have found a nice way to take pictures and while some have made it to the website, http://www.spiritofthepastantiques.com/ many more are on the way. A new video as well.

When I opened, the rush of people started. We were busy all day, one customer responded to the Craigslist ad I placed and purchased a vintage Barbie, then went on to purchase more items from two other vendor booths. It is the exact response I was hoping for with the ads..to get people in and then let the store do the selling. I know she was happy with her finds, and I hope she will become a regular customer.

We are down to one booth left to rent. Two more dealers set up today, the store is looking good. I also rented a shelving unit and had many inquiries about rental space.

I also started something new I'm calling "Bundle Bundle Bundle". If a customer buys an item with a "Spirit of the Past Antiques" tag (those are our own items) I'm offering to take 20% off the price in immediate store credit towards the purchase of anything else in the store! I had one customer take advantage of it today, they bought a $25.00 item of ours...and then picked out a $5.00 item from another dealer. I took $5.00 off my item and they got both for 25.00!

It isn't really a discount so to speak...as $25.00 was still spent. It is just a way to share sales with the dealers...which of course is my #1 job, to help the dealers get their products sold. So, it cuts into my markup...no big deal.

Comments about the store are still very positive, one person commented on the cleanliness of the bathrooms, which was very appreciated...it isn't a fun job. Others mentioned the good lighting, the easy to navigate aisles, no complaints! It was also fun to see the dealers setting up before the Grand Opening Weekend.

One sad note, well, two. We had a tree "limb" break and damage our roof this morning. I was at the store and it scared the folks at home pretty bad. But, that's what insurance is for and repairs are commencing already. And, I met someone who is from my hometown and we chatted for quite awhile. Sadly, he'd recently lost a good friend from there..and it turned out to be someone who attended my first wedding, went to my church, and was a family friend of my parents. I felt tears coming as we talked, tried to hide it. the thought of so many folks gone from my hometown, I felt the many days that have passed since I was a child weighing on me.

I can keep these precious objects from our past safe until they find a good home...but I can't stop the hands of time and the loss of those who were a part of my own past.

Dan

Improvements to the services at "Spirit of the Past Antiques"

2011-06-19T20:22:00.000-05:00

First of all, a continued shout out to our dealer, http://sandrarae.weebly.com/ I want to keep the spotlight on this photographer all week. Customers at the store have been very impressed with her work. She's from the area and I hope local shoppers will support her as she establishes herself in her profession. We display her "Visually Vintage Modern Photography" at our location. Items are all signed works by the artist.

Readers may also want to check out the new photos at http://www.spiritofthepastantiques.com/ We continue to sign new dealers every week, and we've been fortunate to add some very specialized dealers of antiques and vintage items. Just to mention a few, we have pieces from a longtime collector of local milk bottles. Many are quite rare, and readers with an interest in these items should not miss the chance to stop in to see them. As it is said, the time to buy an antique is when you see it, and as rare as these are...that time is asap.

Along that same thought, just yesterday we added a large collection of vintage dolls from the seventies! These do not come from a dealer, but like the milk bottles from a longtime collector who has chosen to let some dolls find new homes. Among the dolls are vintage 70's "Star Wars" dolls, "Harley Davidson" Barbies, Elvis dolls, a very hard to find European (Austria) Barbie that was not sold in the U.S., and many more too numerous to mention.

And, we have a gentleman who restores antique pocket and mantle clocks! His work is first rate and to provide example of his commitment...he includes a detailed instruction sheet for transportation and setting of his clocks! Such attention to detail can only be evidenced by the fact that on that instruction sheet he includes his own Email! That kind of honest intent to stand behind his craftsmanship is rare these days and deserves mention. Look for his sign above his display "Right on Time".

Not forgetting our other dealers, we've experienced and new vendors in items of antiquity. Together, everyone provides a diverse and delightful opportunity for any shopper to find something of interest! There a more collections such as Shawnee pottery, Fenton glass, and others...one just has to come into the store to see them all!

I mentioned improvements in our services. We acquired some wagon wheels and other items to display outside our building. It isn't much, but the store looks better and rather than be a big surprise (we don't want to have to be the book you can't tell by it's cover) we'd like to give a little clue before entering to customers to be prepared for a great experience! The bland white look of the walls has been improved.

We are also going to start advertising select pieces on Craigslist, beginning Tuesday morning. These items are chosen by their quality and by the economical pricing being offered by our dealers. At least one a day, not only to give that item another avenue towards finding a home...but to create another method to offer persons information about the store and the products within.

We are less than two weeks from our Grand Opening Weekend of July 1st thru July 3rd. We've just completed our first week of being open, and sales have been better than expected, new dealer interest and commitments are growing. Though things are going great, I am by nature an impatient person, and will seek every avenue available to provide excellent service to my vendors, and to the retail customers that enter the store. On that note, we have new ads that have just come out (American Classifieds) or are about to be released (Treasure Map and special Grand Opening announcements in the Pekin Daily Times)

Tomorrow, I will visit several local stores with intent to share goodwill between us and expand our network of communication within the community. Word of mouth is important, and we are not on a secret mission...we want people to know about us! In that light, readers, if you can pass the word along about us, it would be appreciated and the more business we have, the more dealers we find, the better we can serve everyone!

That's the Spirit!
Dan

Visually vintage modern photography

2011-06-18T20:36:00.001-05:00

I'm going to jump ahead a bit and talk about one of our vendors at "Spirit of the Past Antiques". So, let me take a couple steps back and get a running start at it. When Debi and I determined to open an antique mall, we discussed the years of experiences we shared while shopping in antique stores and malls all over Illinois, and frankly often enough beyond this states borders.

There is no cookie cutter pattern to these types of stores. Some are similar enough, rows and rows of booths and locking cabinets. Huge places! Nothing wrong with them. Others are small, single owner brick and mortar shops battling against time and the Internet to keep a traditional, or eccentric flavor alive to those customers who visit. Nothing wrong with them.

Merchandise ranges in these stores from a strict adherence to antique and very old vintage objects (we know of a store where appraisers occasionally patrol the site hunting down reproductions and anything newer than 50 years old..evicting them with passion to keep the store perfectly in tune with the theme...nothing wrong with that) to some stores which sell anything, everything, including paperback books, used microwaves, who knows but even objects sent from the future might rest shoulder to shoulder with things from the past! This isn't my cup of tea...but for others I guess, nothing wrong with that.

So, as we considered our experiences and created a concept for our store, we came up with two distinct ideas. First, our lease states, "Thirty years old, or older, or with permission." And that is true, and also sounds very strict in the sense that "permission" seems like possibly a rare occurrence. Then again, our second idea became our definition of "permission". Of course, antiques and vintage items, but with them artisans and amazing things. Antiques, Artisans, and Amazing things.

We will strive to sell antiques, with no reproductions, as much as we can possibly enforce. The occasional piece, and we have one now that I know of, that is a reproduction will be labeled as such. (A replica of an African Antelope bust...traditional African wood art. It's too neat to disallow, too "amazing".

We will recognize that Artisans serve a purpose in the "Spirit of the Past", representing skills and abilities both rare and deserved of appreciation. Not as being old, but being from the "old ways" of individual attention and craftsmanship. We make no apologies that some of our dealers will be exhibiting products of this type. We relish it. Our store is big enough for both antiques and the occasional artisan.

And of course I described the "Amazing thing", something that just can't be compared to a paperback book, or a used microwave...something unique..neat...amazing. Yes, we want items like that in our store.

Antiques, Artisans, and Amazing things...our concept, and in light of the variety of products found in antique stores and malls everywhere...there can't be anything wrong with this, either.

So, I'd like to introduce a very special vendor in our store. Sandra Rae art & photography! Readers can find a link to her website on this website. Or if tired of my rambling...go to http://sandrarae.weebly.com/

Her display in "Spirit of the Past Antiques" includes stunning photography done in what she accurately describes as a "visually vintage" modern photography method. Each amazing photograph is personally signed by her...and in our opinion, she is creating work which will one day be recognized by persons for the quality and alluring artistic creations that they are! We are excited to have her work on display!

It reminds me of an experience I had once some twenty plus years ago. I'd traveled alone to Sharpsburg, Maryland to tour the Antietam Battlefield. Being the kind of guy I am, I wormed my way into a walking tour being given by a high school history teacher who had happened to write a book on the battle, "Antietam, the Soldier's Battle". He was selling his books from the trunk of his car. I bought one, he signed it, "John M. Priest". Some years later I saw him being interviewed on the "History Channel", not such an unknown writer anymore!

Such as that, I believe people will be surprised when they see Sandra's work. I highlight her here as our other dealers stock product expected in an antique mall, her photo's are unique...surprising. But I believe someday folk will not only stop in to shop for antiques and find "visually vintage modern photography"...but, some will soon be stopping in to shop for the photos, and find antiques as well!

Sandra is a local artist...just starting out. Stop in "Spirit of the Past Antiques" and look for her work. It is...from an Artisan, and amazing!

So, while Debi and I will strive to maintain our idea of a very special store...expect to find among the many antiques and vintage items a very talented artisan, (more than one and more on that later), and some amazing things!

Dan

Hello, my name is Dan

2011-06-17T13:45:00.001-05:00

This feels a little odd starting a diary of sorts of events at "Spirit of the Past Antiques". So, let me start our by saying I'm just an ordinary guy who happens to enjoy historical research, and of course that includes a lifelong love of antique and vintage items. When I see them, or hold them in my hand, I can't help but feel a connection with persons from the past....from yesterday, to long ago.

We all come from somewhere, maybe we all kind of come from the same place? Family, friends, strangers, folks we knew, or could have, and those who passed before we arrived. The objects they leave behind feel like notes, clues, or maps, to how we have arrived at where we are today...and maybe to some of the paths we've taken to get here which have become overgrown and forgotten.

The items in our store, surround me with stories. I look at the spinning wheel on one shelf and realize that someone used that to make thread, to fix clothes. It wasn't just an old spinning wheel to them, but an essential tool. I look elsewhere, and see glass dated to the depression, and wonder what food stuffs filled the plate, if at all. Were the greens and pinks, even the glistening, light catching patterns of the clear...a way to brighten those hard years of small portions?

I am surrounded, indeed, by the spirit of the past, and not just because that is the name of our store. The store gets its name because of it...in a way. But, rather than a haunted, sad feeling...I am lifted by the thought that I am a member of this community of strangers who's objects have gathered in this one place. People who came before, people like me who came after...still sharing our objects and in a sense touching hands through these items...in a society that breaks through barriers of time.

It is an honor, to me, actually, to be among these relics. Whether they be expensive collectibles or just simple, common old rusty items. I see them as like survivors of the traps of callous care and landfills, the gritty few who lasted to tell their story, and the stories of those beings who once used them.

Well, I guess I've rattled on long enough. I hope I've described the reason I am here, in the store. In short, these precious orphan items need someone to take care of them until they find a good home. And that is why I am here. That's it for today, June 17th