Where are we in the cycle?

Just put the 2006 edition of the Hillsville Flea Market to bed. The crowd
just didn't come, or at least, not like it used to....just doesn't seem to
be any interest in antiques amoungst the under 40's and the older folks
that in the past were hard core collectors seem lethargic. The local
economy is interesting: several factory closings, agriculture stable but
being eroded by the real estate free-for-all
caused by the urban flight retirees. I shouldn't complain: the builders of
all the new homes all seem to want signature stained glass . So Husband
and I go and measure and I bite my tongue when I see the open plan
construction with 24 ft exposed beam ceilings. I reckon its too late for a
geography lesson and they really dont want to know that the Appalachian
mountains has roughtly the same climate as south Canada. Hope the Spoiled
Rich have deep pockets when the heating bills come in. It's good for
business, but I still grieve for every cow pasture that becomes a housing
development. I guess I now know a little of how the NA's felt in 1770 when
my ancestors moved in- there goes the neighborhood, and they aren't
decorating with antiques!

Peter...

What kind of numbers did you get? Are you a vendor or do you run the
flea market?
I opened an indoor flea market in northern Minnesota about 8 weeks ago
and plan to keep going year around. I lived in Va. for several years and
have been to dozens of flea markets. I tell ya, these northern folks
just don't seem to understand what a flea market is. And they have no
idea how to haggle. They either say nothing or low ball you and walk
away if you don't accept their first offer. This weekend I hung several
"haggling encouraged" signs around the place. It seems to have helped.
I'm selling a lot more practical items than I am antiques, furniture mostly.
I have to disagree with you on the weather though. A cold winter day in
Va. would be down right balmy compared to a warm winter day here.
Peter
oslofleamarket.com

Kris Baker...

Let me guess: the homes are decorated with that faux-Italian-
stuff imported from China. Boxes, fruit-shaped things, gargoyles....
and lots of stucco to crack in later years.

I heard a builder describe these McMansions as "made of lightweight
materials and easy to tear back down". I didn't realize how much
styrofoam sheeting was under that studdo.
.
Kris