She said people purchased jewelry, sewing items, a fur coat and hat, and a ring, but nobody was looking to sell her items.
“A few people did take cards and said they might call me in the future about stuff ... I was busy all day (Saturday) and I’ve already had two sales today,” she said shortly after the show opened Sunday.
Compared to a year ago, Kao said her sales have doubled since New Year’s Day when she was involved in a show in Louisville, Ky.
“I hope that means the economy is picking up,” she said.
Sue Robinette, who sells antiques and sterling matching services, said people were mostly buying sterling silver flatware — spoons, forks and knives — items from her instead of selling things to her.
“I’m not buying that much. I’ve had a few things offered to me, but they don’t have them with them, and they want to get in touch with me,” said Robinette of Monticello, Ky.
“I’m doing well, but I sent out about 500 invitations.”
She said sales were good because she did her homework.
“I work hard to get people in. I send out packages and I invite them to the show, and a I keep a mailing list. I think if everybody pulled and tried, we would turn this economy around,” Robinette said. “Its been difficult for a lot people, but I’ve been fortunate that I’ve held on in the silver business. I’ve bought a tremendous amount of silver since this crunch started because many people need the money.”
Wesley C. Williams, a bookseller from Cleveland Heights, said people were not selling a lot of books to him, but rather buying art, natural history, nature and literature books.
“Sales seem to have been good,” he said. “Attendance yesterday was very strong. I’ve sold more than last year. I want customers that the economy doesn’t affect. Those with plenty of money.”
Contact this reporter at (513) 483-5219 or dewilson@coxohio.com.
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