Preview night at the Chicago Merchandise Mart Show

The preview party is in full swing as I type this post. There are lots and lots of people walking around, probably hundreds. What I don’t understand is why are we here?? I guess it benefits some charity, so the promoters feel it’s a good thing, but from a dealer’s point of view — GET ME OUTTA HERE! Most of the time, the attendees are just here for a good time. It’s a social event. See and be seen. Well, that’s great for everyone who attends, but not for the dealers. Remember, antique shows are a business. The dealers are here to sell. The cost to dealers to exhibit at a show is a few thousand to many thousands of dollars, not even counting the investment in time. If we don’t sell, we go out of business. If the show promoters would pay us just to exhibit and not sell, that would be another story, but unfortunately, that’s not the case.

My spacious booth at the show, #339

On this particular evening, one of my loyal Chicago clients came to my booth and purchased a couple of fine items, so the evening was not a complete loss, but this client would have bought from us during regular show hours, if there hadn’t been a preview party.

On the positive side, there was complimentary red and white wine and a few hors d’oeuvres, so that’s not bad. The hors d’oeuvres were even tasty.

So if I may sum up my feelings and speak directly to the show promoters. NO PREVIEW PARTIES, PLEASE!

Please send me your suggestions or questions about art glass, lamps, Louis Icart, shows, auctions, etc. If it’s interesting, I’ll answer your question in a future blog entry.

Call or write and let me know what you would like to buy, sell, or trade. philchasen@gmail or 516-922-2090. And please visit my website. chasenantiques.com