VanIsleAntiques.com Offering 21st Century Marketing Workshops for Island’s Antique Dealers

June 19, 2011 - PRLog -- On the surface, antique dealers and 21st century marketing techniques might seem to be an odd pairing. “Not so”, says VanIsleAntiques.com originator Beth Campbell Duke.

“The antiques trade on Vancouver Island includes a wide range of businesses, encompassing everything from vendors who sell mainly at antique and collectible markets through to well-established shops. We are home to a number of antique, collectible and personal property appraisers - many of whom are alumni of the Canadian Antiques Roadshow,” explains Campbell Duke.

As a group, antique dealers and vendors are passionate about the stories and history of the items they encounter. They’re in the antiques trade because of this passion, as is clear to anyone who visits any of the shops or antiquing events held on the Island. And like any group of small business people, there are some who have clear, effective marketing plans and those who do not.

“Antique dealers have been struggling for a number of years, and the recent recession has had a significant impact on vendors and dealers. Very high-end antiques continue to do well, but prices for moderately-priced antiques have been greatly affected. None of the Island’s vendors, dealers or appaisers can afford not to have an effective business marketing plan.”

There is good news on the horizon, believes Campbell Duke.

“A lot has changed in the world of marketing in the last few years, and this is great news for antique dealers. People are looking for businesses that provide events and services along with their products. The very nature of the antiques trade means that every dealer's stock is unique, as are the stories that accompany the pieces.”

Add to this with an increasing consumer awareness of 'green' and sustainable products, and the antique dealers on Vancouver Island have great opportunity to work together to increase interest in antiques and generate more business for the shops and appraisers on the Island.

‘This is where VanIsleAntiques.com comes in. We’re more than a listing of antique shops, appraisers and events on Vancouver Island, we provide a way for the vendors and dealers on the Island to begin to connect, and to access free and low-cost marketing information and services.’

‘Our first workshop, ‘21st Century Marketing Strategies for Antique Dealers’ will be held at Luis Porretta Fine Arts in the Nanaimo North Town Center on July 11. For more information, see VanIsleAntiques.com.

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VanIsleAntiques.com is your 24/7 online guide to antique shops, appriasers and events on Vancouver Island.