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SPENCER ANTIQUE MALL GRAND OPENING - Vendors Now Number 42 |
| (08/31/2005) |
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The Spencer Antique Mall's early success has exceeded all expectations, according to Kate J. Burbank, local WVU Extension Agent and chair of the advisory committee that has worked on the development of the mall since early March. The antique mall opened in downtown Spencer in the former G. C. Murphy building on July 1, 2005 and will be celebrating their grand opening on Friday, September 2 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Special activities including refreshments, drawings for prizes, and live radio coverage are planned for the event. Many vendors will be on hand to answer questions or help as customers shop. Opening day sales were $1900 and since that time, sales have continued at a steady pace. Total sales for the 31 days in July were $10,052. Burbank reports there was some confusion with the sales figures because different calculations were made based on the number of days of sales. Because of accounting deadlines, vendors were paid for the first 25 days of sales which totaled $8,178. Teri Vickery, mall manager, reports that business has been very good with a steady flow of customers on most days. She is seeing a lot of repeat customers as downtown workers browse the mall on their lunch hour. Since the mall is open seven days a week, she sees many out of town customers on the weekends. Several of the vendors change their merchandise frequently so there are new antiques, crafts, and collectibles every few days. Vickery says that antiques, crafts, and collectibles are selling similarly well. Vickery reports the sales figures for the first 25 days of August are $7844. The number of vendors has nearly doubled since July 1.The antique mall opened with 23 vendors who rented 17 spaces and now this number has increased to 42 vendors renting 35 booths. There are a few spaces available but within the past few days, there have been more inquiries and the mall is nearing capacity. There is a waiting list for certain sizes and types of space. There is a wide variety of antiques, arts, crafts, and collectibles. The mall sells items on consignment now as well as accepts credit cards. Gift certificates are also available. Burbank is appreciative of the support from the local community. There is a lot of enthusiasm about the antique mall and people are excited to have another reason to come downtown.
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