I've had my booth for nearly nine months now, which I think is plenty of time to figure out if things are working the way I want them to go. I've discovered that the main body of my collection - the antique and vintage dish sets and glassware sets - aren't the impulse items that sell well in a marketplace setting. Especially in this marketplace that opens to the public only one week per month as part of the local "trade days" calendar. I admit, my choosing this location has been a mistake for me.
It's sad to me in two ways. First, the folks at the marketplace are incredibly kind people. They encourage me and assist me with willing hearts and smiles on their faces. I will hate to leave them. And secondly, I can't help but feel like I've wasted so much time (and $$) trying to make something work that just won't. I've chased a few trends only to overspend on those items, which I basically had to sell for cost in order for them to move. And they didn't really attract other business within my shop. Yikes!
But there is a dynamic at play when trying a new thing that is based on failure. Don't fear it. And don't beat yourself up when you encounter it. Keep showing up in the little things. Accept the learning curve. Reaching for the hard things will make the regular things better, i.e. the bar is raised with each failure.
So... I've decided to let it go. Probably not for good, but at least for now. Time to regroup and focus on bringing the most interesting, beautiful-in-their-own-ways items to Redux Vintage Boutique online and reach the most people possible through the magic of the internet. See you in the shop. Cheers! -Jill