This summer has been ridiculous. I have not made any jewelry in about a month. I have not been on the torch since, well, I think there was snow. Stock is so low that we have dropped the Pier Street Market in Campbell River. Things, they are a changing, soon! I will be so glad to see the end of August!
We have been having a heat wave here in the usually pleasant Comox Valley, like the rest of the Pacific Northwest. Thankfully, it has abated and we are back to manageable. For me, who melts pretty quickly (I am made of sugar, you know), the heat has been energy sapping to say the least.
Anyway, ART. I spent this weekend, other than Saturday when I was at the CVCM being the Manager, at the Filberg Festival. My friend Jane Perala had a booth, so on Friday I helped her out. This was a very good experience for someone who may apply someday. Luckily her booth was in shade, and had a nice steady breeze, so we did not cook. Her lovely pieces flew off the table, which was not too much of a surprise because she does fabulous work.
I went back Sunday with my mom to wander, then headed down to Nautical Days to hang out with Erin Lee, of SavonLee, and Nico and Naomi teWinkel of Art in mulBerryland. There was not much shade in Marina Park! There were also a lot of glassworkers, which was a bit of a surprise.
Talking to vendors at all three markets over the weekend, a theme came out. Not a surprising one - sales are down. Even at the Filberg, which is a BIG deal. People who had been vendors before said there sales were down at least 40% over last year. Same product, same price. I heard closer to 60% from other venues. Ouch.
"They" say the Canadian economy is on the way back up, and maybe that will spur things a bit. Hopefully by Christmas, people will be feeling and being more flush. I only signed up for one show in November, and I think I am glad that this is a bit of a building year for us.
I guess we better get building. Or at least making beads - Fraser Valley Bead Show is coming!!!
Monday, August 03, 2009
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1 comments:
Hmmm, interesting observation. I've heard from many that sales have been good, but the product that is selling is different than past years. Less expensive pieces seem to do better than higher end ones. But there's one thing you can absolutely count on when it comes to doing shows - you can NEVER predict how your sales will be. Just go in prepared for the worst and hope for the best! LOL Don't feel bad about not making stuff though - I think I'm in the same boat as you are. And I have no thyroid excuse! Just plain lazy, I suppose! LOL! Looking forward to seeing you soon!
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