Comments on: The Future of Antiques and Who Buys Luxury

By: John Hobe

John Hobe — Thu, 26 May 2011 16:25:14 +0000

As a high end Antique Restoration studio we have been subject to the highs and lows of the antique market since 1971.This low cycle has lasted longer and is deeper than any we have experienced in 40 years. It certainly rings true to explain the underlying economic trends by acknowledging the link to shrinking real estate values and credit across the board.The individual client who wants the fine piece properly restored is happy to find our skilled staff intact after so many restoration studios have ceased to exist. From time to time it is business as usual, but the volume of high end antiques changing hands or being upgraded is clearly smaller. The high overhead that dealers have is naturally bypassed by internet sales so that is the future. Amazingly, the large audience E-bay attracts, even though it is weighted to low end, supports sales of some high end, high quality goods, without the seller having to promote a separate website, an expense that is beyond most sellers. Thanks to you all for generating this valuable discussion. In the long run it will be the venues with the lowest fees, best security, and speediest transactions that will attract a consistent group of sellers.

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By: Geo

Geo — Wed, 25 May 2011 20:59:32 +0000

@Mike There’s some truth to that if you are confining antiques to a narrow definition. If you are, then we have to ask, for what purpose. I’m guessing the answer may have the word investment in it. However it would seem that many things that fall outside of that definition are proving better performing investments.

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By: Mike Wilcox

Mike Wilcox — Wed, 25 May 2011 20:26:38 +0000

What you are referring to is not technically the Antique market, it’s the Decorator market. The Mid 20th Century items the GenX are buying are not Antiques, but smart Antique dealers are shifting out of the Antique trade and into Decor to stay afloat.

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By: Wayne Jordan

Wayne Jordan — Mon, 23 May 2011 15:23:02 +0000

Good analysis, Eric. As a Boomer, I can verify that I am “done spending”; at least on antiques and collectibles. So are most of my friends. In fact, most of us are considering downsizing. Considering the size of the Boomer cohort, downsizing by many will flood the market and tend to put more downward pressure on prices.

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