A new little show with a big name †the Good Things Come In Small Packages Antique And Vintage Holiday Gift Show †took place at the Concord Armory on December 12 and 13. The product of veteran show producer Marvin Getman, it attracted large crowds and enthusiastic praise.
“It was difficult to move inside the building within 30 minutes after opening [Saturday] and the crowds continued to come throughout the morning,” Getman said. “Sunday’s smaller crowd was equally enthusiastic, having heard from friends and neighbors positive reports about the show and its dealers.”
According to Getman, almost 1,500 people attended the 35-dealer show. Three days after the show, jewelry and silver dealer Donna Grant of Winchester, Mass., said, “We’ve already had one call back that has resulted in a nice sale and another possible sale. We were out straight for three hours after the show opened and didn’t get a chance to eat until late afternoon.”
Paul Martinez, the Westminster, Mass., dealer of American and European pottery, said, “Marvin combined his vision for a new antiques show with his organizational and promotional skills, and has delivered a tour de force. We had a lot of fun, logged some great sales and look forward to returning next year.”
Chris Gutierrez of Gentle Giant Restoration said, “I was here to advertise our restoration services and not to sell product. I spoke to many people who have art or a special piece in need of restoration. It was a big success for us. The people I spoke to were quite enthusiastic to see a high-quality show with affordable prices at this time of year.”
By the end of the show, Getman had deposits from some 80 percent of the dealers to hold their space for next year. “There were categories about which customers were asking, such as country, Americana, Modernism and more furniture. I now know how many spaces I have for recruiting dealers in those categories,” said Getman after the show. “I have to say that it’s a great feeling to see something that was just an idea six months ago become a success for all involved.”
Getman’s next show is his Greater Boston Antiques Festival at the Shriner’s Auditorium, Wilmington, Mass., January 16‱7. For more information, www.neantiqueshows.com or 781-862-4039.
