How to Build a Vintage Brand:

4 Questions to Drive Growth 


By Sloane Middleton Mann.  Business of Vintage Follow @business.of.vintage on Instagram for vintage marketing tips & guides.


If you’ve been running a vintage shop and haven’t been getting the traction you want, consider these four questions. Each one digs into the core qualities that help a business thrive. Reflecting on these can help you understand where your brand may work to grow a stronger customer base, online and offline.


Question 1: Are you satisfying your customers? 


Be honest with yourself: what do your customers want from your shop, and have you been able to fulfill it? Consider what your frequently asked questions from customers have been. Is it about item availability, hours, or deliverability? Customer questions are clues to what would make buying easier. Take note, and meet them where they are.


Question 2: Do you understand your customer? 


It sounds simple, but it’s essential. Knowing your customers’ wants, needs, behaviors, and patterns means you’ll better meet their demands. Ditch the guesswork and talk to your buyers. Ask them deliberately for their preferences, regularly request feedback, and observe their behavior. The more consumer patterns you recognize, the better you can tailor your listings, marketing, and inventory to resonate and sell.


👉Read the full story at Talk of the Trade in our monthly magazine

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Upcoming

Shows & Markets

July 18-19: Marietta, GA

Atlanta Antique Gun & International Military Show

IAMAW Local 709

Union Hall,

1032 S. Marietta Parkway

Fri. Noon-5pm

Sat. 9am-4pm

704-254-6181 richard@thecarolinatrader.com

www.thecarolinatrader.com

July 19: Dover, NH

Summer Dover Antique and Vintage Market

Dover Elks Lodge

282 Durham Road

9am-1pm

Rachel Gurley

207-396-4255

www.gurleyantiqueshows.com

July 19-20: Camden, ME

43rd Camden-Rockport Antiques Show

MidCoast Recreation Center, Rt 90

Sat. 10am-4pm

Sun. 11am-4pm

Goosefare Antiques & Promotions

John & Elizabeth DeSimone

800-641-6908

goosefare@gwi.net www.goosefareantiques.com

July 20: Nashua, NH

EBW Monthly Coin & Currency Show

Alpine Grove

Events Centre,

19 S Depot Road,

Hollis, NH

9am-3pm

978-658-0160, info@ebwpromotions.com

www.ebwpromotions.com

July 25-27:

North Hudson, NY

Brimfield Adirondacks

Brimfield Antique Shows, 

781-324-4400, brimfieldlive@gmail.com

www.brimfieldlive.com

July 26: New London, NH

57th New London Antiques Show & Sale

New London Historical Society Grounds,

179 Little Lake

Sunapee Road

Goosefare Antiques & Promotions

John & Elizabeth DeSimone, 800-641-6908

goosefare@gwi.net www.goosefareantiques.com 

July 26:

Westmoreland, NH

The Tailgate

Flying Pig Antiques

867 Rt 12

9am Sharp!

Ian 860-781-0081

Kris 508-341-6870

July 27: Los Angeles, CA

Santa Monica Antique & Vintage Market

Santa Monica Airport Interim Open Space,

3233 Donald Douglas Loop S  

7am-3pm

310-909-9001

Phone or Text

www.santamonicaairportantiquemarket.com

July 27: Bath, ME

The Summer Bath

Antique Sale

826 Ship Builders Drive

9am-3pm

Gurley Antique Shows

207-396-4255

www.gurleyantiqueshows.com

August 1-3:

Albuquerque, NM

Great Southwestern Antique Show

Manual Lujan Jr. Exhibition Hall

Expo New Mexico

300 San Pedro NE

Charity Sneak Preview

Fri. 1pm-6pm

Sat. 9am-5pm

Sun. 10am-4pm

Cowboys & Indians Antiques/Terry Schumeier

Victoria Roberts

310-456-4702

info@gswevents.com www.gswevents.com

August 2: Orleans, MA

Summer Antique Show in Orleans

Nauset Middle School, 

70 Route 28

9am-3pm

Cape Cod Dealers Assoc.

774-722-2108

www.ccada.com

August 3: Alameda, CA

Alameda Point Antiques Faire

3900 Main Street

6am-3pm

510-522-7500

randie@alamedapointantiquesfaire.com

www.alamedapointantiquesfaire.com

August 3:

Los Angeles, CA

Santa Monica Antique & Vintage Market

Santa Monica Airport Interim Open Space,

3233 Donald Douglas

Loop S  

7am-3pm

310-909-9001

Phone or Text

www.santamonicaairportantiquemarket.com

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Enjoy a vast editorial archive, monthly columns, and features. You can also access our online tools, including Shop Finder, Museum & Exhibits, Event/Auction Calendar, and more.

Stay connected to the antiques world—anytime, anywhere

Lace Museum: Online Videos Introduce New Approach to the Study of Antique Lace



Discover a rich tapestry of lace history and artistry at The Lace Museum—both online and in person! With over 10,000 pieces of antique lace, thousands of lacemaking tools, a dedicated research library, and an extensive archive of documents and ephemera, our museum preserves and celebrates this timeless craft.

Enjoy rotating displays of historic and contemporary lace through our physical galleries and virtual exhibits. Whether you're curious or experienced, our workshops cover everything from lacemaking techniques to the identification, collection, and preservation of antique lace. Available on-site, online, or on-demand—there’s a way for everyone to connect.


👉 Visit our website to learn more

Plan Your Visit to The Lace Museum—Online or In Person

At The Lace Museum, there's always something new to discover! Whether you visit our physical location or explore from home, we invite you to dive into the intricate world of antique lace and lacemaking.

Our latest Online Class Series: Reading Lace—taught by expert Elizabeth Kurella—is now available on demand. With a growing list of virtual classes, you can study lace history, identification, and technique anytime, anywhere.


📍 Museum Location:

The Lace Museum

200 Brown Road, Suite 300

Fremont, CA 94539

🖥️ For hours, directions, and to browse our classes, visit

thelacemuseum.org/videos-on-demand or call (510) 623-1423.

How to Style Thrifted Vintage Fashion for Today: A Collector’s Guide from Brimfield and Beyond

 By Ashley G Garner


Ready to turn your vintage finds into showstopping, everyday looks? Whether you're a seasoned collector or a curious thrifter, our latest guide shows you how to blend classic pieces with modern flair. Featuring insider tips straight from the fields of Brimfield and beyond, this collector's guide offers timeless advice on styling, sourcing, and making vintage fashion your own.



👗 Discover how to style smart, shop sustainably, and express your individuality—one vintage piece at a time.

👉 Read the full guide

Makes Good Cents:

Vintage Gumball Machines

by Douglas R. Kelly


Looking to turn your passion for antiques into thoughtful, savvy collecting? Our Makes Good Cents column explores how collectibles hold and grow value over time, with tips, insights, and stories that make every penny count.


🧠 Learn how to collect with both heart and strategy.



🔗 Read the latest column now »


Breweriana and Rob Wolfe: A Passion for Collecting


by Rob Wolfe of American Pickers



Step into the colorful world of breweriana—from vintage beer signs and tap handles to crates, cans, and advertising ephemera. In this feature, American Pickers co-star Rob Wolfe shares his lifelong love for collecting and preserving these spirited pieces of brewing history.

Discover how Rob turned passion into purpose and why breweriana is more than just a niche—it’s a nostalgic tribute to craftsmanship, branding, and Americana.



🍺 If you love vintage advertising or quirky collectibles with character, this one's for you.

🔗 Read the full feature now

Twice signed rock guitar,

$104,000, Julien’s Auctions

A Daisy rock guitar with a photo signed by singers Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus sold for $104,000 at a Music Icons auction held May 30-31 by Julien’s Auctions (based in Beverly Hills, Calif.) at the Hard Rock Café in New York City. Also, an Aerosmith stage-played “Dream On” piano achieved $130,000; a Joe Perry stage-played and signed Gibson Les Paul guitar gaveled for $58,500; and a Christine McVie Patek Philippe diamond Aquanaut wristwatch knocked down for $35,750. Prices include the buyer’s premium.

Jacobsen oil painting,

$11,250, Nye & Co.

An oil on canvas maritime marine painting by Antonio Jacobsen (N.J., 1850-1921), titled A.M. Lawrence and Campania, sold for $11,250 at an auction held June 11th by Nye & Company Auctioneers in Bloomfield, N.J. Also, a bronze statue of an elk after Antoine-Louis Barye (French, 1795-1875) brought $9,375; a clock made by Chelsea Clock Co. with the dial marked “U.S. Life Saving Service” brought $5,938; and a Lunt sterling flatware service in the Alexandra pattern hit $3,750. Prices include a 25 percent buyer’s premium.


Early 1900s pocket tobacco tin,

CA$64,900, Miller & Miller

A rare, Canadian early 1900s 3 Strikes Cut Plug pocket tobacco tin sold for $64,900 in a Soda, Tobacco & General Store Advertising auction held May 25th by Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd., based in New Hamburg, Ont., Canada. Also, a Canadian 1940s Sweet Caporal Cigarettes single-sided lithographed tin sign, featuring an image of the “Majorette,” fetched $16,520; and a Canadian 1940s single-sided porcelain neon dealer sign for Hudson Automobiles hit $28,320. Prices include an 18 percent buyer’s premium and are in Canadian dollars.


TV’s Cheers logo bar door,

$162,500, Julien’s Auctions

The original front door of TV’s favorite bar “where everybody knows your name,” emblazoned with the Cheers logo, sold for $162,500 at a Channel Surfing auction held May 8th by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles. Also, the Americana uniform bodysuit worn by Lynda Carter in the hit 1970s TV show Wonder Woman, plus her bullet-repelling gold bracelets, fetched $130,000; and the original mask and scrubs worn by Alan Alda in the TV series M*A*S*H went for $26,000. Prices include the buyer’s premium.

For the full list of results, please visit

Gavels 'n' Paddles

August 3:

Lawrenceburg, IN

Tri-State Antique Market

Lawrenceburg Indiana Fairgrounds,

US 50 & Hollywood Blvd.

6am-3pm

Aaron Metzger

513-702-2680

info@lawrenceburgantiqueshow.com

www.lawrenceburgantiqueshow.com


August 4: Deerfield, NH

The Deerfield Antique Show

Deerfield Fairgrounds, 34 Stage Road

9am-3pm

Rachel Gurley

207-396-4255

rachelgurley@gmail.com

www.gurleyantiqueshows.com


August 7-10: Atlanta, GA

Scott Antique Markets

Atlanta Expo Centers,

3650 & 3850

Jonesboro Road SE

Thurs. 10am-5pm

Fri. & Sat. 9am-6pm

Sun. 10am-4pm

740-569-2800 www.scottantiquemarkets.com


August 7-10: Moline, IL

Rust Belt Americana Antique Swap & Auction

Bend XPO, East,

922 Mississippi Pkwy

Created by Rob Wolfe from the show American Pickers

www.rustbeltamericana.com


August 9: Cape Cod, MA

“Antiques at

Mashpee Commons”

Summer Antiques Show

Mashpee Commons

Village Green

10am-3pm

Goosefare Antiques & Promotions

John & Elizabeth DeSimone, 800-641-6908

goosefare@gwi.net www.goosefareantiques.com


August 10: Auburn, MA

EBW Promotions Monthly Coin Show

Auburn-Webster Elks Lodge,

754 Southbridge Street

(Rt 12)

9:30am-2:30pm

EBW Promotions, LLC

978-658-0160

info@ebwpromotions.com

www.ebwpromotions.com


August 17: Nashua, NH

EBW Monthly Coin & Currency Show

Alpine Grove Events Centre,

19 S Depot Road, Hollis, NH

9am-3pm

978-658-0160

info@ebwpromotions.com

www.ebwpromotions.com


August 22-24,

Jekyll Island, GA

Braderie

The Historic Jekyll

Island Club

371 Riverview Drive

Jekyll Island, GA

9am-2pm

braderiesouth@gmail.com

www.braderiesouth.com


August 23: Dover, NH

Summer Dover Antique and Vintage Market

Dover Elks Lodge

282 Durham Road

9am-1pm

Rachel Gurley

207-396-4255

www.gurleyantiqueshows.com

Coming Next Month

In Antiques Peek


Posters with a Purpose:

The WPA & America’s National Parks: Bold. Optimistic. Iconic.


Next month, we explore the colorful legacy of WPA-era National Park posters—artworks that helped lift a nation during the Great Depression and continue to inspire collectors today. From their rare rediscovery to their graphic artistry, learn how these prints became enduring symbols of hope, adventure, and American resilience.








📍 History meets design

🎨 Collecting tips & valuation insight

🧭 Why these posters still move hearts—and markets


Stay tuned for a look at the posters that helped build America’s love for the great outdoors.


👉 Get ready to explore the exciting features of our new website and discover how it has evolved to serve you better—join us

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