|
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
| | | |
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
| |
Follow us on
Instagram and Facebook
to stay up to date
| | | |
Get 12 digital issues + 4 seasonal print editions of the
Journal of Antiques & Collectibles annually.
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.
| | | 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
| | Journal of Antiques & Collectibles| www.JournalofAntiques.com| Contains AI Generated Content | | | | |