Smart holiday move

River Market Antiques (Kansas City, MO) is doing what just about every antique mall and shop should be doing during the holiday season — extending their hours.
From Friday, Dec. 18 to Wednesday, Dec. 23, the mall will be open 9 am to 9 pm, then open back up Dec. 26-27, 10 am to 6 pm, and on Dec. 28-30, 9 am to 9 pm. For more information, go to www.rivermarketantiquemall.com.

As they say — can't make a sale if you ain't open.

Upcoming estate sale

Brickhouse Antiques in Topeka, KS now has an Estate Service business. Their next estate sale is set for Dec. 11-12 at 1328 SW 37th St. in Topeka, Friday from 7:30 am-1 pm, and 8 am until whenever on Saturday, the day everything is half price.

Call 785-266-6000 or go to www.brickhouseantiqueshop.com for more information.

Taylor Swift goes antiquing

Dealers and organizers of the Music Valley and Tailgate Antique shows in Nashville are debunking the theory that younger people don't go antiquing after Country Music Award winner Taylor Swift and family spent time shopping at the two shows in October.
"In between looking and shopping for antiques, Taylor and her family stopped at many of the 300 booths to sign autographs and pose for pictures with the dealers," said Gail Taylor, publicist for the shows.

Taylor Swift is shown here with antique dealer Marilyn Halen (l) and Bea Starr (r). (photo courtesy Gail Taylor)

The next Antiques at Music Valley and Tailgate Antique shows will be Feb. 11-13 at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds in Nashville. For more information, go to www.musicvalleyantiquesmarket.com.

West Palm Beach show

Reports are good in terms of turnout and meeting dealer expectations at the Vintage Show & Sale in West Palm Beach, FL, held Nov. 21-22. Chicago jewelry dealer Brett Benson was quoted as calling the show "fantastic" and having met his personal sales goal within a few hours of the doors opening. In addition to clothing, artwork, furniture, jewelry and other items from the 1930s through the 1970s, show featured booksignings and a fashion show.
Next year's show is scheduled for Nov. 20-21 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.

Organizing antique dealer association

Michele Stanley, owner of My Granny's Attic in Lenexa, KS, is talking about beginning work on organizing a greater Kansas City antique dealer association. (Yes, in this economy, there is strength in numbers.) Check out the Refurnished Thoughts column in the December issue at www.discoverypub.com.

Indian art book release

The Chickasaw Press, part of the Chickasaw Nation Division of History and Culture, which publishes books on Chickasaw history, tradition and culture, has released Uprising! Woody Crumbo's Indian Art. Written by Robert Perry, it's the story of Potawatomi artist Woody Crumbo and his struggles as an artist. The book contains many images of Crumbo's paintings and sculptures.
Windle's Jewelry Shop in Bartlesville, OK, will host a book signing on Nov. 21 from 10 am-5:30 pm. Author Perry is a member of Elders that advises on tribal council issues. For more information on the book signing, visit www.windlesjewelry.com.

Ticketing an open house

Merchants in Greenwood, MO aren't happy that the local police issued parking tickets during the town's Christmas Open House last weekend. For some merchants, the outrage was compounded considering a parking ticket cost a supposed violator $60. One merchant, who owns two shops in town, has yet to hear from the mayor after being asked why the police were so heavy-handed.
The antique shops on Main Street Greenwood are a big part of the small town's identity besides an obvious revenue source. I guess the lesson here is: Watch where you park in Greenwood!