"The Antiques & Collectibles Market is changing and so must Burlwood."
   So read the letter mailed out to Burlwood dealers the end of October. In a move that has stunned many, the owners of the Burlwood Antiques Center in Meredith, NH have announced they will not open for the season on May 1st, 2009.
   In the letter sent to all of the shop’s dealers, owners Mark Diette and Mary Di Maria said, "The Burlwood model, which has been so often copied over the past 25 years, now needs to change to match changes in our customer needs. It’s time to reinvent ourselves and develop a brand new marketing concept for the sale of antiques. collectibles and jewelry. This will involve a complete overhaul of all three floors of our premises, changes in merchandise selection and changes in the mix of dealers.
   "It is estimated that this monumental task will take far longer than the six months that we have between Burlwood seasons. Architectural plans. town approvals, building permits. and contractors work will take several months. As a result of the time required, we will not be open in time for the 2009 season".
   The letter went on to state: "We are very excited about the opportunity to create a new Burlwood concept that can sustain and support the antiques marketplace for the next 25 years."
   Within days of this announcement, the phone began to ring at the Gavel.
   "What can they be thinking?" said one long time Burlwood dealer who asked to remain anonymous. "This was one of our best years yet."
   She added, "We have no idea where we will go next year."
   "Maybe we’ll just retire," said another woman, almost in tears. "It just won’t be the same without Burlwood."
   "It’s all because of Mario," said a long time auctioneer. "Once he gave his notice that was the beginning of the end. Everyone has been talking about it."
   The rumors got more and more ridiculous.  The lot had been sold to Burger King. Nope! The building was being razed to the ground. Wrong again!
  I decided it was time we talked with the Burlwood owners about their vision., and in particular, the rumor about Mario causing the shop’s demise.
   Mark & Mary responded, "It is clear that Mario also sees changes occurring in the antiques industry. The difference between us is that rather than complain and abandon the industry that we love, we have a different approach.  We have decided to pursue changes in our business model that will allow Burlwood and our dealers to continue to prosper in the future."
   Mark was more than eager to candidly discuss their plans. Like to winterize the building from the ground up.
   Wow! Burlwood with a longer season? Now there was something to applaud!
   Air-conditioning… another round of applause!
   "This is all about being the best Antique Mall in New England for the next decade," said Mary. "Even in a bad economy, our 2008 sales exceeded $1 million for a six month season or averaged $5,500 per day. We want to take this success and have our dealers’ sales grow."
   And the drawbacks?
   Like every time they open up a wall or ceiling, they don’t know what they’ll find behind it! Electrical wiring that might need complete updating… or a support beam that needs modification. Not to mention possibly relocating doors and windows. The list was endless.
   Quickly the scope of what the couple is contemplating became evident.
   The new Burlwood, when it opens, will be an "all new selling concept in an building that highlights the architectural charm of a 19th century post and beam barn," said Mark.
   Where there any shops Mark and Mary admire? That they’d like to envision as the new Burlwood.
   A quick response: "The NH Antique Coop in Milford, NH and Cabot Mill in Brunswick, ME."
   But what about all those nay-sayers?
   You know the ones. You’ve heard them. Probably tried to overhear their chatter.
    Indeed, it’s almost impossible not to hear the gossip these days.
   "It’s a ploy. They don’t intend to reopen. It’s their way of selling out while on top."
    Those are just a few of the negative comments we’ve heard from other shopowners in the past few weeks. It’s amazing how quickly folks will jump on a bone and shake it.
    "If you’re closing for renovations, keeping the dealers and the public informed is a very important step in the renovations. By not doing that, you’re leaving things open to speculation," said Donna Welch, owner of From Out Of the Woods Antiques in Goffstown, NH.
    She was one of the few shopowners who didn’t question Burlwood’s intentions. Instead she praised their motives and said she looked forward to hearing about their plans in the future.
   "Most people like to grab the negative," she added. "Oh, Burlwood is closing. That’s why it is so important for people to know what is going on."
   History has proven that Mark & Mary are very eager to communicate all aspects of their business through their monthly newsletters to their dealers.  Their November 08 newsletter was their 70th issue in the 10 years that they have owned Burlwood. Updates will no doubt follow as work progresses.
   So stay tuned. No doubt the coming year will be full of revelations… and renovations! At least, that’s what we’ve been told.
www.burlwood-antiques.com