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NEW FACES, NEW PLACES
One year into new ownership, Fairgrounds Antiques, the Monadnock
region’s oldest group shop, is going strong. "We are still excited by our
purchase," said proprietors Peter Shepard and Victoria Hawkins, who maintain
that even during these difficult economic times, the "thrill of the hunt"
continues to draw dealers and other antiquers from near and far .
"We are just amazed at how readily this shop attracts
potential customers. After one visit, people just seem to be hooked," said
Victoria.
And that’s because at the Fairgrounds, the sense of discovery
prevails and great buys are still to be found. It’s a mecca for dealers
and friends.
Both Hawkins and Shepard had their own booths at the Fairgrounds
before seizing the opportunity to buy the shop last year. Familiar with
the shop and its history, they knew they didn’t need to reinvent the wheel.
"We loved the Fairgrounds just the way it was and didn’t want to lose the
lively, friendly atmosphere that is so attractive to our customers. We
wanted the transition of ownership to be seamless and invisible. In that,
I believe we succeeded."
To help gauge the effectiveness of their advertising,
Peter and Victoria recently did a casual written survey of customers coming
through the door. (See sidebar comments to the right). To their delight,
the survey confirmed what they believed to be true. Word of mouth is the
shop’s greatest ally and reflects the shop’s enduring strength.
“Most customers have been coming to the shop for years
-- try 28 years as one example!” said Hawkins.
"We have a strong family of more than 60 dealers who provide
a great variety of merchandise. Our customers make a beeline for their
favorite booths -- in hopes of making one more score. Some make the rounds
every day!"
It’s also no secret that fresh merchandise arrives daily
at this shop.
Hawkins and Shepard always hope to see new faces and promise
a welcoming smile and helpful service. "Our staff has been here longer
than we have," says Hawkins. "They’ll make you feel at home."
Fairgrounds Antiques (and collectibles!) is open seven
days a week, except for major holidays, from 9 to 5. It’s located on Route
12 in East Swanzey, NH at the Cheshire Fairgrounds in the big red barn.
You can’t miss it. Make it YOUR destination. It’s worth the trip! Telephone
603-352-4420 for more details, or look for their ad elsewhere in this issue
of the Gavel.
New Auction Hall
After 30 years of operating in a steel Quonset-style building,
the owners of the Brookline Auction Gallery in Brookline, NH have decided
to demo the old and build new.
“We now have a new 7200 square foot Morton Building, with
many upgrades. Bigger and Better Kitchen, New Sound System, larger Handicapped
Accessible Rest Rooms, No More Cement Flooring, Better Lighting, etc,”
said auctioneer Ron Pelletier. “ We will be able to offer more quality
auctions in a comfortable setting.”
“We have also included a large storage- warehouse area,”
he continued, “where we will be able to process more merchandise, in a
more efficient manner.
“We look forward to welcoming back our old customers and
look forward to having new customers join us. Come and see for your self.
We believe you will be pleasantly surprised.”
Visit them online at: www.brooklineauctiongallery.com
Brookline Auction Gallery LLC is owned and operated by
Ron and Kathy Pelletier. They can be reached at 603-673-4474.