• An online version of our travel-size map guide to antique shops and shows for the Western US
• Chez Bliss, a blog about all things antique, collectible, vintage, retro, repurposed, rescued and restored
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Smart marketing at Merchant Square
Photos from Pore Ol' John's collection at Merchant Square in Chandler, AZ
I've noticed a new trend among antique malls, a good example of which is at the website of Merchant Square in Chandler, AZ, which is apparently housed in an old schoolhouse. What a great use of old public buildings, turning them into antique malls! Merchant Square not only has its own website, and some of their dealers have attached their own blogs to the site, such as Pore Ol' John, who specializes in toy trains and train memorabilia. Six individuals at Merchant Square so far have tackled the challenge of putting up their own blogs, most going for a simple display of photos which gets the idea of their specialties across with minimal effort. Merchant Square encourages them by featuring a specific site now and then.
Nice kitchen dresser shot, brightly lighted
Another good idea: their website makes navigating through this huge store easier by posting a map on their Tour page. It's a work in progress: eventually those dealers who participate will have their segment of the map green and a rollover will take you to a photo of their display.
We have a saying here at Cochran's, that "Organizing antique dealers is like herding cats." But if only a few get involved by making the effort to take pictures and set up their own blogs, everybody benefits. Best of all, blogging is free!
Periodic meanderings in the antique world by the former feature writer, editor and publisher of Cochran's antique monthly. Since 1989, co-publisher of Cochran's Collector's Guide, the only free travel-size annual map directory to antique stores & shows in the Western US. See the online version at this website. The current hardcopy edition is obtainable free at our advertisers' stores and events. Download the Guide from this website, or by utilizing the QR code on the cover of the book, for an even more portable version on your smartphone or tablet.
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