So my wife & I went to Monterey for a mini vacation while staying around the corner from Cannery Row Antique Mall. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. Boasting of two floors of antiques is misleading. Much of the upstairs was empty. Then many of the dealers are vacating due to the higher rent and others are being forced to share a booth. I've seen this before at other antique malls and doesn't look good. While I was there, I saw at least five packing up their wares in boxes while talking among themselves of the situation they were in. Granted the owners of the building have to make rent( or charging to much) while the vendors have to somehow make their rent. But I saw tell signs of what was going on by what was not being sold. Anytime your in a mall and don't see one razor or pocket watch(example of this mall) more than likely the vendors are selling their finds via ebay or other means. Eventually customers stop coming to the mall because their not finding anything of their interest (whatever that may be )thus undermining the overall foot traffic. Also any possible "halo" effect that might transpire from a single transaction will not translate into a sale on other items not shaving related. So ebay and other auction sites are starting to eat the local brick & mortar stores. This may be premature and I hope my assessment is wrong. I'm frustrated to say the least as I'd like to support locally.
Anyway to end on a somewhat good note,I went to three other antique dealers in Monterey and found a cased Gem that was in fair shape for $15. I passed. At least I know the owner will be around for awhile. She owned the store.
Anyway to end on a somewhat good note,I went to three other antique dealers in Monterey and found a cased Gem that was in fair shape for $15. I passed. At least I know the owner will be around for awhile. She owned the store.
