Winter Garage Sale in Homer
Posted by Dustin Horton // March 9, 2012 // Local Business
Two friends had the same thought after spending time winter cleaning closets and cupboards. The pile in the garage was too much. A long awaited summer garage sale was planned. But then, the question came to both friends at opposite ends of town: Why wait until summer?
One had a husband who owned a vacant building. The other had experience in sales and marketing. Together they could set up a winter garage sale, clear out their garages (somewhat) and provide the same service to the residents living nearby. Soon advertising for the Winter Garage Sale in Homer started to appear in local newspapers, Face Book and Craig’s List. Many inquiries were received, small booth spaces were rented by sixteen vendors, Garage Sale signs appeared surrounding N Fulton St and the first of 6 days of sales became a Homer happening. Despite a mix of unpredictable CNY winter weather, the cozy atmosphere inside the warehouse was warm and pleasant with hot refreshments available for a donation and smiling faces all around. Six rooms filled with an amazing assortment of “something for everyone” resulted in a one stop garage sale block party. Support that has been extended from the community of shoppers and vendors (home owners) indicate that another Garage Sale in Homer at 45 N. Fulton may be planned for the spring.
Being an antiques dealer during this strained economy is difficult. Finding ways to market merchandise requires creative approaches. Annual shows such as Bouckville, Homer WinterFest and The Sertoma Show in Binghamton continue to be a welcome outlet. In between these shows however, renting booth space in local Antique shops may not enough. E-bay and Craig’s List are other sources for merchandise sales. The challenge for hard working antiques dealers is to be creative and discover additional venues that is fun for dealers and potential customers. An old fashioned Garage Sale in Homer during swirling winter snow was an enjoyable respite and profitable for those home owners and a few dealers who participated in this one stop shopping event.
By Kathleen Beardsley
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