Difficult financial conditions can drive businesses into liquidation or challenge them into finding new tactics for survival and prosperity.
Damarine Antiques owners Miriam and Dan Buckley, having lived through the economic turbulence of the early 1970s and the financial pressures of the mid- to late 1980s, face the latest economic conditions by expanding their exposure in the antiques marketplace.
“Proactive tactics are essential in every business especially when the economy falters,” Dan Buckley said. “Tough times are survived by direct action on every facet of the business that the owner can control. Firm believers that positive action is essential for continuing success, we have made a significant decision to enhance our position in the antiques market.”
In addition to their shop on Bristol Rd. in Damariscotta, the Buckley’s have operated one of the largest display booths at Avalon Antiques Market on Rt. 1 in Wiscasset for several years.
“Effective Feb. 1, we contracted with Avalon for an additional 100 plus square feet of floor space,” Buckley said. “Our existing space is just inside the front door to the left. The new space spans the area to the right as you enter.”
According to Miriam Buckley, the new space “will feature period antique furniture and selections of artwork from our Novangelus Art Gallery inventory. The increased floor and wall space allows us to present our merchandise in a dramatic, uncluttered fashion.
“Supporting this decision is our continuing search for authentic antiques that appreciate in value over time,” she said. “We have been in the antiques business for over 30 years and specialize in quality items on all levels. We formed the Novangelus Art Gallery last year, and I am excited at now having sufficient wall space for a rotating art show.”
By increasing their focus on acquiring only quality merchandize that can have value added to it by judicious restoration work and being even more selective in their buying decisions, the Buckley’s hope to continue to grow their business while providing discerning customers with genuine antiques.
Thus, as the economy eventually emerges from this cyclical downturn, our clientele will have purchased items that will last another 100 or more years,” Miriam Buckley said
Damarine Antiques is a member of the Maine Antiques Dealers Association and exhibits at the association’s Coastal Show in Damariscotta every August. Both the shop in Damariscotta and Avalon Antiques Market are open daily, year round.
For more information, call 563-3949, or visit www.damarineantiques.com, or email adman@tidewater.net.
