My wife has a space in the local Antique Trove Mall. They were closed down on Apr 4th by the "Stay at Home" order because antique sales were considered non essential. The mall owner has reduced the space rent significantly but the store is closed so there are no sales. Our problem is much smaller than yours since she only has one space but I'm not sure how long the mall operator can last at the lower rent level. If the shut down last too long I fear the place would just close down. Some dealers have already gone in and removed there items to avoid paying rent without sales. We have so much stuff in the one space it is much more than will fit in our garage. If they do manage to get the place opened back up next month I expect sales will take a big hit because of the big economic downturn. I fear that the whole business will be greatly changed - I really miss searching flea markets and garage sales for inventory for the space. Being under quarantine really sucks but being a triple threat - over 65, Type A blood, and overweight - I see no alternative.
|