Stellar Performers
When the going gets tough, the tough get going. That’s the message NICHE magazine’s 2009 Top Retailer Award winners are sending.
“I’m not interested in portraying the concern we all have about the economy with bare shelving and stale inventory,” explains Whitney Marsden, retail manager of Alternatives Museum Shop at the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts in Wilmington. “My goal is for patrons to be inspired by the ever-evolving environment.”
Keeping fresh inventory—even if it means smaller and more frequent orders to artists—is critical at a time when Americans are weighing every purchase. What’s more, not every gallery is feeling the pinch. Several reported meeting or exceeding previous years’ numbers.
In the cases where sales are down, gallery owners are doing more than tightening inventory. They are running the numbers, polling their customers, selecting fresh work, restocking best sellers and re-evaluating their advertising campaigns.
“I’m much more conscious about where I’m spending my advertising dollars,” explains Don Muller, owner of Don Muller Gallery in Northampton, Mass. “I still believe in advertising the image of the gallery. It’s so important to keep your name out there.”
Many have also made a more deliberate jump into the social media pool. Tools like e-newsletters, blogs and Facebook pages are exposing their brands to more customers, and in turn, increasing sales. In short, this year’s Top Retailers are doing more with less, and excelling. Turn to page 64 to hear what each of them is doing to stay on top.
The best example, of course, is the story behind our 2009 Retailer of the Year, which kicks off this special section. With two retail locations and a restaurant in Charlotte, N.C., Diane and Madis Sulg of Maddi’s Gallery have proven that it pays to take big risks.
Anything but Ordinary
With two Maddi’s Gallery locations and Maddi’s Southern Bistro, Diane and Madis Sulg have created an unstoppable force. Marla Hardee Milling tells the story.
Smart Moves
Even a wobbly economy is no match for our 2009 Top Retailers, who share their strategies for buoying business and positioning themselves for a strong 2010. Claire Patterson Blome shares their secrets.
I agree 100 percent with the author. As an artist in only a couple galleries so far I appreciate when gallery owners keep things rotated and fresh. I would rather have fewer items in a gallery at a time (and actually have them sell) than an over abundance of my items that become stagnant. The health of the gallery assists in the health of me and my work. Additionally, it is good to have a more frequent interaction with an owner to keep on top of what is happening in that particular location and the industry.
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