Village Artisans Gallery

P.J. Heyman, owner
Boiling Springs, Pa.

Have you reduced your inventory levels? What needs to happen before you will feel comfortable increasing your inventory levels?

I don’t carry high inventory levels because of our very limited storage space. I’m more comfortable ordering inventory for just-in-time delivery, but am increasing orders specifically for the holiday season.

Timothy’s Gallery

Carolyn Luce, owner
Winter Park, Fla.

How do this year’s sales compare to recent years’? Are you seeing a consistent decline or a slow improvement?

As is true of other parts of our country, Florida has been very deeply hurt this past year by the economic collapse. Last fall, we began to partner with our artists, our landlord, our advertisers and our customers to find the most effective ways to get through these times.

Spectrum Art & Jewelry

Star Sosa, owner
Wilmington, N.C.

Have you reduced your inventory levels? What needs to happen before you will feel comfortable increasing your inventory levels?

We started reducing our inventory levels in October 2008. It was like someone slammed the door shut on traffic; the gallery was empty. My inventory levels were reduced naturally, because I didn’t order any last-minute merchandise in the fourth quarter. I felt that if I could hold on until June, we could survive the crisis. That proved to be true.

Sedoni Gallery

Leslie Salant, owner
Huntington, N.Y.

How do this year’s sales compare to recent years’? Are you seeing a consistent decline or a slow improvement?

Our best year was 2006. Since then, we have seen a consistent decline of revenue. Six percent the first year, 8% the second, and this year I am predicting at least another 8% decrease.

But we’re not worried. Why? Because everyone seems to be in a good mood. They have adjusted to the times and are ready to look forward. So, it is with a sense of optimism that we approach the holiday season.