Somerset, UK - Father son partnership Rod and Tom Donaldson of Source Antiques moved from their shop in the Widcombe Parade, Bath, three years ago to some vacant industrial units further out of town where they could accommodate their kitchen store and workshops. A few weeks ago the opening of their new shop in the former Green Park Station back in central Bath was attended by trade luminaries including Damian Cronin, Marcus Olliff, John Robbins and David Bridgwater.
"The new shop was Tom's idea," Rod Donaldson said. "We missed not having a shop and being able to chat to people face to face. Most of our sales come from the internet, but people do like to look at real kitchens and lighting before they buy. Also there is a Saturday organic farmers market here which brings in wealthier buyers from whom we have had some good enquiries."
So how's business? Our bread and butter is the hospitality trade - pubs, restaurants and hotels - and of course kitchens, of which we are just finishing one for a client in Florida and another in London. This year we have had some very good months and some absolutely dire months."
Source Antiques supports the Salvo Code and exhibited at this year's Salvo Fair. How was it? Rod said it had cost him a total of £1,500 to attend and he had made no sales at the fair, and no aftersales despite giving away 100 leaflets. Source Antiques exhibited at Salvo Fair in 2006 when Rod said he had done much better having sold an English Rose kitchen, a load of furniture and some tripod lights.
"I think there was a feel good factor at the fair in 2006 which was lacking this year, and maybe the fair is too big now and people take it for granted," he said.
Resawn Matchboard For Sale: Source Antiques has for immediate sale a large quantity of square edge matchboard resawn from two inch roof board, 10mm by 6ins in 12ft lengths due to it contracting its workshop and warehouse space. "It's lovely stuff," said Rod.
