Premises and Property

A group of dealers have committed to new shops in London’s West End, in a clear sign the art and antiques market believes that retail in central London has a future after the coronavirus pandemic.

Although the rise of the internet during the Covid-19 pandemic has led to a number of galleries moving online, many have also decided to persist with their bricks and mortar approach. Here are two businesses building up their physical presence in the face of ongoing uncertainty.

Vincent Page, owner of Antiques on High centres in Oxford and Sidmouth, reports that trade in both shops has been good with “a significant increase in Sidmouth, on numerous days taking more than AOH in Oxford”.

Special Auction Services is expanding into the West Midlands and has taken over the premises of toy and collectables specialist Aston’s Auctioneers & Valuers in Dudley.

With the UK still in the grip of the coronavirus pandemic, businesses continue to focus on online sales, but many antiques dealers also recognise the importance of physical premises. Here are five recent openings or expansions across the UK.

Concerns have been raised that Portobello Road antiques shops could be under threat under new English planning laws that will make it easier to change the use of a retail building.

At a moment when dealers are exploring new ways to trade, Cromwell Place opens for business

Aston’s Auctioneers & Valuers in Dudley is to close and its final sale – a sci-fi toy collection – will be held next month.

Two years after closing its Mayfair base the gallery has reopened in lively Carnaby Street in London.

Furniture dealership Early Oak has moved from Burford in the Cotswolds to a more central location for all its UK buyers in Harringworth, near Northamptonshire’s border with Rutland.

Bonhams is closing its Glasgow office and has restructured its sales schedule and specialists in Scotland.

Phil Taylor Cool Stuff has taken up residence in one of the shops at east London’s Spitalfields Market.

Jewellery auction house Elmwood’s has opened a new office in London and hired two new staff as business begins to return to normal after the lockdown.