How long has the shop been open?
It’s an old tailor’s shop which I’ve rented for four years. The location is great, on a busy main road, and it lends itself to antiques and collectables as it has four rooms and old shelving.
What is a typical day like?
I’m a one-man band and shop times are Friday-Sunday, 12noon- 5pm. I spend the rest of the time sourcing and renovating as well as also updating the website, Facebook and Twitter. I have a monthly email newsletter to 500 customers with pictures of latest stock (to subscribe, email info@collectingtheworld.co.uk).
What’s the first thing you do when you arrive in the morning?
I always arrive with a spring in my step as there is always something interesting happening. It could be someone looking to have items valued, a house call to arrange, or the owner of a large house maybe looking for some doorknobs. First thing is to price up new stock – every item is priced and described.
Last thing you do in the evening?
Take away some slow-moving stock to dispose of at auction.
Who visits?
Specialist collectors and browsers. It’s one of the very few remaining traditional collectable and antiques shops in the area and there is a good core of regular visitors. In the summer there are lots of holidaymakers, including a few from overseas who subscribe to the newsletter and want to make a pilgrimage to visit the shop.
What is the best part of having a bricks-and-mortar premises?
Meeting collectors and others interested in vintage goods, sharing stories and helping them source things. Particularly enjoyable have been the three visits from BBC’s Antiques Road Trip crew.
What is one other shop you love and why?
The Scottish Antique & Arts Centre, Abernyte, near Dundee, where I used to sell. It’s a base for more than 100 dealers – but the best bit is the restaurant.
Given an unlimited budget what is one change you would make?
Improve parking, which would considerably improve footfall. Unfortunately, there is no readily available space so the next option would be to install some smart spotlights to highlight cabinet items.
Collecting the World, 33 Oldmeldrum Road, Newmachar, Aberdeenshire, AB21 0PJ
