THOSE “ANTIQUERS”

Show dealers, who show up as early as a month before the first official show, are in search of places to dine, sleep and while making many other necessary purchases.  All that additional revenue stays in La Grange and the surrounding towns.  

 Then you have all THOSE professionals and full-time ANTIQUERS that show up strictly to shop. They’re the ones who spend serious money if only for a few days. They come in their SUVS with trailers fixin’ to find the best parking spots for their vehicles. They’re also a big boost to the commercial economy and a grateful community. Of course, there are those detractors who would prefer they not come at all.

 We quizzed some local businesses and got their take:

 Weikel’s Bakery, La Grange, Brenham, & Carmine

“There are several special events throughout the year that Weikel’s look forward to, if you’ve ever been to Weikel’s bakery during the holidays and the antique fairs you know we can get super busy. We usually pretty well handle the larger crowds with extra staffing while adding more products, and just a plain ole good attitude serving THOSE ANTIQUERS.” Philip Weikel further commented. “The antiques shows are definitely one of the busiest for the La Grange, Brenham, and Carmine locations, not only do they provide a 25% - 45% increase in business, but the best part is the opportunity to be introduced to first-time customers.” Philip Weikel, VP of Weikel’s expressed his appreciation to Show Daily for their efforts to promote this wonderful event. 

 Texas One Stop, La Grange

Texas One Stop’s, owner, Missy Brown Rusek, told Show Daily Magazine that vendors and customers at the Round Top-Warrenton antique fairs bring extra business in the way of fuel, food, and general shopping. She states that Texas One Stop receives a 30 to 40% increase on Fridays and weekends and on weekdays through Thursday it's probably a 5 to 15% increase in sales.

“Texas One Stop also increases the hours and pays the current employees' overtime in addition to having to hire part-time and temporary employees during the antique fairs.”  

She tells us. “We here at Texas One Stop appreciate all that the Round Top and Warrenton antique fairs bring to our community.”  

 Mayor Mike Stroup, Fayetteville

While speaking with Mike Stroup, Mayor of Fayetteville, he states, “The bi-annual Antiques Shows in Fayette County, plus the Winter Show, bring not only shoppers and overnighters to the Round Top/Warrenton area, but they also have a positive effect on the surrounding towns like Fayetteville.  Many shoppers and vendors stay and dine in Fayetteville, sometimes over the length of the shows. There’s also the “Off the Square Antique Show,” at the SPJST Hall that runs concurrently with the Round Top shows. There are five new shops on Fayetteville Square, plus live music, Fridays have been added at a bar/restaurant.  The additional sales and hotel taxes from the shows are welcomed by our City, the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, and our Economic Development Corporation.  Also, artists showing at our galleries appreciate the added exposure. 

“Fayetteville is a quiet, historic town with many beautiful homes.  We welcome visitors and their businesses.  Come visit, dine, shop, and enjoy small-town Texas. “THOSE ANTIQUERS” are very much welcomed.”

We did not find a local business that did not appreciate the influx of “THOSE ANTIQUERS.”  Most locals have learned how to deal with the traffic and long lines at our local favorite spots by planning ahead. Just remember to be patient and know that the other 300-plus days a year these are little the towns we call home.