On the cusp of opening.
LOS ANGELES. The 43d California International Book Fair opened its doors to the public yesterday afternoon for its premiere session.
First impressions:
Dealer reports were varied in regard to pre-show sales, with some telling us that trade business was nowhere, others that they were encouraged, though not overwhelmed, by trade sales volume. In the past, dealers were allowed to set-up the day before opening; this allowed ample time for dealers to work the room and wheel and deal. Increasing costs this years precluded that valuable extra time and some felt that this played a role in depressing potential action.
And, too, there is not a lot of cash to spread around. That, I suspect, is the significant underlying reason for slow dealer-to-dealer trade thus far.
There was, however, universal agreement that things are beginning to stabilize; bellyaching is the norm, and considering how bad things were last year the trade is looking up.
Of interest to collectors is that almost every single dealer has bitten the bullet and lowered their posted prices. This is most welcome news for all concerned.
Attendance on the first evening was low. From the opening at 4PM to 6:30PM floor traffic, as expected, was mild. Feet on the floor increased as the workday ended and book people began to funnel into the Fair.
Again, reports were mixed but encouraging. Bruce McKinney, of American Exchange, stopped by, we compared notes, and were pleased to reach the same conclusions. Collectors are beginning to get back in now that they are regaining confidence in the marketplace.
More to come.