Earlier this week, I attended the National Retail Federation show in NYC.  This was a very exciting event, focused on the latest, greatest trends in retailing and what that means to the independent retailer.

As I walked the floor, two things became immediately apparent.  One is that there is clearly, despite the effects of the recession, still plenty of business to be had.  Investment and innovation in retailing has NOT dropped off, despite what the nay-sayers have been crying for a while now.

The second trend is the steadily increasing role technology is playing in connecting the independent retailer with their customer base.  The buzz-word at the show was m-commerce, for mobile commerce: marketing initiatives delivered via cell phone. We’re seeing the advent of downloadable coupons and special offers in text messages.

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1921 photograph signed to ‘a great awakener of the Jewish spirit’; 1934 ‘Weltbild‘ inscribed to longtime friend and mentor Max Talmey, Feb. 11-12 at Heritage Beverly Hills

LOS ANGELES — A trio of intriguing lots related to the father of modern physics, Albert Einstein, from three distinct and important periods of his life, will provide a fascinating survey of one of the great geniuses of all-time when they come up for public auction as part of Heritage Galleries Beverly Hills’ Feb. 11-12 Rare Books and Historical Manuscripts & Autographs Auctions.

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Every collector has occasion to wonder if the item they just got a great deal on is the real thing or a clever fake. Face it, as much as we all love a bargain, we’re haunted by the ‘too good to be true’ motto. Much of this fear can be alleviated if you buy a book or two about your chosen collectible, and if you keep up with what’s going on in the market – Collector organizations work very hard to maintain databases of the fakes that are out there.

Of course, books and data bases aren’t any good when you’re standing in a wet field with a flashlight at 5am, trying to figure out exactly what you’re looking at. What’s a collector to do? Well, here are a few questions to ask yourself before you spend any money.

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January 21, 2010 12:00 pm est

300+ lots representing the people, places, and events of America’s past, including the Civil War and Western Americana.

Dolphin Beach Resort

9:30am Saturday, February 6th, 2010

Offering a broad spectrum of fantastic Carnival Glass with incredible iridescence, thay everyone will enjoy!

Part of Heritage Auctions’ $53 million numismatic auctions week; Strength seen holding in U.S. Rare Coin market

DALLAS, TX — An awed hush fell over the Platinum Night bidding floor of Heritage Auctions’ Orlando FL FUN U.S. Coin Auction on Thursday, Jan. 7, as “The Olsen Specimen” 1913 Liberty Nickel, PR 64 NGC, lived up to its billing as the most famous American coin by bringing a jaw-dropping $3,737,500. This figure is tied for the third-largest sum ever paid at auction for a single U.S. coin.

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Early in my career, I had the opportunity to sell a one of a kind Tiffany lamp.  The thought of selling it at auction was the first decision made, because with a “one of a kind” you have no comparables in which to price it by.

By the end of the sale, the lamp had sold for $1,750,000 (plus buyer’s premium).  At the time, it was the 2^nd highest price achieved for a Tiffany lamp at auction. I thought to myself, “Who pays that kind of price to light a room?”

That question brings me to another one…Are reproductions something you should buy?  The answer is yes, and no.

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Reyne and Jonathan make another visit to LR Antiques to speak to Lara about religious items to collect. We see many unique pieces which are collectible but also conversation pieces in your home. We take a look at rosaries and other cross pieces to menorahs anyone can afford.

Reyne and Jonathan take a trip to Marburger Farm Antique Show, one of the biggest shows in Texas, held twice yearly. Over 350 dealers display their wares at this great event. Reyne stops by an antique textile booth to chat with the dealer.

Auction – February 12, 2010