Will the ANR/Stack's merger allow for a greater retail presence by both firms?
Longacre
Posts: 16,717 ✭✭✭
I am not that close to the behind the scenes workings in the auction world, so maybe there are unlimited numbers of large, interesting auction consignements out there. Of course, I expect that the ANR/Stack's merged firm will continue to be a leader in numismatic auctions. However, when I think of retail, unfortunately neither ANR nor Stack's really come to mind. Although I am a big fan of QDB, I have to admit that I almost never look at the retail section of their website (other than their book listings). I do the same with Stack's. I check out their book listing (which, by the way, is a best kept secret for the numismatic bibliophiles in the house), and I don't even know if they sell coins online at retail.
Would the merger of ANR/Stack's make it easier or harder for the firm to expand in the retail arena? Do they even have to, or should the focus remain on auctions? I worry about what will happen if auction consignments get harder and harder to come by. The retail side of the house should be given more focus under the new regime.
Would the merger of ANR/Stack's make it easier or harder for the firm to expand in the retail arena? Do they even have to, or should the focus remain on auctions? I worry about what will happen if auction consignments get harder and harder to come by. The retail side of the house should be given more focus under the new regime.
Always took candy from strangers
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
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Comments
K S
Stacks' and the two David Bowers companies that I REALLY knew (Bowers and Merana and ANR) were never "players" at the shows. The Dave Bowers companies, especially, had higher prices that virtually everyone else on the floor; and it realy didn't make much sense to try to deal with them. Stacks' was often on the high side too, but I have purchased a few items from them now and then.
<< <i>Since neither firm does much retail business, I'm not sure how or why the combined entity will suddenly decide this would be a good move. >>
I think that Stacks' especially is looking at Heritage and thinking that this might be a way for them to at least stay completive. Heritage is the top dog right now by a pretty big margin, although some forum members might not think so.
As for Heritage retail, I image that it's a decent part of their business although a good deal less than half of it. Heritage does a lot of wholesaling to dealers at the shows in addition to their auction work.
<< <i>Actually, I think the idea for Stacks was to take some money off the table.... >>
Does anyone know what the resulting ownership structure looks like?
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
<< <i>NO, but I would be surprised if the Stacks' name disappears from the top of the firm. The biggest assets ANR has is David Bowers IMO. Stack's has the better known name in the auction business. >>
The combined firms will retain the the Stacks name. I like ANR but strongly dislike Stacks. It remains to be seen whether or not I will bid in their auctions.