I don't know about you, but I've been looking forward to vending or attending Festival By The Sea for months now, so I'm a little peeved that they postponed today's grand opening.
The new grand opening date is next Friday, May 22nd. Unfortunately that is Memorial Day weekend and my plans will have me in Georgia. So, if you happen to make it out there, please drop me a line about what you see: flmktnws@gmail.com.
As a vendor, I originally bought extra stock for May 1st, which was supposed to be the original opening date. However, I kindly alerted by someone from Thor that the date was pushed back to today May 15th. Unfortunately, I just tried to call their office, only to get a recording, stating that due to the weather the grand opening was postponed.
Right now I'm in midtown Manhattan and it balmy outside. I was just out there. I know the forecast was calling for rain earlier in the week, but by Wednesday that changed.
With all the bells and whistles they've been promoting, I find it strange that inclimate weather would force the closer of a flea market. So what's going to happen in the fall, even worst, this winter? With one name change , and two opening day changes, they are not off to a good start.
As as shopper, it's tough to reorganize one's plans at the last minute.
I only hope that the organizers of Festival By The Sea get it right soon. I don't know anyone over at Thor Equities, but maybe, just maybe, they might want to include a few vendors on their planning staff. Maybe they don't mind burning through that $500K advertising budget? However, I do mind wasting time and money.
With only two weekends left in May, I would suggest that the operators of Flea By The Sea consider offering the reduced rental rates for vendors that were scheduled only for May, for June as well.
-FMN
