Hick's world has come crashing down around his ears! On Thursday, he got a message from the guy who runs the Storage Units that a shake-up is coming! NO MORE FLEA MARKET!
Yes. I heard your collective gasp. Same with Hick's cronies who also sell their wares at this place. Without going into too much detail... seems there is a financial issue, and the place has to be run by a management company for a while, which will not allow a flea market, due to insurance issues.
Hick and his cronies are out on their ear! Oh, they can still rent a locker. But they can't sell anything on the premises. Five people left the first day, taking their business over to Bill-Paying Town, the next closest flea market/storage unit facility.
Here's the deal. Hick JUST PAID his locker rent (for two lockers that comprise his Storage Unit Store) for 6 months! Paid it mid-July, starting Aug 1, and now must stop selling by October 30. Oh, and Hick also paid his city business license for the next year, effective July 1. He is crushed. He SO LOVES his Storage Unit Store! He's also worried about some of his cronies, who rely on this flea market to supplement their income.
Hick is weighing his options. At first, he thought he might just sell out his inventory and be done with it. He doesn't really want to re-establish himself over in Bill-Paying Town, which is 25 miles of commuting for him. He had a scathingly brilliant idea to set up shop by the auction, a distance of 5 miles, but the owner has to think it over and discuss it with his wife as to whether to rent an empty building there to Hick.
I hate to see Hick uprooted. He has many friends at the Storage Unit Store. He would miss them, plus his wheeling and dealing, and the money he makes. Like he says, he has a while to think it over. His rent is paid. He doesn't have to move anything just yet. The slow season is on the horizon.
Dang the in-charge person that let this happen! This is why we can't have nice used things.
Aw man, this is a bummer. I hope the auction idea works out, 25 miles is quite the commute especially considering traffic/speed limits. Sheesh!
ReplyDeleteI think Hick would get more business at the farther flea market, but he can't just run down there to sell somebody something on off days or after hours, like he does here. Things people want to come back for, or stuff he puts on Buy/Sell/Trade.
DeleteThe auction is closer, but he would have different hours. Afternoon, leading up to auction time. Most people like to do their flea-marketing in the mornings, I think. Hick says since the auction is on a road to a lake development, and he sells fishing stuff, a sign might bring people in. Then they'll see what he's got, and tell others.
Oh no! Just suck all the pleasure out of his life! It keeps him occupied and gives you a nice break. I don't suppose you will let him set up shop in Shanty Town ..... Yeah, I didn't think so. I feel bad for him.
ReplyDeleteThat Storage Unit Store really filled the gap right after Hick retired. He definitely does not need idle hands! He will not bring customers out here. There's a ne'er-do-well under every rock, just waiting for a place to wreak havoc.
DeleteWell this is bad news! I hope he manages to work out something that will keep him busy, make him a little money and keep him out of your hair for the duration. Will the flea market be allowed after "management" gets things worked out? I hope so, but usually when "management" gets involved things usually get worse not better, as in selling off the facilities. it will be a wait and see game for Hick.
ReplyDeleteThe guy in charge doesn't know if the management company will eventually allow a flea market. We think not. Too much insurance responsibility.
DeleteA few months ago, before all this was known, the guy thought he had a buyer for the storage units, but that deal fell through. It would probably be better if it DID sell, because the new owner might want a flea market to bring in business. The flea market sellers are pretty good about paying their monthly locker rent. Better than just somebody storing stuff.
Someone always has to throw a monkey wrench into a good thing! Poor Hick. Maybe a front yard sale? Okay okay.
ReplyDeleteThat yard sale ain't happening! Hick is still waffling on his relocation choices.
Delete