'Is there a market for restored "Period Furniture" in MVD?' Business

Donna and Poul duHoffmann from Trappe, Maryland - 04/14/10 07:17

Hola Uruguayan ExPats! My husband and I are planning our first trip to MVD later on in 2010 and we hope to move within 2 years or so. We think la Ciudad Vieja would suit us perfectly and hope to buy a colonial building and run our business selling restored antique furniture. We have a warehouse full of different period pieces, from Victorian to East Lake to great old stuff from the 20's to the 40's including Deco and some 50's Modern. We strip them down to the frame and restore them completely with new springs, stuffing and upholstery. A lot of pieces we do "up to muslin" which is the under fabric and let customers pick out the final top fabric. I can't wait to get my hands on Uruguayan leather and cover old classic club chairs or wingbacks with it.

What I'd like to ask is this- Do any of you folks think this business would "fly" in Montevideo? Is there a market for this kind of furniture?

We want to come to Uruguay and bring something to it. We want to keep working and possibly find great old furniture from Uruguay and restore old pieces we can find there.

We look forward to visiting and of course will seek out the ExPat meetings at Fellini's. I'm working on my Spanish and hope to be much more fluent by the time we move. We also love the Tango and hope to do a lot of dancing.

Comment #1 Ana Ines from Montevideo, Uruguay - 04/14/10 15:22

"Antique Market"

Yes, this market exists. My concern would come into volume (for sale, as we are few people) and price (due your added value). You should explore some “remates” (auction) in Uruguay to have a first approaches to the objects and their prices.

• Help from a local

Comment #2 Bik from Montreal - 04/14/10 20:15

"Importation of stock."

You may want to address your enquiries to Uruguayan customs. If you are importing "personal household chattels" as opposed to "household goods for sale", there is sure to be a difference in the way it will be treated.

Comment #3 Donna and Poul duHoffmann from Trappe, Maryland - 04/15/10 08:16

"Thank you for your response"

Thank you both for your replies. I will definitely refer to your website, Ana. Bik, what you say has been noted. I live near Washington DC and once we formulate our exit plan, we hope to visit the consulate and have all our questions addressed. We hope to visit in the October or November.

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