After more than eight years on Ottawa’s poplar Sparks Street Mall, Ian Kimmerly has closed his storefront and packed his bags for the west coast.
Sept. 27 was the final day, with old friends and customers dropping by, many getting a commemorative “closing shop” cover.
For Kimmerly, closing the store and relocating means he will be able to spend more time with stamps, including his own collection.
“I have barely worked on my stamp collection for five years, and haven’t exhibited in probably that long as well,” he added. “Victoria has a great philatelic community.”
Kimmerly has been a full-time dealer since the 1970s, and opened his first store in 1984, moving to the Sparks Street location in 2006.
During that time he has seen a lot of changes.
Two that stand out is the increased importance collectors place on quality now, and the impact of the Internet, which has virtually taken over the market on common and inexpensive stamps, as well has changed the auction scene for ever.
Speaking of auction’s Kimmerly will stay on as president of Sparks Auctions, which will be remain in Ottawa, and return to Ottawa for the occasional stamp event.
Kimmerly’s guide to stamp dealing success: gain knowledge, start small, have a plan, stay philosophical, and give back to the hobby.
“If you buy quality, and what is scarce, assuming you have the knowledge, you’re not going to get stuck with that,” he said.
“If you help the hobby, it will help you out. People will come back and sell you the collection that you helped them build.”
For a more detailed profile check out the front page of our October 21, Canadian Stamp News.