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Flea markets find boon in recession
11/16/2009 12:00:00 AM
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Despite tough economic times, many flea markets are in boom times.
That's because flea markets carry increased cache during such downturns, said Mark Blakewood, executive director of the National Flea Market Association. "Consumers are looking for ways to maximize their spending dollar. The industry as a whole has seen increased traffic flow."
There are an estimated 2,500 flea markets in the United States, and the number is growing.
"People want to earn money any way possible," Blakewood said. "Just like the phrase says, 'One man's junk is another man's treasure.'"
Robbie Coleman, owner of River City Antique Mall and Flea Market, said the Shreveport business is experiencing growth. "The economy has only helped our sales. Everything has been great overall."
With more than 28,000 square feet of vendors, Coleman said, River City specializes in selling vintage furniture. "We are the largest flea market in the Shreveport area and have tons of furniture for people to choose from."
Keith Bryan, general manager of the Flea Market of Louisiana in Prairieville, says customers can always find a deal there. "The economy has not been a particular problem for us. People still come out here and come shopping."
Vendor David Paterson believes otherwise. "My sales have gone down slightly within the past few months, but I'm hoping with the Christmas season approaching they will start to rise again."
The overall size of flea markets has become slightly smaller because there are more flea markets, Blakewood said. "As a shopper, you are seeing more opportunities and places to shop. In some bigger cities, there are flea markets 12 to 15 miles apart now."
Dorothy Brown, owner of Calico Antique Mall in Hattiesburg, Miss., said the recession has boosted her sales. "We have trendy stuff that people want. People are singing the economic blues, but we are not hurting from the economy."
Brown said some of her vendors' biggest sales come from the vintage clothing. "People can go to any mall and pay lots of money for vintage clothing or they can come here and pay half that price. The local college students are our biggest customers for these clothes."
Manager and vendor Lynn Rose sells vintage houseware and furniture. "Our sales, in general, have been better than usual even with the recession. I've been renting a space for about four years now, and my sales are the highest they have ever been right now."
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