The flea market industry continues to thrive as we get further into 2021. Markets are reporting growing sales numbers, more consumers are receiving their COVID-19 vaccine and are more comfortable with shopping in person, and business is thriving. Before we know it, the pandemic will be behind us and the economy will fully recover.
Bringing the Community Back Together
Along with many other flea markets and swap meets, Martin’s Flea Market LLC is already seeing pre-COVID sales numbers. According to Loy Martin, owner of the market, they have been fortunate enough to survive the pandemic, and business started to pick up immediately after they reopened in early May of 2020. They were shut down for two months and lost about 25 percent of their vendors, but Loy kept business booming by filling up the empty selling spaces with his own merchandise. Now, they have a slew of new vendors and customers filing through their doors in search of a good bargain.
As a way to bring the community together and encourage consumers to shop local, Sunnyside Swap Meet held its grand opening at Island Waterparks’ vacant parking lot in mid March of 2021. The waterpark has been shut down for nearly a year as the pandemic dealt a significant blow to business. According to ABC News, hundreds of people came out to northwest Fresno to shop and sell locally. The flea market is now open every Sunday, and admission and parking are free to the public. It is a great way to get consumers outside, enjoying the weather, and supporting small businesses while having fun.
Market Your Brand with Community Events
Many outdoor flea markets and swap meets host different events throughout the year to get consumers excited to come out and shop. This is the time to keep an eye out and mark your calendars with different community events happening nearby. Whether it is a permanent flea market hosting a special event, a pop-up, or a town affair, most of these gatherings are looking for vendors to sell their products and bring in shoppers.
One fun-filled event to keep on your radar is the Memorial Day Weekend celebration at the Hartville Marketplace & Flea Market. The big experience kicks off on Thursday, and runs Friday, Saturday ( Closed Sunday, May 30th) and finishes up Monday. This is a great opportunity for vendors since most consumers will be out looking for things to do on this long weekend, and everything takes place outdoors in the fresh air. Renaissance Fairs are also starting to sprout up all across the country, and since most festivals were cancelled last year, shoppers will be more excited than ever to get out and experience the medieval times. The Ren List is a website that lists different Renaissance Faires each month, so be sure to check them out and see what is coming near you.
Safety First
Some states such as Florida and Texas do not require face masks to be worn, but that does not mean vendors should not be prepared. In order to get consumers to come to your market, you have to make them feel safe, so while some shoppers may not mind walking around without a mask, others may prefer sellers to wear them while they look around the booth. Always be sure to have masks and gloves on hand for those customers who feel safer wearing them.
One of the reasons that the Colorado Springs Flea Market has been staying afloat during the pandemic is because they take the health and safety of their staff and customers very seriously. The market follows all of the CDC guidelines to a T, so shoppers feel safe and it keeps them coming back for more every weekend.
No matter what your plans are to get consumers out of the house and shopping at your market, one thing is certain: the only way to get out of the rut the pandemic has put small businesses in, is for the community to put their dollars back into the local economy. Here are some fun outdoorsy and summer products to offer your customers over the next few months:
Major League Baseball Hats & Visors
‘Tis the season to stock up on all things MLB for all the sports fans out there. As more venues open up and increase capacity, consumers will want to support their favorite team with officially licensed products, and these MLB hats and visors are the perfect touch. Available in multiple different teams, the hats and visors come in adjustable options or as snapbacks.
Patter’s Collectibles
Tel.: 412-916-2456
www.patterscollectibles.com
Outdoor Camellia/Peony Table Runner
Give your customers the feel of summer with this gorgeous outdoor table runner decorated with camellias and peonies. Measuring 14” x 72”, it can fit most table sizes. Six pieces come with each order.
Silk Flower Depot, Inc.
Tel.: 813-889-9095
www.e-silkflowerdepot.com
3-Tier Hanging Planter
Now your customers can start decorating their indoor or outdoor areas with this 3-Tier Hanging Planter. The ropes give it a beautiful touch to fit in with all of the other decorations.
Palletfly.com LLC
Tel.: 347-450-1740
www.palletfly.com
Nursery Basket Assortment
This Nursery Basket Assortment is a great way to display all of your spring and summer products. Complete with 21 baskets per order, these baskets are ultra-rustic and made of unfinished wood, therefore rough to the touch. They are not sanded or painted and come in 11 different sizes.
Candy Concepts
Tel.: 866-242-7585
www.candyconceptsinc.com
Soft Fleece Foldable Outdoor Blanket
The perfect accessory for families on the go, this Soft Fleece Foldable Outdoor Blanket rolls up tightly for maximum portability. Ideal for any outdoor activity from picnics to sporting events, this blanket features a waterproof back to keep customers comfy, warm and dry, a hook and loop closure, and an attached handle for easy carrying. Measures approximately 50″ x 58″ and comes in assorted plaid styles.
Kole Imports
Tel.: 800-874-7766
www.koleimports.com
Indoor/Outdoor Rattan-Look Coffee Table
This versatile table has an intricate wicker-style weaving and circular base and is suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Measuring about 30in. in diameter and 20in. tall, it is a great home decor accessory. Available in the color black.
AEWholesale LLC
Tel.: 608-218-4124
www.aewholesale.com
Under the Sea Horse Charm Anklet
Life is just bubbles under the sea! Enjoy the sweet sea life with this adorable seahorse charm anklet. A delicate link chain anklet in gold or silver includes a detailed seahorse charm dangle and comes packaged on a unique snapshot card. This seahorse anklet makes a great gift or souvenir item.
Zad
Tel.: 800-477-2216
www.zadwholesalejewelry.com
Tie Dye T-Shirts
Tie dye t-shirts are a great way to get your customers in the spring and summer spirit. Available in different splashes of bright color combinations, each shirt is made with a soft cotton blend and comes in sizes S-XL. Designed in the USA.
Katydid Wholesale
Tel.: 469-324-6254
www.katydidwholesale.com
Hiking Sticks
Made right here in the U.S., these hiking sticks are handmade to give each one character. The Extreme Value Pack of hiking sticks is the company’s best value in a Classic Series Assortment. The package includes 25 hiking sticks, and with your initial order of this assortment, vendors will get a free display.
Whistle Creek
Tel.: 970-586-7310
www.wholesalecentral.com/whistl0001
Jumbo Inflatable Ring Toss
Everyone’s a ringer when playing this jumbo, inflatable, hard-to-miss version of the classic Ring Toss Game. The durable, oversized PVC pieces make success even easier to achieve. It includes one 60″ crossbar base and four 18″ diameter rings (2 red and 2 blue).
S & S Worldwide
Tel.: 800-288-9941
www.ssww.com