Just three weeks into his new job as manager of the Riverview Flea Market in Riverview, Fla., Richard Deardurff knows he has a big job ahead of him. The market is run down and only 20 percent full. “They just had some problem here,” he says. “They needed to get someone in who was honest and would do things the right way.”
That means getting his hands dirty. “I’m personally doing a lot of painting,” he says. “We’re trying to update things in here. We’re cleaning the facility up.”
Deardurff, who was formerly an owner of a consignment shop, says he is on excellent terms with his 17 current dealers. “I think I have a good working relationship with the vendors,” he says. “I’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback from them too.”
Among those vendors is Annie Pittman of Annie’s “Got It” Gifts, who recently moved to a spot at the Riverview Flea Market. “It’s a new thing for me, and with our economy now, I think it could be really good, if you get the right type of vendors in.” However, she does think it needs more publicity. “I’m there, and I do get sales,” she says, “but it would be nice if they did more advertising for their market. People don’t know it is even there.”
Deardurff, who has a business degree, does have plans to get the word out. “For a long time we didn’t actually advertise,” he says. “We’re starting to advertise again.” A Web site is in the works as well.
The market has a lot going for it, Deardurff says. “We do have a very good location. For the number of vendors we have, we actually have a decent amount of traffic, especially on the weekend,” he says. “And it’s air-conditioned, and a lot of the flea markets in Florida aren’t.”
Daily rental outside is $7 per day; $14 per day inside. All spaces have electricity, and some pre-built booths are available. The market has areas for sidewalk sellers and outdoor vendors, but right now everyone is inside. There is also a small cafe on site.
The market is open Wednesday through Sunday. Vendors interested in selling there can contact Richard Deardurff at (813) 671-9315.