Across the country, flea markets and swap meets are working to attract bargain-focused parents who need to buy school supplies for the kids. Here are four examples of markets going an extra mile to stand out as Labor Day approaches:
• The new Merrick Flea Market in Queens, N.Y., is holding a Back to School Backpack Giveaway Day on Aug. 20 with free food and games for kids.
• The Armadillo Flea Market in Houston is giving away free haircuts, backpacks, and school supplies at its third annual Back to School Extravaganza on Aug. 20.
• The Winchester Flea Market in Winchester, Ky., held its 14th Annual Back to School “Readifest” last week, with free school supplies given to well-behaved children who attended with their parents.
• The Super Flea in Melbourne, Fla., held a back to school shopping day last week that included free school supplies for the first 150 kids.
According to the National Retail Federation, “families with children in grades K-12 will spend an average of $603.63 on apparel, school supplies, and electronics.” With 90 percent of parents saying the economy will affect their shopping, bargains and give-aways are making flea markets a compelling place for parents to shop.