Sadly, the Village Flea Market in Wichita, KS is closing after 42 years in business — however, former market General Manager Jael Van Boening has plans to keep the flea market community alive. While the Village Flea Market’s last day of operations is July 2nd, a brand new Wichita Community Market, owned and operated by Van Boening, will open by July 1st in the Westway Shopping Center. The new space is 32,000 square feet and can accommodate up to 92 booths. At press time for The Merchandiser, almost all of the 92 booth spaces were already reserved. “I know these folks and have worked with them —have helped them build their businesses,” Van Boening says. “The whole point of doing this is that they still need a home.” At the new Community Market, shoppers can find “All your favorite Village Flea Market vendors,” says Van Boening, “And there will be some new vendors.”
Initially, Community Market will be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. By August the hours of operations will expand.