The Pennsy Flea Market in Philadelphia and the Merrick Flea Market in Queens, NY have sustained a level of rapid growth, featuring a wide variety of new and old merchandise. The sister markets sell everything from NASCAR collectibles and memorabilia to newspapers from the 1800’s, running year-round indoors. “Our markets are geared towards this time of year,” says Joshua Zoppel, marketing director for the Pennsy and Merrick Flea Markets. “It’s the holiday retail season, and we’re an indoor market. So this is what we’re built for. We’re located in two big metropolises, and we have seen very positive results.”
Both markets are dedicated to making their communities excited about visiting. “Our goal is to make our customers happy with a great vendor selection, and our vendors happy with good customer traffic,” Zoppel says. “We actively look for quality vendors, and we aggressively market our flea market. We call people and invite them to come, and we work with community centers, senior centers and tour groups to increase traffic.” In addition, Zoppel notes that the markets are starting tour buses that will transport visitors between both sites, giving the consumers spending money and food, to make a full day out of the flea market experience.
The Pennsy flea market began in 2009, featuring 60,000 square feet of merchandise, with room for over 300 vendor booths inside as well as locations outside if weather permits. The market also holds a popular auction each Saturday, with a preview at 10 am and the auction itself held at noon, and has a food court that features a fried pizza tart called the Panzeroti. The Merrick market was launched last year, with over 100 booths, and has given a home to many vendors displaced by the closing of the Aqueduct Flea Market in December 2010. Both fleas feature free admission and parking. Vendor rates vary by location and whether it is a daily or monthly rental, but booths usually can be obtained for around $30 per day.
Hours of Operation
The Pennsy Flea Market is open Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 to 5:30, and offers a free shuttle every 20 minutes from 34th Street at Market, Walnut, Chestnut, or Spruce Streets. For more information, call 215-463-3532. The Merrick Flea Market is open Thursdays and Fridays from 10-7, Saturdays 9-5 and Sundays 10-6. For more information, call 718-341-3532.