In Alvarado, Texas, the new Renfro Trade Days flea market is a hot property. The market held a soft launch June 3, but the organizers faced an uphill slog against high temperatures. “We’ve learned that starting a flea market in a heat wave is the hardest way to do it,” says market manager Austin Palmeri. The family owned business bought the property and developed it for a swap meet, a longtime goal of Palmeri’s father. Covered spaces were erected on site, and the market has restrooms and parking. A grand opening is planned for Sept. 15.
So far, the market’s Thursday trade is its busiest so far, with 15 to 40 vendors showing up. Saturdays feature garage sale items, and Sundays are slower. The outdoor flea market is open all year round. The market has 60 covered spots now, and has room for up to 300. The flea market features a food truck, a sno-cone vendor, and face painting. A Web site and Facebook page are in development. The market has put up three billboards and has two radio ads in play. Spaces range in price from $10 to $20 per day, with the larger covered spaces commanding the premium. For more information, call (682) 234-2300.
Photo credit, with thanks: Renfro Trade Days.