New year, new goals, and new business opportunities! The COVID-19 pandemic put a downer on 2020 and many businesses struggled to make it to the end of the year, but things are looking up for 2021. With the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine quickly being rolled out across the U.S. and the Moderna vaccine recently approved, sellers everywhere are hopeful that things will slowly start to go back to normal.
Flea Markets Are Open for Business
Elizabeth Carr, owner of Sky Village Marketplace, said that their market has been surviving pretty well considering the shutdown earlier in 2020. Their local town of Yucca Valley, California, had grant money available that Carr was able to access to keep the market up and running, and they have permanent retailers that rent from the market every month. Sky Village vendors are selling and consumers are out and looking for bargains!
Melissa Murphy with Vineland Swap Meet in California also says that their market has been doing well since they reopened, and she is hopeful that they will continue to stay so. Murphy says customers are definitely coming out to the flea markets and looking for a bargain, especially with the outdoor fleas. Markets everywhere continue to showcase their strength as we all try and get through the rest of COVID-19 together.
Changing 2021 Purchasing Patterns
The winter months of hunkering down and rising COVID-19 cases has brought more bulk shopping of the essentials, similar to when the pandemic first started in early 2020. Consumers are stockpiling on toilet paper, hand sanitizer, cleaning products and other essentials in case another shutdown does occur. With talks of shutdowns vague and changing, shoppers are still concerned about not having what they need.
Bagrat Safaryan, CEO and Co-Founder of LocalExpress, says that this trend of buying essential products is likely to go on for the next six months. Any home-based goods to make consumers’ lives easier while working from home, such as for the office or kitchen, is expected to be popular in 2021. Many people are still working and cooped up at home, so flea market vendors need to offer shoppers home goods and entertainment to keep up with the competition.
Consumers Will be More Price Sensitive
“During the pandemic, there have been shoppers who are less price sensitive and they don’t really care if their food and essentials are more expensive, but I think that will change in 2021” Safaryan said. “Now that everyone is used to the pandemic environment, they realize that they are spending a lot of money and need to look at saving money. The economy has also slowed down and many consumers are purchasing essential goods online, which can be more expensive because of various fees, so I think the customers will be more motivated to price shop and find more value, maybe switch to a generic brand, or do more comparison shopping with coupons.”
According to The Economist, the ramifications of COVID-19 will be felt across the consumer sectors this year. They forecast a 3 percent recovery in global retail volumes, and online sales, low prices, and fast delivery will be key in deciding between winners and losers. Flea market vendors have this advantage over larger retailers because they can offer some of the best bargains.
Seasonal Spending Shifts
“Spring will be a transformational season in terms of what sells, despite the pandemic,” Kenny Tsang, Managing Director of PingPong Payments, said. “Purchases of household products will rapidly increase as people are often inspired to transform their homes. Beauty and makeup products are also set to rebound in March with the arrival of new spring lines. Soon enough, sales of women’s shoes, bridesmaid dresses, and event supplies will shoot up as the wedding season kick-starts.”
The impact of physical distancing and stay-at-home orders has caused consumers to spend more time at home and in their gardens, and subsequently spend more on horticultural products. Tsang advises that February onwards is when we will start to see an uptick in demand for gardening and outdoor tools, such as bird feeders, pressure washers, and pruning shears, peaking at the end of March and sustaining through to Mother’s Day.
PRODUCTS:
Wonderland CBD X Freeze Cream
Relieve muscle and joint pain fast with this high-quality rich and creamy Wonderland CBD X Freeze Cream. Infused with soothing Menthol cryotherapy (cold therapy), this analgesic blend moisturizes and soothes skin. It is an all-natural and safe alternative to help promote flexibility, relieve joint pain, chronic aches and pain.
Wonderland CBD
Tel.: 585-563-6870
Web.: www.wonderland-cbd.com
Light Up Color Changing Bluetooth Speaker
This bluetooth speaker will be the hit at any friendly gathering, or even just as a lively decorative addition to any living area. Not only is it USB rechargeable, but users can also cycle through red, blue, and green colors.
Blinkee.com, LLC
Tel.: 415-261-0675
Web.: blinkee.com
CanDo® Magneciser – Pedal Exerciser
With most consumers working from home, it is important for them to still be able to get some exercise. This pedal exerciser is great for plopping right on the floor underneath the user’s desk and doing a small exercise while they work. Has a 5-function digital display featuring speed, elapsed time, calories, distance, and scan of all functions.
S & S Worldwide
Tel.: 800-288-9941
Web.: www.ssww.com
Black Raspberry & Vanilla Candle
This beautifully scented candle is a hand-poured soy blend that is primarily soy-based, containing a few other waxes and proprietary ingredients. Wooden wicks burn cleanly and promote a full melting pool. Unlike other candles, the wax pool reaches all the way to the sides of its container, and provides a nice crackling sound.
Big Heart Naturals
Tel.: 773-719-3718
Web.: www.wholesalecentral.com/bighea0001
Klean Paws – Pet Paw Cleaner
Klean Paws is an all-new, patented, non-toxic, foaming paw cleaner formulated to kill 99.99% of all bacteria and germs that dogs carry around on a daily basis. This paw cleaner softens paws as it kills ringworm and roundworm (post-larval state). Additionally, it can help prevent the passing of these potentially harmful parasites and other toxic bacteria to your customers, their family, and other pets. Available in a handy travel size.
King Kanine
Tel.: 833-546-4738
Web.: www.wholesalecentral.com/kingka0001
PPE SUPPLIES
Disposable 3-Layer Masks
HYFVE has 3-layer masks starting at only $0.49 per piece, leaving plenty of room for vendors to sell at a low price and make a profit. These masks and other COVID supplies are in supply and ready to ship ASAP.
HYFVE
Tel.: 213-215-9252
Web.: www.wholesalecentral.com/medica0001
Digital Infrared Thermometer
Perfect to use at home or at the shop before an employee’s shift, this digital thermometer can help to ensure people do not have a fever. It takes two AAA batteries, and by using infrared technology, can grab the temperature ranging from 97℉~109℉ (36℃~42.9℃).
Brooklyn Textiles
Tel.: 617-784-0472
Web.: www.wholesalecentral.com/brookl0001
Hand Sanitizer
Natural Wellness Hand Sanitizer is a fast drying antiseptic hand gel with 70% alcohol. It is a clear, non-sticky gel that does not have an odor, so your customers don’t have to worry about smelling like alcohol after sanitizing their hands. These sanitizers are available and ready to ship!
Natural Wellness Brand
Tel.: 844-989-4367
Web.: www.wholesalecentral.com/natura0004
Vinyl Nitrile Latex Gloves
Whether you need to stock up for you and your employees or you want to sell some to your customers, these nitrile latex gloves are just what flea market vendors need to stay safe while on the job. Available in medium, large, and extra-large boxes. They are in stock and ready to ship.
Future Star 5 LLC
Tel.: 424-666-4109
Web.: www.wholesalecentral.com/fivest0001
Toilet Paper Rolls
Each roll of toilet tissue features a 2-ply structure that enables it to maximize the amount in the roll. Each roll provides a total of 500 sheets. The minimum order requirement is 1 pallet, which contains 50 cases of 45 packs of toilet paper rolls (48 x 50 = 2400 rolls).
VK Wholesale
Tel.: 773-853-0734
Web.: www.vkwholesale.com