It seems that United Flea Markets (UFM) have been keeping very busy this year. The owners of the largest portfolio of flea markets in the industry just announced the acquisition of Flea Market Mobile in Mobile, AL. This marks UFM’s third acquisition this year. The company acquired Cooks Flea Market in Winston-Salem, NC in April and the Ramona Flea Market in Jacksonville, FL in March. Additionally, UFM owns and operates five other markets including the Awesome Flea Market in Shepherdsville, KY and Flamingo Island Flea Market in Bonita Springs, FL.
Being the largest flea market on the Gulf Coast, Flea Market Mobile sees more than one million visitors per year. The semi-closed space sits on approximately 30 acres and has nearly 800 vendor booths and six concession stands. Founded in 1988, Flea Market Mobile hosts’ vendors from all over the world with items selling at prices that just can’t be beat. From tools and furniture to fresh produce and roasted corn, this family friendly flea market has something for everyone.
UFM continues to look for strong flea market properties with an alignment of business practices, according to Rob Sieban, the President, CEO, and co-owner of UFM. Their goal is to bring a valuable mix of small-company agility paired with finely tuned business acumen to each of their flea markets. UFM also plans to add enhanced Wi-Fi throughout the flea market and other technology improvements such as an automated reservation platform for vendors.
“As we continue to grow and look for new opportunities, we certainly place a high priority on those properties and management teams that will fit well within our portfolio,” Sieban said in a press release. “In the case of Flea Market Mobile, we found an extremely well run operation that supports and encourages the contributions and participation of its staff, vendors and shoppers. We’re looking forward to building upon the strong foundation they’ve put into place in the Mobile community.”
Flea Market Mobile will continue to operate its normal shoppers’ hours of Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free and they’re always welcoming new vendors. The market’s founder and owner, Steve Springer, said this shared business philosophy resonated with him as well as Sieban.
“As we began considering the next chapter for Flea Market Mobile, it was very important to us that the new owners share our vision,” Springer said in a press release. “The United Flea Market team possesses a wealth of industry knowledge and experience that will ensure a seamless transition for our employees, sellers and customers. This continuity of excellence was a key consideration for us.”
The UFM’s view is long term and they want to continue creatively carrying on legacies. By expanding their family and pulling in more flea markets, they are helping to keep the flea community up and running and creating more opportunity for businesses. If you are a flea market owner who may be interested in selling, they can be contacted at 720-592-0260 or you can email them at inquiries@unitedfleamarkets.com.