The Enduring Flea Market

The wholesale industry is now so thoroughly focused on the web, it is easy to forget about an important niche for many wholesale businesses, the flea market. The curious and rather repellant term is a translation of the French Marché aux Puces, a large, outdoor bazaar in Paris. This market was given its name by the unhealthy conditions and vermin infested goods it was rumored to sell.

The trade magazine Swap Meet claims that most are weekend affairs, but more and more are operating every day of the week. The biggest flea market of them all is said to be the one held once a month on the grounds of the Pasadena Rose Bowl, near Los Angeles. More than 40,000 browsers visit the stalls of over 2000 retailers selling everything from sunglasses and jewelry, to nascar collectibles and home electronics.

In San Jose it is not unusual for more than 30,000 people to visit the a huge flea market held each and everyday, regardless of the time of year or weather. As is the case with many popular flea markets across the country, nearly 50% of the spaces are rented on a permanent basis. Since most flea market operators will only offer a limited number of permanent spaces the wait to get one at San Jose can take a year or more.

Flea markets can be divided into two general categories, those held in rural areas and those held in cities. The majority of flea markets in rural areas conform to the traditional vision of a flea market as a sort of giant garage sell and offers mostly second hand goods. A larger selection of new but inexpensive items can be found at some of the larger or more urban flea markets, but many dealers at rural flea markets are picking up on the appeal of new merchandise.

The elevator music and drab food courts found at the mall don’t stand a chance against the live music, excellent food, and carnival-like atmosphere that many flea market operators offer to attract visitors. A trip to the flea market can be more about a family outing than a shopping excursion.

It is not surprising that flea markets have become so popular; the economics of the situation are perfect. In one location you have more merchants than most shopping malls and they are paying a very low rent for their space. The low merchant overhead means tremendous deals for shoppers and a wide variety of items to choose from. Where else could you pick up such great wholesale level prices on everything from designer handbags and jeans to sporting goods and toys?