by Amy McNeal (November, 2010)
From Los Angeles to Brooklyn, flea markets have long been a staple of American culture. They range from small, neighborhood swap meets to huge corporately sponsored expos. Parking lots, convention centers or old warehouse buildings are transformed briefly into modern bazaars. Dealers heap their booths with every sort of ware, some haphazardly, some artistically , in the hope of catching a shopper's eye. Shoppers of every age and income level search through the displays looking for treasures. Large and small, these cornucopias of merchandise offer savvy shoppers the opportunity to find that perfect piece for their homes, collections, or art projects, at a bargain price. Thousands of people spend their weekends cruising the tables of vintage and newer goods looking for that special item that speaks to them. Artists look for materials to transform or restore. Collectors dream of finding that perfect, rare piece that will be the envy of their friends. Whether you're looking for something vintage to enhance your décor, or just something cheap to start building on, flea markets, urban vintage markets and antique fairs offer a vast array of choices in every budget.
The urban vintage market scene is in the midst of a revival. A new generation is descending on these markets looking for more choices, and with a greater appreciation for vintage and hand crafted goods, are seeking out these markets when they shop. A renewed interest in vintage furniture and clothing, as well as collectibles like records and jewelry, have added a new vibrancy to urban markets. Today antiques are not cool just because they are old, today they are green. Locally sourced and prepared food is also often a feature.
Chicago's Randolph Street Market Festival is a huge indoor/outdoor flea market and exhibition held monthly February through November. It is home to both the Chicago Antique Market and the Indie Designer Market. Randolph Street Market was chosen by Travel and Leisure Magazine as one of the top markets in the country. Located on West Randolph Street, this huge urban market features hundreds of vendors selling everything from vintage collectibles and furniture to modern art and fashion. Locals love the market, but it also attracts shoppers and merchants from around the U.S. A true European style market, Randolph Street is a staple of Chicago culture.
"This Market has two distinct flavors, Outdoor Antique Flea and Indoor Antique Show. The displays vary entirely from the outside to the inside." says market director Sally Schwartz " Given the beauty and formality of the Beaux Arts building, it lends itself to a more upscale presentation."
The market is organized in such a way that shoppers are able to easily find sections that cater to their needs. Outdoors are sections devoted to vinyl records, global goods and estate sale type products. Indoors, in the lower level, is the Indie Designer Market and homemade craft goods area. The convenient downtown location makes it easy for shoppers to visit the market. There is a free trolley that runs to the Randolph Street Market from the Water Tower on Michigan Avenue. To the east, the Brooklyn Flea is a two location weekly market located 20 minutes from Manhattan. The Saturday outdoor market is held at the Fort Greene location from 10 am to 5 pm. The Sunday indoor market is at One Hanson, the former Williamsburg Savings bank, from 10 am to 5 pm. Both markets are held rain or shine. The outdoor Fort Greene market runs through November, then moves to it's winter quarters at One Hanson until March. The Brooklyn Flea has been highly praised by travel guides and collector magazines. It has been featured on the television program Good Day NY, and was praised by both the New York Times and the New Yorker.
This urban market features a wide variety of vendors, from art to food. The market has been recognized by designers, such as Dries van Noten and Nate Berkus, as a great place to pick up vintage goods, and have a great meal. It also ttracts famous shoppers including Martha Stewart who was spotted shopping over the summer. With over 100 vendors, the Brooklyn Flea has plenty of options for urban shoppers. The positive, community oriented vibe helps create the experience that keeps 'em coming back.
"We specialize in modern-industrial household items and gifts, especially from midcentury and the early 20th. Old wooden crates, metal chairs, big wooden farm tables, letters from signs, that kind of thing." says market director Eric Demby.
One of the most important aspects of the Brooklyn Flea is the sense of community and connection that it creates for both shoppers and vendors. The market takes pride in offering great locally sourced food, as well as providing an opportunity for household items to be re purposed and reused instead of occupying landfill space. It also offers local artists the opportunity to show their wares and talents. The Brooklyn Flea also hosts a yearly holiday market, Gifted, at the One Hanson location. Gifted will be held from December 15 - 23rd this year, and features over 100 vendors.
Some markets are less community based, and more of an "event" in the traditional sense of the word. The DC Big Flea is just such a market. Held periodically at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Virginia, the DC Big Flea is a weekend-long extravaganza of art, antiques and collectibles. This market features over 1100 vendors, and focuses on vintage furniture and art. This is really more of a giant antiques show, rather than a community market. This market-show hybrid is a favorite of DC area interior designers. The name of the game is commerce, and you won't find much in the way of food beyond standard fare. The big advantage of the DC Big Flea is the tremendous variety available. The next DC Big Flea is November 6 ? 7.
The Philadelphia Flea Market is more of a traditional swap meet style market. Located at Bucks County Technology Park, this market is open only on Sundays, March through December from 8 am to 3 pm. This outdoor market features a huge rotating cast of vendors, and specializes in good, old fashioned bargain hunting. The market has a food court, featuring local produce and vendors selling handcrafted baked goods. Hundreds of vendors are spread across the lot. The Philadelphia Flea Market is not as refined or organized as some markets, but there are plenty of bargains to be had for the intrepid treasure hunter.
One factor contributing to the revival of the urban vintage market is a re interest in vintage styling and fashion, in both home décor and apparel. Television programs, such as AMC's Mad Men, have brought the styles of earlier eras back to the consciousness of designers, dealers and shoppers. This renewed interest has brought new shoppers to the markets. Many people who had never considered flea market shopping before are finding their way into the markets, looking for vintage goods.
"Primarily it's a tremendous number of young people who are completely into vintage now having seen these TV shows." says Sally Schwartz. "Our customers are shopping for either specific decor elements - tables, chairs, lighting, and such, shopping as collectors or coming for the fashion."
The popularity of vintage elements in modern design has led people to seek out original pieces, rather than reproductions. This design aesthetic, combined with a societal focus toward reuse and recycling instead of over consumption, has led shoppers back to flea markets in search of authentic pieces from the eras that interest them. "People are shopping for what they perceive to be a good deal on something of value." says Eric Demby. " They're looking for unique items, which in a way everything vintage is. They're looking for some personal connection to the thing they're buying: the story behind a chair they love so they can tell guests to their home; how a ceramicist left her corporate job to pursue her artistic passion; a sense that a food producer lives in the neighborhood, so their purchase will have some local economic impact."
Urban vintage markets are reflections of the cities and neighborhoods that they are in. A vibrant local market is a great place to shop, catch up with friends and dine. It's one of the most unique kind of third places there can be, and it's temporary. Vintage markets and antique fairs help to create a sense of community, and showcase the best in local food, art and style. With a renewed interest in vintage things, these markets enable more people to experience the unique flavor of their cities. Shoppers enjoy the relaxed atmosphere as much as finding unexpected treasure. People are aware that the money they spend at their local market is staying in their community. Artists and dealers are able to share their passions, and a great deal of old things are able to find new life. Urban vintage markets and flea markets are the new shopping destination of choice for thousands of people seeking a more unique shopping experience, a fun afternoon, and just maybe, that perfect 1950's lamp for the living room.
Brooklyn Flea Also in fort Greene
Fort Worth Flea Market Weekends, Will Rogers Memorial Center, 3301 W. Lancaster Cattle Barn #1
