ALLEN COUNTY FLEA MARKET

Our city has a new place to shop for bargains. I think everyone is always glad to hear that news. The Allen County Flea Market opened its doors two months ago and is in the midst of its grand opening. It is located in the building formerly owned by the Wayne Furniture Gallery at the corner of Fairfield Ave. and Taylor St.

There are no long lines of merchandise seen in so many flea markets I’ve experienced because there are several rooms. It’s actually like a place full of little shops, each with their own specialty. It definitely does not have a crowded feeling. And other thing—there doesn’t seem to be so much of the same things for sale. There are a great variety of items such as hats, jewelry, cosmetics, lamps, posters, old books, clothing and a shop that offers items with a definite African flavor.

I asked one of the vendors where she gets the items she has for sale. She sells a variety of pain remedies. It was her father who sent for the “blue stuff” after seeing it advertised on TV. It greatly helped the pain she was experiencing. When she received the order in the mail, there was an opportunity to have a dealership. Since it helped her so much she decided it would help others. She also sells craft kits and stained glass items, which a friend of hers makes.

Another dealer makes her own jewelry and it is unique. Her business is named “Blue Moon Creations”. The jewelry she showed me is called Japanese chains mile and no piece is alike. Her spot is in the basement.

Almost all the spaces are filled on the main floor. Most of these people were at Shopper’s World in Waynedale (now closed).

George Graves, along with his wife Kristin, are the managers. George moved here from Muncie and is a graduate of IPFW. He is a mortgage broker and the couple manages this place on weekends. The couple has six children.

I asked how they became interested in this type of venture.

“Actually it was my wife Kristin. She was always looking for bargains at Goodwill and that sparked the idea.” When the opportunity came for them to manage a flea market, they liked the idea. Kristin does a lot of the details connected with the store.

There is also a stand for refreshments called Stella’s Place. I saw pastries that looked quite tempting. There are a variety of soft drinks, coffee, and other snack items.

Business has been good. The parking lot was full when I was there. George tells me there is more parking across the street available at Tri State Vacuum, as well as parking along the street on Fairfield.

Meanwhile go visit the Allen County Flea Market. The hours are 9-6 on Saturdays and 11-5 on Sundays