A local flea market is every shopper’s dream place to be. You get thousands of products with such a wide variety just in a single place. Whether you are looking to buy clothes, footwear, accessories, bags, kitchen utensils, cutlery, lamps, literally anything, you just name it and a flea market has it all. There are a few markets that even offer freshly baked goods or street food that you can hog on while lifting those heavy shopping bags.
Also known as trade days, swap meets, and peddlers’ fairs, the word “flea market” is derived from Greek agoras and also from different open-air markets of ancient markets. It is also believed that the word “flea market” is derived from the French Marché aux Puces. It’s the name of an outdoor market that is known for the fleas that affected the upholstery of pre-owned furniture which was sold there. A very popular pastime for people who visit these famous flea markets helps people of every class to enjoy a certain level of financial power and get a feeling of being capable to purchase or sell something that they want at a price tag that they can increase or reduce.
Online Flea Market
An online flea market is not completely new for the Indian market. Happily is an online flea market application that has more than 1,200 sellers and purchasers to market their products online. As of 2021, online platforms have seen a 17% growth after COVID, with more than 65% of brands coming online to sell their products to their customers. With these logistics companies commencing the shipping to more than 95% of different pin codes in the nation, numerous sellers are finally choosing an online platform.
Instagram also started the ‘Support Small business’ tag on its stories when a lot of offline stores were shut down because of Covid. There is also increased support from many loyal customers, and followers of these famous flea markets. Social media platforms are free and have more than 376 million active users, it is also an amazing branding platform. Flea markets now need not shut at 10-11 p.m. or worry about huge crowds gathering. With social media platforms and specific websites, these flea markets are also seen improving the user and the ultimate customer experience.
Why are Flea Markets So Important For the Cities?
Flea markets prove to be a perfect place to sell or purchase any unique items and merchandise. They are specifically best for a recently launched business. Selling and purchasing products at a flea market help you to check the demand for your goods (if you’re a seller) and also helps in establishing a loyal customer base before moving onto a physical shop. If you are a seller, we would advise you to do your thorough research and look for an established flea market to sell your items.
Helps in Keeping the Culture Alive
Going to the local market during the day or maybe on the weekends is just like a normal part of life for many of us. Waking up in the morning and taking a light brisk walk to the market; running into friends, talking to the shopkeepers, and finally buying something fresh. Or maybe, reaching out to flea market to search for some item that would go perfectly with the decor in the house. Whatever may be the reason, some hours at the flea market is always a great idea. Every city has a specific street shopping space that adds to its uniqueness. Few of these markets have been there for a long time now, featuring the city’s history in every step.
Helps the Local Artisans to Earn Livelihood
Other than just helping to keep the culture alive, the most amazing part about shopping from a flea market is that it helps the local artisans earn their livelihood. Many talented local artists showcase their products in such flea markets and earn their daily wages from the same.
You Get Extraordinary Unique Pieces
Many local artists that display their products in these flea markets usually like to display products associated with the region. They might either have some history or some connection with the place, that’s why you will always get unique pieces from such markets.
Famous Flea Markets in India
India is the land of colors, traditions, and cuisine. Being shared by billions of people belonging to different cultures and traditions, the country has a lot to offer to its tourists and locals. Visiting the local flea market can be one of the ways you can try and know about the city. Mentioned below are a few famous Indian flea markets that you must visit if you travel to the city.
Laad Bazaar – Hyderabad
The various other old flea markets of any city pop with enthusiasm and stay true to its lifeline and the city of Hyderabad is no different than any.
The best way to get insight into Hyderabad’s culture or etiquette is through Laad Bazaar, which is located right next to the famous Charminar, where the shopkeepers will surely share stories over cups of tea with their customers. The market has numerous little shops that sell many things from bangles to amazing attar or perfumes and of course jewelry.
Chor Bazaar – Mumbai
On the different, the amazing Chor Bazaar situated near Grant Road station in Mumbai is known for the products that are second-hand and ahem! stolen. A shopper can easily find things as easy as a pin to extremes as a piano in this different-lane, flea market. It is even said that if someone doesn’t find a product in a market, the final place to visit and search is in the Chor Bazaar with all hope of succeeding.
Colaba Causeway, Mumbai
It is otherwise shopper’s paradise, Colaba Causeway can be your one-stop destination for everything you want to buy. This includes everything from clothing to second-hand jewelry, handicrafts, books, & bags. This market is well-loved by tourists as well as the locals from around the city.
Arpora Saturday Night Market, Goa
This isn’t just a normal flea market – it’s like a carnival. It works on Saturday Nights in Arpora, Goa, and is well known for its huge variety of clothes, accessories, and home decor items. There’s also a variety of mouth-watering street food and also live music performances to entertain the visitors.
Sarojini Nagar, Delhi
With only the best of fashion trends available at a bargain price, the Sarojini market is definitely a treat to visit if you are addicted to shopping. We bet you can easily spend a day or two in the market itself.
Johari Bazaar, Jaipur
Johari Bazaar has more than five hundred stores that work for every mood and every need. Jewels, or just traditional Rajasthani gold jewelry, this market has a lot of skilled artists with years of experience in the same field to help you find the best match.
Flea Markets and Covid-19
Before COVID hit the world, people visited flea markets almost every weekend. The crowded markets, bargaining or hogging on delicious food from carts; people miss the colorful flea markets that once made them excited for weekends. All of that is now being shifted to online platforms because of the pandemic.
Due to the nationwide lockdown, outdoor activity has been reduced, over 45% of these small businesses owners had to rethink the way of carrying on the business.
Large crowds in the lanes of famous flea markets like Colaba, Sarojini Nagar, and many bazaars have now decreased. Before the COVID era, an entire day could be spent enjoying shopping, eating, or roaming around the small outlets on the street. It is not that safe yet to finally reopen the flea markets – but small businesses are definitely thinking of exploring alternatives.
To wind-up
Shopping from these famous flea markets shouldn’t be only to get the items at a cheaper price. But, it should be done to preserve the culture that the place dearly follows. It is crucial to understand how we can keep our traditions alive by choosing what our local vendors have to offer. It is always best to choose the products that reflect the city’s tradition to know the city in a better way. Shopping from these flea markets will not only get you unique products at a comparatively cheaper price, but it will also help the local artists to get some recognition and ultimately help them earn their livelihood.
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