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May 9, 2008
Closing Bell: Flea Bigger and Better Than Ever on Sunday
As long as our nemesis mother nature plays nice, this is shaping up to be biggest and best Flea yet. As noted on the Flea Blog today, there are a bunch of new high-qual, old-school vendors starting up this weekend, including Fort Greener Gary Ford who used to have a booth at the 25th Street Garage and will be showcaseing his eclectic mix of fossilized whale bones, Persian prayer rugs, and picture frames along the Clermont fence on Sunday. For the uninitiated, the Flea runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday and is located at 176 Lafayette Avenue. Closest trains are the C and G to Washington/Clinton. Or you can take any of the number of trains that go to Atlantic Station and make the 10-minute stroll up Lafayette Avenue from there. If you've come before and combined your outing with a visit to one of the many restaurants on Dekalb Avenue, why not be a tad more adventurous and check out the wealth of brunch options a few blocks north on Myrtle Avenue.
Lotsa New Vendors This Weekend! [Flea Blog]
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Comments
Really? Because I've noticed that the flea seems to be getting smaller and smaller every week. I actually thought it was being discontinued.
Posted by: guest at May 9, 2008 4:13 PM
Sorry, Stoner--it's supposed to rain on Sunday. Yes, I heard that it will be discontined as well because a lot of vendors arent seeing desired turnover...
Posted by: guest at May 9, 2008 4:18 PM
I must admit. Wasn't impressed with the vendors. Most of them just seemed like they were selling their old J-U-N-K.
Posted by: guest at May 9, 2008 4:26 PM
4:13 = 4:18 = 4:26
at least wait a while to post again, so it seems a little more believable.
oh, and you posted that 4:13 comment the past 3 weeks...
loser.
Posted by: guest at May 9, 2008 4:32 PM
Yeah, you're right. It looks absolutely dead in this photo from last week. Not a soul!
Posted by: brownstoner at May 9, 2008 4:36 PM
HA! 4:32 smarty pants. I only left the 4:26 so go stick your smugness up your arse you silly muppet.
Posted by: guest at May 9, 2008 4:36 PM
Gosh Stoner. This photo has quite a wide field and one thing it reveals is that people are not packed very densely into this huge space. I'm surprised that this photo looks encouraging to you. I don't think the flea will be able to sustain itself at this rate.
Posted by: guest at May 9, 2008 4:43 PM
Can I bring my dog yet, Mr. B?
Posted by: guest at May 9, 2008 4:44 PM
Unfortunately not. School policy.
Posted by: brownstoner at May 9, 2008 4:55 PM
This comment, or similar, has been made numerous times on any number of topics: why do some people seem to get all hard over the possibility of something failing?
I mean, heck, I don't really have much use for the flea market. I probably only went to the Chelsea markets three times in the thirty years I've lived here. I haven't been to the Brooklyn Flea yet. I'd go Sunday with my moms if I didn't have to work. But no matter what, I'm not sitting here hoping the endeaver will fail. What kind of malcontents are some of you? Do you have friends? How is that possible?
Posted by: guest at May 9, 2008 5:08 PM
I live a couple of blocks from the flea market and I have been enjoying taking a stroll through it every Sunday, following the change and variety.... Yes I have bought already a few things, and planning on some big purchases, gotten a few decorating ideas too.
Also, as a resident of the foodshop deprived Clinton Hill, i'd like to express my joy at being able to buy BREAD on a Sunday, the INCREDIBLE Salvatore ricotta which I use for a quick penne sauce mixing it with marinara and adding parmesan, nutmeg and a spoon of hot water little kinds love it ( please try their cannolis and you'll make yourself a favor!).
I also bought a package of the fair trade coffee (the espresso variety) and I found it good, am going to buy again...
I am also looking forward to the kids at Bishop Laughlin being able to run on a track which matches their talents, as a former sprinter in my high school days I watch them now and then and marvel and I cannot believe the subpar qualtiy of the track now that I experience it underfoot... 'nuff negativity you guys why don't you actually get out of your lairs and DO something instead of sitting on your... (oops he'll delete me!)?!
Posted by: bianca at May 9, 2008 5:24 PM
please don't tell people to eat brunch on myrtle. the flea has already ruined most brunch spots on sunday, unless waiting an hour for a table is your idea of fun. so much for maggie's and pillow. assholes.
Posted by: guest at May 9, 2008 6:09 PM
how is getting customers into usually empty places ruining them 6:09?
only ahole i see here is you and the dude who is hoping the flea fails.
in these times of economic uncertainty, i think the folks who run businesses on myrtle welcome the suggestion.
how about you open a business and put a lock on the door and then we'll all be happy.
Posted by: guest at May 9, 2008 6:11 PM
sell sangria at this thing and people will stay all day, get drunk and spend money.
Posted by: guest at May 9, 2008 6:15 PM
Correct me if I'm wrong, 4:26, but i would say that the very definition of a "flea market" is a place where people sell their old J-U-N-K!
the more junk the better, i say. that's when you can find some real hidden treasures. the first couple weeks there was too much new stuff and fancy stuff. it's been much much better recently. keep it up!
Posted by: guest at May 9, 2008 6:17 PM
I've been to the flea every weekend and despite the gloomy weather on all but one Sunday, the crowds were big.
Big enough that I didn't really even get to buy much stuff, because there were so many people in each booth and I was too stoned to make my way through the crowds...
Posted by: guest at May 9, 2008 6:21 PM
I agree. It's been a typical flea market crowd, decent browsing crowd but obviously not so bad to be annoying like Times Square. Just right. My only complaint is that there is too much new expensive type stuff and not enough garage sale type booths. If I wanted new stuff I would just go to the store itself or to the mall on Atlantic or Queens. Flea markets are supposed to be swap meets of stuff you drag out of the basement or attic - ie OLD JUNK. Nothing better than back when I lived in the south and went to garage sales and yard sales on weekend mornings to buy other people junk for cheap prices.
Posted by: guest at May 9, 2008 6:48 PM
have you been in the last 2 weeks, 6:48??
definitely more "junk" than there was the first couple weeks...
good junk...
nothing i bought last weekend cost over 5 bucks.
Posted by: guest at May 9, 2008 6:54 PM
I will say that I also thought the crowds were getting awfully small with each passing weekend. My impression is that Brooklyn has a lot of people who want to go to a flea market...once. I wish you all the best, but I don't see this enterprise continuing much longer. Not profitably, anyway.
Posted by: guest at May 9, 2008 7:23 PM
7:23 - someone who has not been laid in 2 decades.
Posted by: guest at May 9, 2008 7:39 PM
lol @ 7:39 (this is 6:48 again) I have been there 3 times now including last week, which I will admit had more of the typical flea market feel with more "junk" So I'm looking forward to this coming trip on Sunday. There is a really cool junk store on North 9th by Roebling in Williamsburg called "Brooklyn Junk" thats really my style - lots of salvation army type stuff mixed in with tons of authentic mid-century stuff in unrestored condition. I love digging through boxes of unpriced crap at flea markets too. Hopefully it will get better and better with that type stuff.
Posted by: guest at May 9, 2008 7:45 PM
"I will say that I also thought the crowds were getting awfully small with each passing weekend. My impression is that Brooklyn has a lot of people who want to go to a flea market...once"
I find this post hilarious. And not because the person writing it (and the others) is clearly quite sick.
So let me get this straight...you thought the crowds were getting small with each passing weekend (meaning that you've been to the flea MORE than once) and then you say you can't imagine people wanting to go more than once? And this while simultaneously alluding to the fact that it must suck, yet you've been on MULTIPLE OCCASSIONS to take note of the alleged dwindling crowds??
UHHHH....ok dude. You are one messed up mother fkjghhadasdhasdqijbbgsp!!!!
Let me guess...you were just walking by it every Sunday...you didn't actually go in, right??
LOL
Posted by: guest at May 9, 2008 7:53 PM
Why does every one feel the need to use vulgar language in response to the posters who think the flea market is not so crowded?
Is your vocabulary that limited?
Or did you just not graduate from high school?
Posted by: guest at May 9, 2008 7:59 PM
We enjoyed the market last Sunday. The used bicycle guy is a great discovery. We're going to get a used road bike (we called them '10 speeds') from him. Great deal.
It would be nice to see more of the 'junk' people are talking about above. Cheap stuff that creative people use for decoration, multimedia construction, and other surprising inspirations, not to mention reuse.
No doubt the mix will be dynamic, vendors will come and go, and it will continue to be a place for great deals and fun finds.
Good work Mr. B! We love the positive energy. And I'm not talking about Qi. I'm talking about people who put themselves on the line to do do positive things for their communities.
Posted by: Hal at May 9, 2008 8:25 PM
I have to say... I agree this is a cool thing to do.. go ahead and blame B'stoner for it being a yuppie high-end "flea" market.. the only thing I want are those huge doors...
But he's running a business and you want to attack him?
Well maybe you should boycott Exxon instead of Brownstoner--small business owner...
Why not go for some more culpable people? Culpable for ruining the environment. culture anything...
Posted by: CrownGardener at May 9, 2008 8:49 PM
high qual ? what is that a text message?
going to a flea market in nyc is one lazy step from doing nothing.
what do you expect a deal?
Posted by: guest at May 9, 2008 10:02 PM
Wow, I actually thought the flea had already been discontinued due to the drop off in attendance. Glad to see it's still around.
Posted by: guest at May 9, 2008 10:34 PM
Yes, please don't say "high qual" again.
Also, can you refrain from saying "on the jump"? That is so embarrassing. Just say "via the link below" or something like that.
Thanks.
Posted by: guest at May 9, 2008 10:36 PM
you are all a bunch of loosers......
get a life !
Posted by: guest at May 9, 2008 11:07 PM
I like "on the jump."
I like the flea.
I think guest @ 10:36 is embarrassing.
Posted by: guest at May 9, 2008 11:18 PM
I have to agree with 10:36, Mr. B. When you say "on the jump" I always throw up in my mouth a little.
Posted by: guest at May 10, 2008 6:19 AM
The only "loosers" are the one who can't spell "loser".
Posted by: guest at May 10, 2008 7:36 AM
11:18, I think your mommy should be raiped with an ax handle
Posted by: guest at May 10, 2008 8:18 AM
8:18 I think you should learn to spell.
Posted by: guest at May 10, 2008 10:17 AM
I making good money. I find this comments ridiculous.
As for comment 8:18. Though you can't seem to spell, your post is disgusting, and for the love of god I wish brownstoner would use some discretion on this thing and not allow posts to make it through that rigorous so called filter.
Posted by: guest at May 10, 2008 11:14 AM
I live in Clinton Hill and have enjoyed browsing the Flea for the past 3 weekends. I agree that there was a lot of overpriced stuff in the beginning but I felt that it keeps getting better (loved all the furniture in the middle last Sunday). There has always been a good crowd, despite the crappy weather.
Posted by: guest at May 10, 2008 4:24 PM
My friend is a vendor at the flea and she said she's been doing VERY well so far. She said last weekend was her best yet.
Not sure who is saying there is no crowds. Seems the people going love it and I've now heard from a few vendors how much they are loving it and are making money.
That's all this is. A Flea Market.
The haters need to grow up and/or get a life.
Posted by: guest at May 10, 2008 4:56 PM
Weather forecast for tomorrow is SUNNY AND 66!
Posted by: guest at May 10, 2008 7:31 PM
Yawn, 9:32, what a bore.
Posted by: guest at May 10, 2008 9:59 PM
9:32. you've cut and pasted that message for the last 4 weeks.
do you even know how sick you are?
need the number for a good therapist dollface?
Posted by: guest at May 10, 2008 10:22 PM
9:32 must be an Atlantic Ave "Antique" Merchant who's blaming their own failure on brownstoner.
Posted by: guest at May 11, 2008 12:04 AM
What is with you people? Do you think the poster above is the only one who's noticed the decreasing number of people at the flea each weekend? I live right near there and the crowd is smaller each week. Do you think people just aren't going to notice? Come on.
Why do I even bother? Flame away...
Posted by: guest at May 11, 2008 9:36 AM
nice try, 9:36.
i mean 9:32...
you are the lowest form of human life.
Posted by: guest at May 11, 2008 10:02 AM
10:02=9:36=12:04=9:32
Posted by: guest at May 11, 2008 10:12 AM
guest at May 11, 2008 9:36 AM
You write your post with the vigor about something that actually mattered. It does not.
It is a flea market!!
Posted by: guest at May 11, 2008 12:15 PM
How is a person who went to a flea market and thinks it is somewhat less crowded than on a previous visit "the lowest form of human life"?
The lowest form of human life?!
Posted by: guest at May 11, 2008 1:23 PM
i thought renters were the lowest?
Posted by: guest at May 11, 2008 1:28 PM
So we were on our bikes going to the flea market this morning at around 10:30. We're in the northbound bike lane on Vanderbilt approaching Dean Street. I'm ahead by 20 yards and crossing the intersection on a green light when a purple Lincoln with a nice on-the-way-to-church lady makes a surprise left turn from the other side. First there's that exciting moment when you know that impact is only some tenths of seconds away, then there's that flying through the air moment when I thought, "Ok, my nose got hit, then my right knee. Meanwhile I have this upside-down view of my wife with a look of horror on her face as she screams. By the time that thought is done, I've landed on the clean, freshly bike-lane-painted asphalt of Vanderbilt Avenue, realizing I've suffered only some scrapes and bruises. I followed the advice of helpful guy named Jack who advised me to relax and stay still until an ambulance arrived. Two hours later I'm released from Maimonodes with a cane, and trying to catch up on preparing for the trip to my mother's house tonight.
Sorry to make you read all that, but I just didn't get to the flea market today.
Posted by: Hal at May 11, 2008 3:36 PM
I went for the second time today and thought it was great. While everyone has different tastes, I think the selection is very broad. I don't like most of what I see, but variety abounds. The things I do like, on the other hand, feel like great "finds" and as far as I'm concerned that's the point of a marketplace like this.
And it was plenty crowded for what it is. The distance that repeat vendors travel (spoke to one from Philly and another from Albany) makes it clear that they are doing well by this exposure and the increased business it offers.
Posted by: guest at May 11, 2008 4:51 PM
AS A FORT GREENER I FEEL THAT THE TERM
FLEA MARKET IS NOT INDICATIVE OF A MARKET SELLING
INTERESTING AND QUALITY GOODS.
FLEA MARKET IS A 19th CENTURY TERM
AND THIS IS THE 21st CENTURY. CERTAINLY A MORE
SOPHISTICATED AND CONTEMPORARY TERM CAN BE FOUND.
LEON GOLOMB
Posted by: guest at May 11, 2008 5:23 PM
Mr. Golomb,
The term "flea market" is actually 17th century, from France. Why would you care if the term is old? Do you need a more "sophisticated and contemporary " term when park your car in a "garage"?
Posted by: guest at May 11, 2008 5:51 PM
Something for all the negative folks to think about:
Do you HONESTLY and TRULY think that an anonymous negative review on a blog will keep people away? Seriously? When I see dozens of negative reviews and dozens of positive reviews I remind myself that opinions are like assholes. Everyones got one.
I'd guess that I speak for many folks here that negative reviews for the Brooklyn Flea Market are only a -greater- incentive to check it out myself and form my -own- opinion.
Damn, the things people waste their time on...
Posted by: guest at May 11, 2008 5:56 PM
I smoked a bowl and stayed there from about 11-4. Time went by real slow...I spent $400.
Posted by: guest at May 11, 2008 7:10 PM
really nice flea today - went in the morn, and didnt have enough time to spend but saw a bunch of new venders and picked up some lovely antique knives and some vintage dolls for the babe. the sun must have brought out the packs, because it was still plenty crowded when I walked by late afternoon.
I'm loving this!
Posted by: guest at May 11, 2008 8:45 PM
When I see dozens of negative reviews and dozens of positive reviews I remind myself that opinions are like assholes. Everyones got one.
I love that.
How do you smoke a bowl?
Posted by: guest at May 11, 2008 10:15 PM
What time does it run from on Sundays?
Posted by: guest at May 11, 2008 10:36 PM
Why are so many posters hellbent on being negative and discouraging? It is what it is. I rather enjoy going by after church just to peruse and enjoy the atmosphere.
Posted by: iluvclintonhill at May 11, 2008 10:41 PM
Realizing that I had to see for myself, I went to the flea this afternoon. Sure enough, it was pretty "blech". Not many people and a crappy selection of goods for sale.
I don't think it's Brownstoner's fault. This kind of thing always loses momentum fairly quickly.
Posted by: guest at May 11, 2008 10:52 PM
you clearly aren't a flea market person, 10:52.
if you were, you'd know that this one is pretty awesome and well attended.
no one believes for one second that you aren't the sicko who's posted the other negative sh*t.
you are SO transparent.
Posted by: guest at May 11, 2008 11:06 PM
That's right 11:06. It must be part of a vast anti-flea market conspiracy. LOL
Posted by: guest at May 12, 2008 7:12 AM
I meant to go yesterday, but was too late. Couldn't get there any earlier than 1:30pm and by that time they were packing up.
Posted by: guest at May 12, 2008 7:23 AM
Packing up by 1:30? The only thing packing up were customers cars by 1:30. Good grief. At 1:30 that place was more packed than $1 beer night at a gay bar.
Posted by: guest at May 12, 2008 7:42 AM
7:12
The anti- flea conspiracy is not vast. Its 2-3 people bent on spreading lies so this Flea market won't succeed.
The ironic thing is that the more bad reviews it gets the more this blog gets hits. The more this blog gets hits the more it succeeds, the more ads get bought and the more it grows. The more this blog grows the more the Flea grows.
So to everyone posting lies about how bad the Flea is or how under attended it is, keep it coming!
Anti marketing at its best...
Posted by: guest at May 12, 2008 7:54 AM
sorry to hear this 3:36. I hope you get well soon. that said, i haven't been to the flea market yet but have driven by on 2 different sundays. it looks like fun BUT the roads are a disaster. i am not surprised this happened. trucks and cars are double parked everywhere. loading or unloading, picking up and dropping off. i was returning last nite around 5:30 and a truck was double parked on vanderbilt getting a ticket but on the other side there were 3 suv's double parked as well so what happens? cars are backed up behind these cars and the truck, can't move, everyone beeping their horns, folks walking in the middle of the street to cross..it really was a mess. I'm not blaming anyone but the BAD selfish drivers. wake up and respect others OR figure out a way that vendors can't block the road during certain times and cars can't double park. i hope the police step up their presence...
Posted by: guest at May 12, 2008 8:06 AM
My family and I walked over a little after 3 pm, as it began to get cold. On the walk, I remarked to them how much I liked having someplace fun to just walk to. We spent a very pleasant hour and a half poking around, looking at various things. My kid bought four 45 rpm records from a vinyl stall (she would break the guy's heart if he knew she was using Dean Martin as wheels for a mousetrap car shop project) and we bought a couple of odd books from a print vendor in the corner. The biggest thrill was three vintage "New York City" banners, one from the Aquarium, one from The Hall of Science and one from the Natural History Museum. We spent a grand total of about $22 and had a nice relaxing break from weekend chores.
There were LOTS of people walking thru the neighborhood as well as crowding the flea market. We love it.
Posted by: guest at May 12, 2008 8:49 AM
I was disappointed by the turnout yesterday. It's sad that it isn't easier to keep something like this going.
Posted by: guest at May 12, 2008 8:51 AM
The gf and I went for the second week in a row, around noon and the place was packed.
Lots and lots of stuff—I reckon just about anyone who stops by would be able to find something. A great addition to the area—a 15-minute walk from Prospect Heights and so worth it.
Posted by: Fjorder at May 12, 2008 9:07 AM
I don't like brownstoner but I loke the flea because it continues to grow my neighborhood.
Posted by: guest at May 12, 2008 9:30 AM
Stoner, the flea sucks, no SUCKS. It is a giant assemblage of crap, full of vendors trying to unload overpriced garbage. I'm not interested in minicupcake's for $3.50.
Posted by: guest at May 12, 2008 10:00 AM
Minicupcakes were $5 dollars for 6, and they were delicious, I bought them and we had them for coffee. What about sticking to the truth 10:00?
Posted by: bianca at May 12, 2008 10:49 AM
I've been going every week and thought last week was the best by far -- not just cause of the weather. There was a good mix of affordable junk (got some snazzy vintage earrings for $5) and interesting artwork/crafts (picked up a few fantastic and bizarre portraits of "lost" toys which were $40 framed). Plus, the strawberry ice cream was delish. The vendors I spoke with said they felt like things were coming together and that the mix was better for them and for everyone coming to look around.
Not everyone has to love everything about the flea market, but I personally think it's a cool way to spend a few hours on a Sunday -- as do, apparantly, friends I've run into in the past couple weeks who had come in from the East Village, Williamsburg, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, etc. I think Mr. B deserves a round of applause for bringing it to life. Some of us out there are truly grateful for the addition to the neighborhood!
Posted by: guest at May 12, 2008 10:51 AM
Hmm, that's not what I paid Bianca.
Posted by: guest at May 12, 2008 11:35 AM
Maybe we did not get them from the same vendor. If so, apologies. Mine where from the Kumquat Cupcakery, in the middle right next to the granola people. Blueberry Chocolate, Banana Cream and Red Velvet Cake.
6 for $ 5 in a cute box.
Posted by: bianca at May 12, 2008 11:55 AM
10am, the world, thankfully, does not revolve around you. Most people, enjoy the market. If you don't, then find something else to do on Sunday. What's the big deal?
Posted by: guest at May 12, 2008 11:58 AM
I also bought the mini-cupcakes. Also paid $5 for 6. Bought 3 boxes. One for me, one for my neighbor and one for MOM!
You must have looked like a sucker 10:00.
Posted by: guest at May 12, 2008 3:23 PM
3:23p, don't lie, you know you devoured all 3 boxes and hid another 2 under your bed.
Posted by: guest at May 12, 2008 5:19 PM
It didn't...
It was supposed to be the 1776 flag...oh well...
Posted by: guest at May 12, 2008 7:01 PM
It didn't post properly...
It was supposed to be the 1776 flag.
PS Liking the flea market...bought some furniture.
Very positive energy. I hope you guys get good weather on the upcoming Sundays.
PPS What's going on with the availability of port-o-johns?
Posted by: guest at May 12, 2008 7:03 PM
yeah, i had to pee pretty bad yesterday...
luckily found tilly's but almost didn't make it!!!
Posted by: guest at May 12, 2008 8:08 PM
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