Market Warriors’ pickers are pros looking to turn a profit in a highly competitive setting. Kevin Bruneau has owned and operated an antiques business for more than two decades and is fluent in the world of buying and selling antiques and collectibles in the online marketplace. John Bruno has been an antiques and collectibles dealer and collector for 40 years, and an appraiser for more than 25 years. Along with his wife Tina, he runs an antiques show promotion/management organization in the Northeast. Miller Gaffney is a licensed appraiser and the proprietor of an art advisory service that she founded in 2006. Bob Richter is a lifelong collector. According to Cincinnati.com, the pickers will be at the Burlington Antique Show at the Boone County Fairgrounds, 5819 Idlewild Rd., (KY 338), in Kentucky, Sunday, May 20. The market is open 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine.

“As long-time advocates of this vital industry, Sumner Communications is committed to providing vendors, market managers and all flea market professionals the strategic tools they need to succeed,” Sumner continues. “Just as Flea Market Zone is the go-to portal for news, information and marketplace information, PROVENDOR is the go-to association for flea market and swap meet vendors. The association provides resources and metrics that small business operators might not otherwise be able to access. In fact, we expect to release proprietary results of this summer’s poll on industry trends to PROVENDOR members around Labor Day.”

Members also receive regular updates on new market openings, changes in management, hot products and how-to articles, as well as a complimentary one-year digital subscription to the Merchandiser Group magazine of their choice—East Coast, Midwest or Western. To further support PROVENDOR members, the association negotiates specials and deals for discounted wholesale merchandise, coupons, sales, closeouts and services from major suppliers.

“The flea market industry is flourishing,” Sumner adds, “partly because we are in a protracted recession and consumers are looking for value priced merchandise they find at flea markets and swap meets. For the long-term, however, we have seen a significant increase in new markets as entrepreneurs see opportunities for growth.” Today, more than 1 million vendors conduct $30 billion in flea market sales annually, according to the National Flea Market Association (NFMA). More than 150 million consumers shop at the 1,100 U.S. flea markets each year.

Membership is free. Click here to join PROVENDOR.

Sumner Communications has been serving the wholesale merchandise industry since 1988. With both monthly and annual titles, the company prints over two million copies each year for independent retailers, flea market and swap meet vendors, and buyers of wholesale merchandise.

Bringing the swap meet experience to Buck Hill! Seasonal market open July 6  through Sept 3, 2012. Set up begins at 6 am, market hours Saturday and Sunday 8am – 2pm. Sell your new, used and handmade merchandise!

Bargins Within is a vendor’s mall with over 14,000 square feet of space and 100+ booths. We provide a clean, professional and climate controlled atmosphere. Market hours: Mon through Sat 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Sundays, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

One of the most highly recognized branches of the U.S. armed forces, the United States Marine Corps expressly prohibits the use of Marine Corps trademarks for commercial purposes, including reproduction on merchandise, unless the producer completes a license agreement. With a respected Dun and Bradstreet credit rating, an established sales performance in the market, and a commitment to a rigorous process involving qualification, Duke Imports was quickly approved in November 2011. The Marine Corps will be aiding all licensees, including Duke Imports, in marketplace enforcement and will be provide unique language for all product packaging.

Duke Imports’ distribution center, comprising a 100,000 square foot warehouse, showroom and offices, is located in Northeastern Indiana. This family owned and operated business has been helping retailers grow their businesses with its expansive product line for nearly a decade.

For more information:

Duke Imports Inc.
1105 North Williams St.
P.O. Box 888
Angola, IN 46703
Tel.: 260-665-1100
Fax: 260-665-1177
Email: info@dukeimports.com
Website: www.dukeimports.com

“It’s an ideal place for tourists to stop and shop,” McCormick points out. “Small business owners have the opportunity to succeed for just $21 for the weekend and churches, nonprofits and veterans in need get free booths. When you can put 150 people to work, you’ve done something that matters,” he stresses. The White Elephant will be open for business through September, Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. until “people get tired,” McCormick says.

McCormick, himself an antique dealer, says the White Elephant is attracting a variety of vendors including those selling arts and crafts, clothing, copper pots, solar lights, pet supplies,  food and more antiques. The market, anchored by McCormick’s Country General Store which he has operated for nearly a quarter of a century, is family oriented. Bob Moore is the market manager.

For more information:

2779 South Huron Road
Phone White Elephant: 989-414-9214
Phone McCormick’s Country General Store: 989-671-1111

While a small percentage of the nation’s flea market vendors have been found to engage in illegal activities, the majority of Patapsco Flea Market’s 250 vendors are reputable merchants and the market has been serving the community for nearly a quarter of a century. The 300,000 square foot market, which attracts hundreds of shoppers each weekend, is open all year on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Indoor spaces rent for $45 and yard spaces cost $25 for the weekend.

For more information:

Patapsco Flea Market
1400 West Patapsco Ave.
Baltimore, MD
Phone: 410-354-3040
Web: patapscofleamarket.com/

Seasonal outdoor market. Open Saturdays & Sundays, 8 am – ?, weather permitting. Some covered spaces available. Please call for more information.

Held on the third Sunday of the month, May – October, from 9 am to 3 pm. Located in the parking lot of FOUND in Ithaca. Inside and outside spaces available. Huge selection and wide variety of antique and vintage items.

Indoor market with a wide variety of new merchandise. Open Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call for special holiday hours.