Random Thought of the Day

Quote: terapined

The retail apocalypse has hit the flea market business
I like going to the Oldsmar flea market just outside of Tampa
Its massive, thousands of vendors
In the past , despite the massive size, very few vacancies
I just went last weekend and I was taken aback by all the vacancies. Maybe 20% vacant rate. sad

The market has been sold to a developer. Don't know if that is cause or effect.

Quote: terapined

The retail apocalypse has hit the flea market business

Flea markets thrive in recessions.
It's a side hustle for the vendors
and money saving for the customers.
Why go looking for cheap crap
when you can afford new.

Quote: Evenbob

Flea markets thrive in recessions.

I agree with Bob. A slow flea market probably just means the economy is doing well down there right now.

Quote: DRich

I agree with Bob. A slow flea market probably just means the economy is doing well down there right now.

Absolutely true, I was in the antique shoe
flea market biz for 20 years. If you're
doing well in your job, it's way too much
work to set up at a flea market every
weekend. The pro's who do it for a
living will always be there. The empty
vendor spaces are for the weekender's
who, under this thriving economy, have
better things to do.

I expect that the developer who paid $11.3M for the site is not expecting to recoup his investment on flea market booth rentals.

Quote: kenarman

I expect that the developer who paid $11.3M for the site is not expecting to recoup his investment on flea market booth rentals.

Wow, I need to find another flea market. I really like the Oldsmar flea market. Not too far away and massive. When do they start tearing it down?
Reminds me of living in Maryland. I loved going to Freestate raceway for the trotters and pacers. That place was sold off because the real estate was just so valuable.

Quote: terapined

Wow, I need to find another flea market. I really like the Oldsmar flea market. Not too far away and massive. When do they start tearing it down?
Reminds me of living in Maryland. I loved going to Freestate raceway for the trotters and pacers. That place was sold off because the real estate was just so valuable.

The articles I read gave no time line or mention of what was going up. Likely you have some time before it is closed.

Fees for a space might have been raised with a new owner running some of them off.

Quote: rxwine

Fees for a space might have been raised with a new owner running some of them off.

Possibly, but its likele that vendors can see the writing on the wall and want to go lock up vendor sites elsewhere and establish a reputation at a new location.

No need to let Amazon monopolize drone delivery.

With the drone I have, I can go on google maps select a point up to two miles away and send the drone there completely autonomously. It will land within a few feet of the target.

I usually program for 125ft as that's high enough for most objects, but if need be, I can program it to go over or around something. 125ft is also low enough to avoid any possible low flying helicopter.