Southside Flea Market hosts grand opening

The Southside Flea Market held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday morning to celebrate its grand opening.

The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce helped welcome the new store to town, bringing out members to celebrate.

Southside Flea Market Owner Q. Lopez expressed gratitude to the community for celebrating the grand opening and for visiting his business.

"Right now, Southside Flea Market is still a work-in-progress," Lopez said. "I'm getting everything still situated how I want it. But everyone's been so helpful and kind that every little bit helps out."

Lopez shared that working with the Chamber has been helpful.

"It's been amazing working with the Chamber," Lopez said. "I didn't realize how much they get involved with start-up businesses and it's worth its weight in gold."

This is 21-year-old Lopez's first business. He says that it has been hard, but rewarding work. 

"It's been a lot of work and it's a lot more than I ever thought, but so far it's been paying off," Lopez said. "It's worth it."

Lopez said although he had not run a business before, he felt the need to bring this type of store to St. Joseph.

"I've been a part of flea markets, antique booths for about four years and this seemed like an obvious choice that I'd want to be on the side of the business," Lopez said. "I've always wanted to start my own business and this was the first step for me at 21."

The Southside Flea Market is located at 3500 S. 22nd St., and offers a variety of items from different vendors.

"There's different items from oddities, trinkets, vintage antiques and even new stuff," Lopez said. "You never know what you're gonna find."

Lopez wants to remind anyone interested that booth spaces are still available within the Market for any local businesses or vendors.

The Southside Flea Market is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.