Southside Flea Market prepares for grand opening
Shoppers looking for vintage treasures, antiques finds and more have a new establishment available to visit on the Southside of St. Joseph.
Southside Flea Market, located at 3500 S. 22 St., opened in late January, however the owner is celebrating a grand opening with the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce at 9:30 a.m on Friday, Feb. 28.
"We'll have different vendors set up with crafts and we'll have some food available for anyone who wants to eat,” Southside Flea Market owner Q. Lopez said. “and on Saturday and Sunday, there's an antique show happening next door at the Timeout Event Center."
Opening a flea market was an easy decision for Lopez because he had previously operated vendor booths in the past and its a business he already understood.
“I opened and have been going strong ever since,” Lopez said. “Seven days a week.”
Vendors such as Sharon Spencer are helping drive customers to the flea market. Spencer decided to start her own business peddling homemade plate cozies and cloths with her partner, both are retired and wanted a way to stay active.
“We named our's Sewing Up Blessings because it’s a blessing and inspiration to us, but we can turn around and give that joy to others,” Spencer said.
Spencer opened her booth within the Southside Flea Market three weeks ago, shortly after doors opened to the public.
“When this opportunity came along, we decided we need to come and help the other businesses,” Spencer said. “So (Lopez) can help us and we can help him the same way.”
Lopez said foot traffic is steady and has increased after he installed his sign from another St. Joseph small business, Roderick Sign Co., on the building’s facade. Lopez hopes to welcome more customers ahead of the grand opening celebration.
“You never know what you’re going to find here,” Lopez said. “There’s a bunch of variety. It’s worth a shot and taking a look because you might find something that was in your past and your memory.”
