Divine Sotto of T.K. Holdings, which operates the flea market, said what was originally designed to open only for three months is now going into its third year of operations.
“Since it’s opening on Oct. 11, 2008, the flea market has become the hub of sellers and buyers of new and used household items,” Sotto said.
Lately, the flea market has become the most ideal place for people who are leaving the island to display whatever things they need to dispose.
“Before, people used to hold garage sales in their respective homes and have buyers drive all over the island scouting for the best bargains,” Sotto said. With the escalating cost of gasoline, going to one place and finding everything you want is most practical, she said.
The number of vendors at the flea market hovers between 36 and 40, but Sotto said a lot of vendors who want to display their wares and products are patiently waiting for a vacant slot or for any vendor to pull out at the last minute.
“We cannot add more stalls, so we have to maintain the number. If a vendor pulls out at the last minute, we will get a replacement from the waiting list,” she said.
Vendor booths are supposed to be open at 8 a.m. each Saturday but Sotto said some start catering to customers as early as 6 a.m.
“Customers come early to get the best bargains, even before the vendors get to display all their products,” she said.
The vendors pay a rent of $17 each Saturday to sell their products.
The flea market is where buyers can buy brand new and used items including small household appliances, electrical items, shoes, computers and parts, toys, clothes, perfume and toiletries, kitchen utensils, car parts, fishing gear, office supplies, jewelry and fashion accessories, and other items.
Sotto said the night bazaar which they opened in February last year is still suspended.
“We might reopen the night bazaar in the future, depending on the economy but for now, we have to suspend it because of the hard times,” Sotto said.
The night bazaar was opened to supplement the Thursday street market in Garapan and to attract not only the local community but tourists as well.
For more information, contact Divine Sotto at 234-7626.{jcomments off}
