NQD: Chelsea Flea Market

Notes

• Vintage and used items scattered around on tables that resemble the inside of the random junk drawer in everyone’s home
• Selling booths were scattered around an empty parking lot and down the sidewalks of 25th street; some even ran along the small alleyway that connects 25th and 26th
• There were less booths today than in the previous times I have visited; only half of the parking lot was filled; possibly because it was 3:20pm on a Sunday, near closing time
• Clothing prices ranged anywhere from $50 to over $150, most of them with floral prints or with a faded tint from the passage of time
• Pin buttons, showbills, iron-on patches, wigs, postcards, jewelry
• More of an outside antique store
• It’s hard to hear the hustle and bustle of city life (including cars and music) with the voices of people making bargains and calling their friends to ask about whether or not they should make a purchase
• This is especially surprising, because the market is sandwiched between 5th and 6th Ave; it’s the kind of event you stumble upon rather than actively seek out, a hidden gem
• Vendors seem to be older, with the majority looking like they could be 50+
• The age of customers was a lot more mixed
• There are middle aged adults looking to make serious bargains. They seem to know exactly what they want and how to get it; they’re experienced buyers
• There’s also many college students who just seem to be browsing around and exploring the goods each vendor has to offer; there’s no sense of hurry or strong ambition to get the best deal possible; most of the items there cost too much to afford on a student budget

Quotes

• “I’m at the Chelsea Flea Market across where you park the City Bikes, and there’s a lot of stuff here” — Overheard from a man at the entrance of the flea market excitedly making a phone call
• “I feel like I’ve walked into a theater and this is their costume room.” — NYU Tisch student Kaya Trefz looking at racks of colorfully patterned vintage clothing that looked more like stage-wear than everyday fashion; it was her first time at the flea market
• “I’m surprised you didn’t even try to get a lower price. You got the best jacket here.” — Overheard from a sale between one of the vendors and a young woman, most likely a college student

Details

• Chelsea Flea Market on W 25th street near the Flatiron District and the NoMad area
• The flea market happens weekly on Saturdays and Sundays from 8am to 5pm
• Vendors set up their own booths in an empty parking lot to sell vintage and antique items
• There is no entrance fee
• I visited on Sunday, September 12 around 3pm