After more than fifty years of being a vibrant community hub, the Berkeley Flea Market has closed its doors, marking the end of a long-standing tradition in South Berkeley. Despite the closure, dedicated vendors have chosen to continue selling their goods at the Ashby BART station parking lot, where they have set up shop in their familiar stalls. The market’s lease officially ended on June 28, but on a recent Sunday, 17 vendors defied the closure and resumed their business activities.
For Ivy Yan, a vendor who has been selling sunglasses at the flea market for a quarter of a century, the market holds significant personal and professional value. Despite facing challenges such as declining foot traffic over the years, Yan remains committed to the market, emphasizing its importance in her life. She expressed her reluctance to explore other markets, highlighting the sense of community and belonging she experiences at the Berkeley Flea Market.
The flea market has not only been a commercial venue but also a cultural gathering space for the South Berkeley community. In its prime, the market attracted hundreds of vendors, food trucks, live music, dancing, and a popular weekly drum circle that drew large crowds. The decline in the market’s vibrancy has been attributed to various factors, including the impact of the Great Recession, the rise of online shopping, and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Derek Mooney, a vendor specializing in plants at the flea market for nearly three decades, reflected on the gradual decline in business, noting the financial impact of external factors such as the recession and increased competition from online retailers. Despite the uncertainties surrounding the market’s future, vendors have continued to operate without a formal lease, with hopes of reviving their customer base and sustaining their businesses.
While the flea market’s future remains uncertain, with plans to convert the parking lot into affordable housing, vendors like Ivy Yan are determined to persevere. Discussions about potential relocation have been initiated, but no concrete arrangements have been made. The possibility of displacement looms over the vendors, yet their commitment to the market remains unwavering.
Despite the challenges they face, the vendors continue to operate their stalls every weekend at the Ashby BART station from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Their dedication to preserving the spirit of the Berkeley Flea Market, rain or shine, serves as a testament to their resilience and unwavering commitment to their craft.
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