Port Charlotte Flea Market (Bradenton, Venice: rent, how much, live)

[golfwaymore]

I think the big flea market in PC is the Sun Flea Mkt...

Anyone been there? Impessions positive or negative?

Any suggested fm's other than this one that are reasonable driving distance from PC?

[SoFLGal]

It's OK. I wouldn't say it's anything really special. It's not that big. They have a huge play area for the kids, etc and that's probably the best part about it.

There's the Red Barn in Bradenton over on 1st St. Then there's Fleamaster in Ft Myers over off MLK.

[golfwaymore]

Thanks for the info SoFLGal.

I was not familiar with Fleamaster but checked out their website and WOW, talk about big...that's about 10X the size of the one in PC per my understanding.

You're a local so maybe you can answer this [it came up on another forum]....do these fm's die "traffic-wise" out of season? I'm sure they have to drop but I'm wondering by how much?

[atroxanautin]

There is also Dome Flea in Venice too, but I haven't been there to recommend

[kikimiller]

Originally Posted by atroxanautin

There is also Dome Flea in Venice too, but I haven't been there to recommend

The Dome in Venice has gotten smaller and smaller. Alot of the regular sellers have left. Some of said the rent has gotten to high to make a profit. I used to realy enjoy going to the Dome, it does still have a few nice vendors, but its not like it used to be.

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by golfwaymore

Thanks for the info SoFLGal.

I was not familiar with Fleamaster but checked out their website and WOW, talk about big...that's about 10X the size of the one in PC per my understanding.

You're a local so maybe you can answer this [it came up on another forum]....do these fm's die "traffic-wise" out of season? I'm sure they have to drop but I'm wondering by how much?

Yeah it does get quite a bit smaller in the summer time-with traffic and vendors. I think some may be seasonal that just come down here for the winter to sell things.

Fleamaster is much, much bigger than the Sun.

[Col.W.Deering]

I also noticed the change to the Dome Flea Market.

It used to be packed with vendors during the winter season, now its a fraction of what it used to be. Do not believe it is a "seasonal" drop off as SoFLGal suggests in her response.

[golfwaymore]

Originally Posted by kikimiller

The Dome in Venice has gotten smaller and smaller. Alot of the regular sellers have left. Some of said the rent has gotten to high to make a profit. I used to realy enjoy going to the Dome, it does still have a few nice vendors, but its not like it used to be.

Good info.

I checked out their website and it said over 300 vendors and all the photos looked like it was a pretty happening place but doesnt sound like it is anymore.

[golfwaymore]

Originally Posted by Col.W.Deering

I also noticed the change to the Dome Flea Market.

It used to be packed with vendors during the winter season, now its a fraction of what it used to be. Do not believe it is a "seasonal" drop off as SoFLGal suggests in her response.

Maybe it's just the economy in general?

I would think flea markets would actually be busier in a down economy but ya never know I guess.

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by Col.W.Deering

I also noticed the change to the Dome Flea Market.

It used to be packed with vendors during the winter season, now its a fraction of what it used to be. Do not believe it is a "seasonal" drop off as SoFLGal suggests in her response.

I'm sure the economy has quite a bit to do with it as well. I haven't been over to The Dome since I was a kid so I don't know how that one is doing. Actually, I haven't been any of the others, other than The Sun, since the economy has turned south. I do, however, remember talking to many vendors a few years ago about where they live and many said they live up north and sell down here in the winter.

I was thinking the same thing, golfwaymore. You'd think they'd actually be busier with everyone trying to get a bargain. Maybe the vendors can't affords the space to sell their goods. Who knows...