Swap Meets, as can be inferred from the term, refers to the practice of people coming together to exchange goods of equal or similar value. This is similar to the old trade system of barter, where two parties exchange goods or services without a mediating currency, such as money. Purely exchange markets (alternately called barter markets or swap meets) where items are exchanged for another still exist today, particularly in Spain, but most modern swap meets involve participants who sell their goods instead of trading them.
As for flea markets, the origin of the term itself is unclear, but much like barter trade, it is a concept that has existed in various Asian regions for a millenia. There are several theories about the etymology of the term. First, it could have been derived from 18th-Century New York’s “Fly Market”, located in Manhattan and stood on top of a former salt marsh. Another theory is that it was derived from the literal translation of the French phrase, marché aux puces, or market of the fleas, described as such because items sold in these markets were previously owned and worn and assumed to be flea-infested. This is in reference to an outdoor bazaar in Paris in the 1860s where fleas supposedly grew in the upholstered furniture brought out for sale. A third possible origin takes us back to Paris, but tells the story differently. When the city builders began developing the city more for roads and other infrastructures, some side streets that were home to second-hand sellers were demolished, forcing them to move elsewhere. The market eventually settled in a new area and was known as the “flee” market although there’s no clear explanation why it later became “flea”. Interestingly, flea markets have also made their way into Japan. However, the Japanese mistook the term flea market and adapted the term free market instead because the phonetic transcription of the words “flea” and “free” are the same in katakana.
Regardless of the origin of the terms or the general “flea” references, everyone has found some joy and success in flea markets. Today, flea markets are set up in a variety of formats. Open-air flea markets used to be the norm, but now, it can be held indoors, outdoors or even both. Flea markets are also organized in several ways. More traditional ones rent out booths or spaces to owners or entrepreneurs and let them handle transactions on their own. Whereas in more modern setups, vendors simply stock up their booths and allow the organizers handle the sales.
Flea markets can also be classified based on their permanence. Most flea markets are regular and established while some are either seasonal or pop-ups. Either way still attracts sellers and buyers alike as flea markets still remain as a lucrative business and much like any other industry, flea markets are ever evolving and expanding. Vendors sell both new and used items already. Some flea markets have seen some success in branching out and doing vintage shows and antique shows. In vintage shows, items that evoke a feeling of nostalgia, despite not being considered antiques yet, are displayed and sold while antique shows feature items that are at least 100 years old and are typically on the higher or pricier end in comparison to flea markets.
Despite the 21st century focus on online shopping, swap meets are still thriving. In fact, there’s a swap meet in most major cities in the US. In Southern California, there are hundreds you can check out. One that I mentioned in my previous post is the Maclin Open Air Markets. The main driving force of its success remains to be the good deals that consumers are always seeking. Not only are the items reasonably priced, not to mention cheaper than its retail price, they also tend to be one of a kind. Another emerging force is the changing consciousness about sustainability. Recently, more and more people are choosing to buy second-hand items to lessen their environmental impact. Lastly, swap meets offer a different environment and shopping experience that cannot be replicated by most retail outlets.
Now that you know them a little better, be sure to check out your nearest swap meet. And download the Swap Meet Shops app to browse products of the swap meet near you. It’s available on App Store and Google Play.