By the 1980s they have managed to turn the iconic treasure collection into one of the Triangle’s most popular shopping destinations with nearly 1000 vendors, spanning six buildings and several acres on the fairgrounds campus.

With the largest selection of antiques, jewelry and furniture in the whole of North Carolina, the Raleigh Flea Market remains one of the area’s top year-round tourist destinations, drawing 2.4 million visitors annually according to the Triangle Business Journal.

Marshall Stewart III, one of the original creators, has also returned as manager with plans to add fun attractions, delicious food options and even more great vendors, creating the kind of flea market you dream of.

What’s On Offer at the Raleigh Flea Market?

Whether you’re looking for that Mickey Mantle card you traded away as a kid, are hankering for a piece of homemade fudge or just want to get out of the house and rummage through timeless treasures, Raleigh Flea Market is famed for its wide selection of oddities and is certainly the place that has that special something you are looking for.

With its family friendly atmosphere, the flea market showcases more than 600 vendors, offering everything from antiques and collectibles to handicrafts, furniture, homemade goods, clothing, jewelry and wonderfully bizarre bric-a-brac. Depending on the weekend you visit, there can be between 100 and 300 antiques dealers at The Raleigh Flea Market. Dive into the antique section to find anything from iconic 60s serving dishes and vintage jewellery to Victorian dresses and retro furniture.

There are two large buildings of permanent vendors and some outdoor stalls focusing on rare antiques, collectibles and wonderful odds and ends. The outdoor portion contains many regular vendors selling everything from old books and records to unique furniture pieces, old trunks and other oddities that one might discover while cleaning out the attic.

Raleigh Flea Market: Top Tips

• Wear comfortable walking shoes if you want to see everything. You are about to discover over 200,00 square feet of shopping space!
• Have reassembling tools handy in case you are after something big that needs to fit into your car.
• You can check the State Fairgrounds website to see if there are any events or shows going on in the exhibition halls.
• The Golden Rule: “Be nice and bring cash!”. Most things are fairly priced but if you want to find a deal, group things together to get them cheaper.

Show Times

The Raleigh Flea Market is open each Saturday and Sunday, rain or shine, except during the run of the N.C. State Fair in October. There has also a new market been added on Tuesday, outside on the Hillsborough Street parking lot from 9am – 6pm, which is much smaller but worth a visit. The market offers free admission and free parking. Dogs are very welcomed visitors – you can even find the Raleigh Flea Market ‘Dog Of the Week’ on their Facebook page!

Where: 1025 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
When: Saturday – Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm
Web: raleighfleamarket.net

The post Raleigh Flea Market appeared first on Flea Market Insiders.

Sure, you won’t get the same exciting feeling you experience when rummaging through old boxes at the flea market. But many apps out there have the advantage of offering nice curated collections à la Pinterest of beautiful vintage and second hand merchandises. While flea markets are mostly about finding random things on a budget you did not know you needed, flea market apps are generally about getting inspired and finding exactly what you’re looking for in your neighborhood.

Alternatively, these same apps can turn any person into a flea market merchant for a day, for a fraction of the price and efforts needed “in real life”. Forget the hassle of loading and unloading your car with flea market stuff, driving at dawn in the cold and standing long hours at the flea market: these apps let you do exactly the same thing, from the comfort of your couch.

The process is pretty straightforward: Just take a picture of the item you sell, upload it with a description, put a price tag, and you’re good to go! And since most apps use “proximity shopping technology”, you don’t even have to worry about shipping as your customers might live within a few miles radius.

We reviewed five apps we consider to be the best available on the European market to buy and sell second hand products and vintage items. So if you enjoy window-shopping from the comfort of your couch, searching for vintage accessories as a gift for your best friend, or finding new (innovative) ways to de-clutter your flat, then these apps are just made for you.

Shpock: The Shop in Your Pocket App

Shpock, short for Shop in Your Pocket, is a very popular app for online trade in Europe, with over 3.000.000 installs. Self-styled as ‘the boot sale app for beautiful things’, Shpock has a very friendly interface, with a two column layout and large photos. You will find the most beautiful things in your neighbourhood, easily locate them on the online map and then meet the seller.

If you decide to purchase an item, you just have to set a time and place where to meet the seller, in order to pick up the item and make the payment in cash – no payment is made via the app. It’s also just as simple to sell your own objects: take a photo of the product you’re selling, choose a category and set a price!

What’s really good about this app is that it lets you sort the things you’re interested in either by location (if you want to shop locally) or by category, where it offers a generous amount of nine categories.

You can look up products or insert your own in Fashion and Accessories; Home and Garden; Electronics; Movies, Books and Music; Baby and Child; Sport, Leisure and Games; Services; Cars and Motor; and ‘Other’, making the search and filtering very simple and specific. The app also has a fun tumblr blog where you can read about topics such as vintage ceramics, young designers or home décor trends.

Shpock is available for download both for iOS and Android. It doesn’t charge any listing or transaction fees and if you do want some extra promotion for your item you’d pay something between 70 cents to 15 €.

Installs: 10,000,000 – 50,000,000
Compatibility: iOS and Android
Size: 69.3 MB
Languages: English, Croatian, French, German, Italian, Norwegian Bokmål, Serbian, Swedish

Wallapop: The Hyper-local App

Wallapop is a friendly, free app for trading in second-hand items in your neighbourhood. If you’re selling an item, take a couple of photos, add a short description and let the image make its job, decide on a price and be ready to negotiate and you’re good to go into the virtual flea market world!

Wallapop doesn’t charge any listings or transaction fees so you can fully enjoy the money made off your beautiful second-hand items. It’s highly appreciated for its intuitive function: the further down you scroll through the products list it means that the further that item is from your current location. So if you want to buy ‘hyper-locally’ as some have named the Wallapop trade style, check the items which are top in your list.

Installs: 10,000,000 – 50,000,000
Compatibility: iOS and Android
Size: 39.3 MB
Languages: English, Arabic, Basque, Catalan, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, Galician, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Norwegian Bokmål, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Traditional Chinese, Turkish, Ukrainian, Vietnames.

Letgo: An App Made to Declutter

Letgo is another cool app for trading in second-hand items. What’s really great about it is that you can be sure that your transaction is safe, as you need to have a verified account before buying or selling. Just as other apps, it’s easy to post your item by taking a few photos, writing a short description and setting a price and a category.

You can go back and check how many times your item has been viewed and adjust the price if you you’re getting a lot of exposure but not offers. It’s free and fast to use, with most listings being featured in 30 seconds after submission. With its varied categories it offers a lot of breadth for searching and for making sure your item is noticed quickly.

Check the sections cars and motors, electronics, fashion and accessories, babies and children, sports, movies, books and music, home and garden and you’ll be sure to find the item you need or find the right place where to place the one you’re selling.

Letgo emphasises that they don’t share your information with anyone so you can be sure it’s safe to use and respectful of private data submitted.

Installs: 10,000,000 – 50,000,000
Size: 46.9 MB
Languages: English, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Korean, Norwegian Bokmål, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, Vietnamese
Compatibility: iOS and Android

Depop: The Coolest App Around

Depop is ‘the new fun way to shop’, a stylish app geared towards vintage and art objects, with categories such as vintage and luxury fashion, art, illustration, books, records. If you are a seller you can easily set up an online shop in Depop and then promote it on social media to attract more buyers. Depop has a very cool blog to follow for news from the art and design scene, interviews with artists promoted via the app.

Depop also showcases upcoming and established artists selling their works via the app, creating a buzzing community of people with a strong interest in visual arts and beautiful objects. The app has received a lot of appreciation in the media, being described as ‘Part Instagram-style social network and part eBay marketplace’ (TechCrunch) and ‘the effortless cool’ (Evening Standard).

It creates a community around interesting items as you can ‘like’ an object even you don’t intend to buy it and showing appreciation for that one item can land someone on your page, in your online shop. You can also ‘follow’ celebrities and see what they are buying and selling.

The way Depop combines the attractive features of different social media channels is really the success recipe of this app and the reasons why it resonates so well with people who want to do more than just buy and sell good second-hand objects. Depop has a safe way to trade, as it’s covered by PayPal’s Buyer Protection. It’s free to list any item, but if you sell an item, Depop will charge you a 10% fee on the total transaction amount including shipping costs.

Depop has two types of payments a Classic one and a Wallet one: the first one has the usual 10% Depop commission and an extra 3.4% + £0.20 PayPal transaction fee, whereas the Wallet transaction has no PayPal fee but it’s currently available only to selected UK sellers and soon to be available to the entire app community.

Installs: 500,000 – 1,000,000
Size: 47.4 MB
Languages: English, Italian
Compatibility: iOS and Android

Stuffle: The ‘Curated Markets’ App

Stuffle is when your stuff is shuffled or something fun of this kind. If you want to buy and sell second-hand items online, but you also want to see innovative ‘curated markets’ for specific items, you must try this app.

Stuffle is unique among similar apps because it has two special categories, classic cars and equitation items, so for those with a passion for either of these two, Stuffle is the place to be. It is also the most lightweight app of all 5 iterations we have reviewed: requiring only 13.6 MB of available space to be installed, Stuffle won’t eat up your phone’s memory.

If you’re selling an item, you only need to take a few photos, write a short and snappy description and post it. If you’re a buyer you can choose to pay when you pick up your purchases or via PayPal which makes it safe and worry-free. The recently updated version of Stuffle allows you to find appartments from Salz&Brot and ImmobilienScout24, making other aspects like house search a bit more fun.

You can download Stuffle both on the iOS and Android systems and then you’re ready to thrift!

Installs: 100,000 – 500,000
Size: 13.6 MB
Languages: English, German
Compatibility: iOS and Android

How about you? Have you already used one of the apps listed in this review? How was your experience, and how does it compare to eBay or similar service? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comment section!

The post Flea Market In Your Pocket: 5 Best Apps for Second-Hand Trade In Europe appeared first on Flea Market Insiders.

Canton Flea Market: The Ultimate Treasure Trove

For 317 days a year, the tiny town of Canton in East Texas is a sleepy country crossroads, anchored by a stately limestone courthouse and historic square. But on four days a month, Canton turns with The First Monday Trade Days into an enormous flea market that features 28 miles of paths and aisles to wander. It is an post-apocalyptic world of garage sales or, in other words, a flea market just gone mad! If you put together every flea market you have ever visited  — Canton Flea Market is likely to still be bigger!

What has started more than a century ago as a small location to trade horses, livestock, dogs, tools and farm equipment has become home to some of the most exciting, cutting-edge home furnishings, antiques and collectibles that can be found anywhere.

Trying to catalog the immensity of oddities is simply impossible. As one stall owner puts it, “if you can’t find it in Canton, it ain’t been made yet.” Particularly coveted are the housewares, furniture and artisanal goods — but nothing compares to the actual Canton Flea Market experience. To visit Canton is to enter an old-world Americana marketplace, filled with friendly conversations, honest recommendations, word-of-mouth advertising and secret family recipes.

Canton Flea Market: Insider’s Delight

For each market event a special guide is printed and you would be well-advised to buy it; this flea market can daunt even the hardest shoppers. As a rule, new or infrequent vendors are usually in the unreserved rows of garage-sale booths. In the shady West Gate area open air booths feature vintage clothes, architectural salvage and retro housewares. More established antiques merchants typically have bigger stalls along pedestrian paths.

Contemporary items like clothes, jewelry and artworks can often be found in one of the 11 pavilions or breezy atriums and the dealers of the Civic center in the middle of the grounds offer fine silver, rare first editions, fine antiques and iconic vintage pieces.

Canton Flea Market is not all about antiques, though. The Atrium, a tempting food course on the market grounds, offers delicious roasted corn, sausage dogs, turkey legs and funnel cakes. And don’t forget to get your perfect pair of vintage cowboy boots since finding these is serious business here in Texas.

Canton Flea Market Trade Days are held Thursday through Sunday prior to the first Monday of the month, all year round. Get ready for the next bargain hunters’ adventure which will be held on Thursday, May 12, 2016 and Thursday, October 13th, 2016 from 8 am- 5 pm. There is a $5 parking fee per vehicle and we recommend to take cash, a (cowboy) hat and your sunnies with you!

Where: 800 Flea Market Rd, Canton, TX 75103
When: Thursday through Sunday before the first Monday of every month, from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm. Free admission.
Phone: +1 903-567-6556
Website: http://www.firstmondaycanton.com/

The post Canton Flea Market – First Monday Trade Days appeared first on Flea Market Insiders.

On a more serious note, the Polaroid 1000 is the iconic model released by the company in 1977, hence its design and colour scheme reflects the bright colours craze of that decade. The soft creamy plastic that makes up the Polaroid 1000’s body, together with the round, robust buttons, the lens on the front and the iconic rainbow stripe make it a truly memorable object.

Darren Davis © Polaroid 1000

The Polaroid 1000 comes in two versions: with a red or a green shutter button, which is quite a nice quirky detail, dividing Polaroid 1000 buyers into the red or green button camps. And if this may seem a tiny detail, you may be surprised to know that enthusiastic collectors still argue over which was more popular when the camera was released in the 1970s.

Unlike other models like the Polaroid 600 or Polaroid SX-70, the Polaroid 1000 is a non-foldable camera, known as the ‘box’ type, with clear, bold lines, which makes it daring and gives it the air of a machine for creating something quite spectacular.

Technical Features

The Polaroid 1000 has a fixed plastic lens of 103 mm, a range of shutter speeds from 1/4 to 1/200 making it accessible for different types of light conditions, it has a fixed aperture and focus, which, as with all other Polaroid cameras, makes taking photographs an easy, pleasurable pursuit. Although you don’t need to focus when you shoot, you do need to be about 1,5 m away from your subject, otherwise it will turn out blurry. Depending on what you’re aiming to achieve in your photo, this is actually a good trick to know in case you may want to create a blurred, abstract pattern of colours, for an interesting landscape or night scene.

Just like the Polaroid 600, the Polaroid 1000 has the ‘darken/lighten’ function, an exposure compensation dial located around the electric eye, which allows for minimum adjustments in very bright or dark conditions. The viewfinder has a good, rubbery eyepiece which makes it comfortable to use and also keeps the dust away.

Carolina Alves © Polaroid 1000

On the back side, the Polaroid 1000 has a useful frame counter which is always handy to check in case you’re out or traveling, to avoid running out of film supplies. On the back there is also a tripod mount. However you have to purchase the tripod accessory as it normally doesn’t come with the camera.

The flash bar, known as the Q-light, comes on top of the camera, it’s easy to mount and to detach, and it actually it fits well on any SX-70 non-folding cameras although it was made to visually go with the Polaroid 1000 body with its rainbow stripe.

As with the Polaroid 600, you don’t need to worry about taking a camera charger with you, because it works on the battery included in each film cartridge. This means that you need to pay attention to using new film when you try out the Polaroid 1000 so that you make sure the integrated batteries are not out of date.

Once you take the photo, don’t forget to put it away in a dark place (pocket, rucksack) so that it can develop and not be ruined by the sunlight.

philhearing © Polaroid 1000

The Polaroid 1000 works with PX70 and PX100 film that the Impossible Project has been producing since 2009 and which you can order online. You can load the camera with colour or black and white film, and the cartridges come with different frame colours.

This is a little treat for those who want to give the subject they are shooting with a special mood or strong contrast: bright colours work well with a black frame film cartridge, whereas the white or golden frame resonate better with dreamy subjects, but the choice is all yours and, as with any Polaroid cameras, chance or a spontaneous decision makes photographing more interesting.

Where to Buy the Polaroid 1000

You can buy the Polaroid 1000 in flea markets, via ebay or etsy if you use search terms such as ‘vintage, analogue cameras’ or ‘instant cameras’ or simply Polaroid 1000. It was released under different names for the US and the non-US markets, so you may sometimes find it as the Polaroid OneStep.

The Impossible Project constantly refurbishes and sells Polaroid 1000 cameras, so this is a more pricy but safe choice for finding a good, working camera. If you’re lucky, you might find it together with the original Polaroid leather bag, a simple black bag with a zipper, or with the sturdier leather case which takes the shape of the camera and is a bit smaller in size.

As with any second hand cameras, it may happen that you load good, new film and it still doesn’t work. This is a seldom reported fault with cameras bought off flea markets or online websites, so a good tip from Polaroid 1000 geeks is to try to remove the flash bar and then shoot.

Home Décor Ideas

The Polaroid 1000 is very attractive not just for collectors of vintage cameras but also for vintage enthusiasts who are looking for interesting objects for home décor.

If you want to go beyond just placing the camera on a mantelpiece or in the bookshelf, go for something less conventional and hang it on the wall by its neck strap, with a large enough frame around it, on its own or with a few others around.

Alli © polaroids collection

Overall, the Polaroid 1000 cannot miss from any serious vintage cameras collection. If you take it with you on your travels you’ll most surely start a conversation about photography sooner or later because it is a camera which wants to be seen and will not go unnoticed.

Whether used as a camera, as an accessory or a home décor element, it is the kind of object which you will keep for a long time.

The post Polaroid 1000 Camera Review appeared first on Flea Market Insiders.

From antiques and collectables to independent boutiques and well known fashion brands, at Greenwich Market you will find the perfect balance of vintage pieces and modern designs. With an excellent choice of continental street food vendors along with gastro pubs, cafes and wine bars there is plenty of delicacies to suit all tastes. Get carried away by the mouthwatering scents of global cuisine whilst enjoying the classical music performed in house by local students.

Show Times At Greenwich Market

Antiques and collectibles are the order of business at Greenwich Market on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Fridays are jam packed as the craft and design team join the fun, also displaying their pieces on a Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. At the weekend you will also find the artists quarter, where you can meet and chat with the local maestros whose works are being exhibitioned throughout the many galleries.

Antiques And Crafts at the Greenwich Market

The covered arcade at Greenwich Market means whatever the weather, there is sure to be a buzzing atmosphere for all to enjoy. There is a rich heritage of craft and design in the area, and the market is no different. A lot of the pieces are handmade locally and provide the perfect travel souvenir, a nice change from the ordinary kitschy tourist souvenirs offered at other markets. It’s relatively easy to find the perfect gift for a loved one and with the eclectic mix of new designers, it is not just the vintage fans that will go home happy. 

Antique days during the week are noticeably smaller than the busy weekends, however this doesn’t detract from the quality. 20th Century bespoke and restored pieces fill the hall and shipping is offered on any item that is too big to carry home. Vintage jewellery and ceramics are plentiful and there is a fantastic local book store offering rare and collectible pieces with extremely knowledgeable and helpful staff on hand.  

Food From Around The World

What Greenwich Market does best is offer a huge selection of tempting food options from around the world. Flea market aficionados will know, often finding a good place to eat after rummaging through endless stalls can sometimes be difficult. Not at Greenwich Market. This truly is a foodie’s fantasy. People from across the whole of London visit here on a weekend just for the food stalls.  

Whether you are looking for Sushi, Italian, Mexican, Korean, Ethiopian, Vegetarian, Vegan or  Traditional British fayre, Greenwich Market definitely has it covered. The aroma that greets you upon arrival will set your stomach rumbling so it is highly recommended to arrive hungry and grab a bite to eat before browsing the stalls. The vendors offer gourmet street food at extremely reasonable prices. The only drawback of this gourmet paradise is the lack of seating availability on site so the food needs to be consumed on the go. Nevertheless, this shall not dampen your mood as the food of the Gods doesn’t need a silver platter.

Greenwich Market: A Place With Creative Flair

Offering a unique mix of old vintage and new modern, the creativity and diversity around Greenwich Market helps it stand out as one of London’s most iconic and enjoyable places to visit. With such variety on offer, it is more than possible to restyle your home, your wardrobe and your children under the same roof. The independent fashion houses offer beautiful dresses, cutting edge tailoring and even a whole shop dedicated to items made from cork. There are jewellers old and new too, the exciting and talented designers in the market offer a new perspective on the classic vintage pieces. To keep the kids happy, Beadoir is a popular choice to find high quality jewels your little girl will admire.  

When looking to decorate your home, the fabrics and furniture available at Greenwich Market come handmade and beautifully designed to offer a character and warmth difficult to beat. For the art lovers among us, the galleries around the market hall offer an amazing choice of prints, sculptures and fine art as well as paintings and photography. After a long day around the dusty streets of London, there is no better way to relax than with the handmade and organic skincare and soaps that are readily available throughout the health and beauty salons.

Glorious Greenwich

If you are looking for quantity over quality, perhaps Greenwich Market isn’t the ideal place to visit.  Smaller than some of its contemporaries, it can be viewed comfortably in just a couple of hours. However, with such a rich history surrounding the site, it is the perfect time to visit some of the many interesting places Greenwich has to offer.  

Close by is the O2 arena, formerly the Millennium Dome, which plays host to multiple large scale concerts throughout the year, and from here you can take the Emirates Cable Car across the River Thames for breathtaking views of the city. Also near-by is the world famous Cutty-Sark, a record breaking tea clipper built in the 19th Century and an award winning tourist attraction.  

Behind Greenwich Market is the glorious Greenwich Park. On a warm summer’s day it offers the perfect spot to enjoy your food. With a boating lake and a children’s playground among the acres of grassland, the whole family and the dog has enough activities to keep them entertained for hours. At the top of the hill in Greenwich Park is the Greenwich Royal Observatory, home to the Prime Meridian, point 0° 0′ 0″ latitude, allowing you stand in both Eastern and Western hemispheres at the same time.

Locals and market traders alike will be happy to tell you that Greenwich Market has a unique multicultural and   creative vibe. It is home to a beautiful market with a wide selection of curiosities and modern twists and extremely popular for its handmade gifts, souvenirs and home ideas.With all this, there is no surprise the admiration of Greenwich Market ranks it as one of the finest attractions in London.

Where: 5b Greenwich Market, London SE10 9HZ, United Kingdom
When: Monday to Sunday, 10 am – 5.30 pm
Web: greenwichmarketlondon.com

The post Greenwich Market appeared first on Flea Market Insiders.

So, if you are in the market for a record player, what should you buy? A true vintage record player to go along with that vintage sound or one of the many modern players that are merely styled to look vintage? There are numerous factors that could influence your decision ranging from your budget down to how it will look in your front room (and trust me, they do impress the ladies –  and the gentlemen).

We offer you an in-depth guide to find the one record player out there, that has been made just for you.

Vintage Record Player: True Vintage or Vintage Style?

In most cases, a vintage record player will offer a better sound than a modern record player costing the same price. However, this does not by any means suggest that the older one is better. Many factors can influence the sound, with the needle being the most important one. If it is an old and dirty one, replace it immediately. Also the quality of the speakers should not be discounted. The record player itself could be in perfect order, however, attach it to some poor speakers and you may as well listen to Spotify – with the advertisement on.

Also connecting your system to separate amplifiers and speakers can change the quality considerably. The chain of sound is only as strong as its weakest link, so there is no point wasting £400 on the best looking vintage record player if you are going to plug it into £5 speakers found in the garage.

It used to be the case that vintage record players and modern record players offered a completely different style, so if you were to choose something based on looks, personal taste would make the choice easy.  However, due to the rise in popularity, modern players are being styled to look like old players, giving you affordable vintage looking record players with better electronics, better reliability and a built in digital radio.  The choice then comes down to your heart, what is most important is that you buy something for your needs, within your budget and that is for your enjoyment.  

Where To Buy a Vintage Record Player?

If you are looking for something new, then online stores such as Amazon are awash with options, and they all come with handy user reviews to make sure you select the right option.  It is definitely worth while looking around, there are hundreds of offers available and with a few clicks you are certain to find something cheaper.  High Street electrical stores will almost certainly stock a variety of players, which should also let you try them out before you buy, so you can check the quality of sound and the ease of use.

If it is a true vintage record player you are looking for, eBay and other such sites can be useful, however they have their pitfalls.  There is no guarantee for the condition it is in, and personal sellers can often charge excessive amounts for shipping.  A trip to a local flea market or antique shop can be very worthwhile, it gives you the chance to inspect the item before buying and also see it in the flesh, giving you a better idea on what it will look like at home.  

Best ‘New’ Vintage Record Players Under £100

It is impossible to guess what vintage record player will be on offer next time you visit a flea market, but if you are after that modern quality with a vintage look, here are some affordable record players that will fit into any home.

ION Max LP Conversion Turntable – £79 from Amazon

Auna Jerry Lee – £53 from HiFi Tower

Pyle Home PVNTT6UMR Vintage Style Phonograph/Turntable – £60 from Amazon

iTek I60011 Antique Record Player – £99 from very.co.uk

4 Tips On Buying A Vintage Record Player

You can definitely bag a bargain from a flea market or garage sale, but the main issue with vintage record players is how much it still functions like it did when new.  Therefore, it is imperative where possible to try out the equipment. Use some knowledge, if it is a £200 player on sale for £50, there is probably a good reason for this, when you get it home something will not work.  The key point here is not to buy junk.  Ask the vendor to plug the record player in, check that it works, put a record on and listen to what it sounds like.

If you are buying online, ask the seller for as much information and as many photographs as possible.  If he tells you the record player is in perfect working order, it can always be returned if not.

Check the quality of the needle, if it looks worn, research the type of needle needed to replace it.  Some needles can be cheap and easy to replace, others can cost in excess of £100.  There is no sense in buying a bargain vintage record player for £40 then spending three times that on maintenance.

Most importantly, when buying either a vintage record player or something new, buy something to fit your taste, it will become an ornament in your room and it is you that has to look at it every time you play a record.  Don’t give into peer pressure and shop around for the best price.

Cover image: Vintage Record Player © kait dowling

The post Vintage Record Player: Substance or Style? appeared first on Flea Market Insiders.

From the banks of the Garonne river to the Canal du Midi, passing by the Capitole square and the Cité de l’Espace, Toulouse is a city of contrasts. But it is near the Basilica Saint Sernin that truly beats the heart of the city. Especially for antiques and junk lovers.

If you like taking a walk in the morning inside in a giant bric-a-brac, to dig out old rare books, vintage cotton bed linen, old crockery, paintings, and other knick-knacks, then the Brocante Saint Sernin is the place to be. This flea market is one of the most typical and oldest flea markets in southwestern France, and one of the must visit Saturday morning flea markets in Toulouse.

Every Saturday morning of the year, from 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., as many as 70 professional exhibitors gather around the walls of the Basilica Saint Sernin, to sell a bit of everything, but mostly beautiful vintage items from the 30s to 80s, and intriguing antiques dating back to the last century. Vintage pieces of furniture, paintings, old books, posters from the 1950s, ornaments, old linen, wrought iron, trinkets and other rarities, are some of the treasures to pore over at the Brocante Saint Sernin or take back home.

Three things that characterize the Brocante Saint Sernin, is the quality of the exhibited goods, its spirit of conviviality and the relatively fair prices charged by its merchants (particularly when compared to Paris). Talking about prices, bargaining is a generally accepted practice.

It is therefore not surprising to hear that the Brocante Saint Sernin is a popular destination among booksellers and stallholders in Toulouse, antique shops owners in the region, and other flea market enthusiasts from abroad.

It is certainly a good thing not to be too agoraphobic since the crowd at the Brocante Saint Sernin can be a bit overwhelming some weekends. But all in all, a trip to the Saint Sernin flea market is its own reward. And as it is the case with all flea markets in southwestern France and Provence, one gets quickly enchanted by this singing and inviting accent, that is a permanent reminiscence of the conviviality and bon vivre Toulousain.

Last but not least, a trip to the Brocante Saint Sernin is also an opportunity to discover an important part of local heritage by visiting the eponymous Basilica. Constructed in the Romanesque style between about 1080 and 1120, the Basilica of Saint-Sernin is the largest remaining Romanesque building in Europe, if not the world.

The church is particularly noted for the quality and quantity of its Romanesque sculpture. In 1998 the Basilica of Saint-Sernin was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is today an important stop for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela, and a pilgrimage location in its own right.

Where: Marché à la Brocante Saint-Sernin – Place Saint-Sernin, 31000 Toulouse, France
When: Saturday 7 am to 1:30 pm – Sunday 6 am to 1:00 pm 

Update: In January 2017, the Marché à la Brocante Saint Sernin will be tentatively relocated on the Place Saint-Aubin, due to rehabilitation works around the basilica which are expected to last until the Summer 2019.

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However modern times showcase a diverse and culturally rich metropolis where you can enjoy exciting one-of-a-kind boutiques as well as a whole array of delicious world food.

Old Spitalfields Market is open seven-days-a-week with specialist market days and one off monthly events designed to keep its visitors entertained all year round. With its covered roof, not even the elements can dampen your spirits as you rummage around the eclectic mix of antique gems, vintage fashion and fine art dealers.

It doesn’t take long to immerse yourself in what Old Spitalfields Market has to offer, from vintage vinyls cut and made into wall mounted clocks, antique walking sticks or old fashioned shipping maps, to endless rows of quality sterling silver jewellery.  It is no wonder thousands of Londoners and tourists alike find the perfect gifts for all occasions at Old Spitalfields Market.

The scenery walking to Old Spitalfields Market from Liverpool Street Station displays the Olde English charm, narrow alleys steeped in history opening up into the modernized development, housing over 150 stalls, dozens of up market restaurants and street food vendors from across the globe.

As well as the market stalls, the building is home to a number of local businesses. Hairdressers and high end fashion boutiques adorn the outer walls. Local tailors can fit you with the perfect suit, a dedicated cheese shop boasts the best selection of cheese this side of Paris and also the original flagship store of All Saints overlooks the main entrance.

What’s On At Old Spitalfields Market?

Old Spitalfields Market is no longer just a Sunday destination, it has evolved into a tourist hot-spot offering a variety of themes and events through the weeks and the year. Each and every Thursday is Spitalfields Antique Market. Offering a breathtaking mix of vintage collectibles and antique treasures.

Fridays are specifically tailored for the clothes shoppers and art lovers with haberdashery from around the world and priceless designs of inspiring local talents. It is also the perfect day to walk around Old Spitalfields Market and inspect the wide range of public art which is displayed outside the market. And also vinyl lovers won’t be left wanting as the first Friday of each month sees a record fair come to the marketplace where dealers from across the city bring high quality and rare vinyl records to the center. Bargain hunters can quickly bolster their collections and the more serious collector can find the rare gem they were hunting for. Prices can generally stand a little high, especially when it comes to items that attract tourists but as it is (so often) the case – negotiation is key.

Saturdays at Spitalfields are themed throughout the year each week, from affordable vintage and fashion designers to the finest of Old Spitalfields Market traders. Beer festivals happen each season giving visitors the chance to taste some of the city’s newest Craft Beer inventions whilst browsing the stalls. There are also regular Swing Festivals, Tango evenings and a whole host of events aimed to celebrate the rich history and culture surrounding Old Spitalfields Market.

Sunday is the busiest day at Old Spitalfields Market and has something for the whole family on offer. From high quality leather goods and custom made clothing to antique toys and games, on this day you can be assured that stall owners have a wide range of items ready, that suit simply every taste. With entertainment for the whole generation, you can be certain that a good day out is enjoyed. And for all the Magpies out there – get ready to lose yourself in the dazzling array of affordable jewellery on offer.

Monday through to Wednesday are general market trader days that are made for strolling around for hours to admire the vintage clothing stalls and niche boutiques. The regular stalls of Old Spitalfields Market during weekdays are a great place to find something of excellent quality and the quieter surroundings let the specialist art dealers emerge from the shadows like the Ripper himself.

Eating in Old Spitalfields Market

Tease your taste buds and relax from browsing the stalls with the huge selection of traditional restaurants as well as high class exotic street food vendors inside the market hall. From London’s most famous fish and chips shop to modern French cuisine and Asian Fusion, this is a place for everyone to unleash their inner gourmet.

Bleecker Street offers one of London’s finest New York style burgers whilst Square Pie deliver truly classic English fayre with delicious pies and mash made in heaven. If you are more on the sweet tooth front, make sure not to miss the mouth watering selection of sumptuous cupcakes the Flavour Town Bakery has to offer.

The many award winning restaurants and cafes in Old Spitalfields Market are quickly becoming East London’s top spot for eating out and attract weekly thousands of foodies from around the globe. Wine bars and modern pub food offer a relaxing escape from the busy market floor, where family friendly eateries and delightful cafes offer a more peaceful environment than the sometimes very busy benches provided for the street food vendors.

Public Art at Old Spitalfields Market

Since 2005 the Spitalfields Estate has funded an art program bringing Old Spitalfields Market into the modern age. Works from artists of the Royal British Society of Sculptors as well as rare pieces of recent graduates from the top art schools in London are on display and well worth seeing.

Built in 1876, the market place itself is a work of art and the wit and inimitable charm of the place makes it to one of London’s most recommendable hangouts and a must visit destination for any tourist and London inhabitant alike.

Where: Horner Square, Spitalfields, London E1 6EW, UK
When: Sunday to Friday 10 am – 5 pm, Saturday 11 am – 5 pm
Website: http://www.oldspitalfieldsmarket.com/

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The startling array of items available at Portobello Road  certainly gives credence to the eponymous song from ‘Bedknobs and Broomsticks’ – “Portobello Road, Portobello Road, street where the riches of ages are stowed! Anything and everything a chap can unload, is sold off the barrow in Portobello Road. You’ll find what you want in the Portobello Road!”

When to visit Portobello Road

Portobello Road market is open seven days a week. But it is at the weekend when the streets come alive with an estimated 100,000 visitors! A sea of people greets you as soon as you exit the tube station and you can find the mile long strip of stalls, arcades and shops easily by getting just carried along by them. When you are visiting with a group of friends, it is recommended to arrange a fixed meeting point in case someone gets lost. You won’t be the first person to be distracted by the multitude of exciting offerings and definitely not the last.

Portobello road © Ivan Lian

Monday to Wednesday the market is open from 9am until 6pm. Casual market days bring the fresh fruit & veg stalls along with general household goods and a scattering of clothing stalls. A peaceful way to take in the location and browse the various coffee shops in a relaxed atmosphere. Thursday is the smallest day of the week at Portobello Road, opening from 9am until 1pm with the same stalls open as the previous days but closing earlier.

Friday and Saturday buzz with energy and you certainly get a picture of why Portobello Road is one of London’s most exciting and popular landmarks. This vintage bargain hunters dream opens its doors at 9am and attracts thousands of visitors who will leave the market by 7pm tired but perfectly happy. At the Southern end of Portobello Road the antique stalls are located where beautiful old relics and ornate vintage furniture have you dreaming of redecorating your home. In the middle of the market you can find the fresh fruit stalls, discounted new fashion and essential household goods, often with a retro twist. At the north end of Portobello Green there is a seemingly never ending mass of vintage clothing rails to fight through alongside trendy new clothing designers and the finest hand made jewellery.

Saturday’s at Portobello Road are the jewel in the crown for this vibrant and bustling market place. Compared to Friday’s market, a specialist antiques arcade is waiting for you as an added extra, where you are likely to discover a new treasure chest full of old coins and worldly charms. If you want time and – more importantly – space to look for something unique, it is recommended to come early. From 11:30 onwards the streets are getting filled and are soon ready to burst at the seams.

Portobello Road Market © Genial 23

Portobello Road offers a pleasant Sunday afternoon stroll. Most of the street stalls have gone and the arcade is closed. However, at Portobello Green there is a large vintage clothing market where you can find many of items that are available on Fridays and Saturdays with a much calmer surrounding. Most cafes, bars and restaurants are open all week, however, the market closes on all bank holidays throughout the year.

Portobello Road’s Famous Antiques

Antiques are the main attraction of Portobello Road, with a rich heritage dating back to the 1940’s. Each vendor is a specialist in a certain field and together they have hundreds of items on offer, that reflect their deep passion for timeless artifacts and memorabilia. You are certain to find the experts selling exquisite ceramics with traditional designs, dazzling jewellery from around the world and a mind boggling amount of gleaming gold and silverware.

Independent shops in the arcade deal in everything you can imagine, including African tribal art and jewellery, historical scientific instruments and dainty Asian porcelain. Arriving at Portobello Road with a clear idea of what you are looking for vanishes very quickly as the monstrous selection available will rapidly change your mind.

Old? New? Or Simply Just A Bargain?

Portobello Road is not just a tourist hot spot, it serves thousands of local residents with their household needs. Glance at the opportunity to buy a dozen socks, toiletries by the gallon and enough bleach to clean the Houses of Parliament. There are also fantastic bargains on last seasons makeup and fashion. We all know black eyeliner was ‘so last year’, and you can get it here for a fraction of its retail price.

The used clothing stalls don’t offer much in the way of classic vintage pieces but there is the chance to extend your wardrobe with some reasonably priced essentials to keep the cold weather out. For higher quality and more fashionable vintage it is better to visit the numerous shops along Portobello Road which hosts some of the best dealers in London and have enough beautiful fur coats, stylish seventies dresses and floral shirts to fill your luggage allowance five times over.

Portobello Road: Food And Drink

Fresh fruit and vegetables dominate a hundred meter stretch of Portobello Road and you can find your typical kitchen needs and exotic fruits from overflowing wheelbarrows and vintage crates never seen before. With prices starting at “£1 a box” it is the ideal place to stock up for creating your own unique smoothies.

If you are looking for a quick meal, there are plenty of street food vendors on hand allowing a casual break from the chaos going on all around. Crepes and Bratwurst stalls are an affordable and convenient way to replenish yourself for the second round of bargain hunting, whilst the many cake stands deliver the perfect reward for a long day’s work.

In and around Portobello Road there are dozens of high quality cafes and traditional London bars to eat and relax in, however, on a weekend they tend to get full very quickly so finding a seat isn’t always easy. For the ultimate Portobello Road drinking experience, take a tour of ‘The Ginstitute’, Portobello Road’s own gin maker where you even have the chance to distill your own special gin to take home.

Where: 65 Portobello Rd, London W11 2QB, UK
When: Monday – Wednesday: 9:00 – 18:00 | Thursday: 9:00 – 13:00 | Friday – Saturday: 09:00 – 19:00
Web: portobelloroad.co.uk/

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Originated in the 1960s, this quaint pedestrianized passage provides visitors with over 200 antique dealers trading in anything from Staffordshire Pottery to antique door handles. However, Camden Passage really excels with unique art deco and beautiful vintage jewellery of all kinds. Parisian accessories are here in abundance and provide the perfect accompaniment to the vintage fur hat that you can unearth here for just £10.

With four separate market areas that serve a different area of expertise, it is worthwhile taking your time to experience the mounds of sparkling trinkets, vintage clothing rarities and scarce first editions Camden Passage has to offer.

Camden Passage: Four Areas – What To Expect

Annie’s Antique and Vintage Market – Located behind the popular Camden Head Pub on the entrance to Camden Passage, Annie’s Antique and Vintage Market offers a wide selection of collectibles and interesting items, ranging from vintage buttons, retro playing cards to the most stunning jewellery in town.

Camden Passage Market – Located in the heart of the passage, offering an eclectic mix of vintage clothing alongside retro luggage, one off items and precious (!) bric-a-brac.

Charlton Place Market – Your one stop shop for rare antiques and collectibles that is open on every Wednesday and Saturday. Make sure to visit, even it’s just for home decor inspiration.

Pierrepont Arcade Market – The covered market area towards the far end of Camden Passage is open all week with a specialist book market on Thursday and Fridays and an excellent place to find antique gifts and designer costume jewellery.

In And Around Camden Passage

Official market days at Camden Passage are Wednesday and Saturday. However, if you happen to stumble into the area at any other time, many of the boutiques and stalls will still be open and are likely to offer you a great deal. The location of Camden Passage is key to its success, with numerous cafes, restaurants and bars located on the busy Upper Street and popular surrounding areas.  

A visitors favourite is the Austrian ‘Cafe Kipferl’, with its traditional coffee blends and homemade, mouthwatering apple pie. For everyone who has tried their ‘Schnitzel’, it is no surprise this Viennese delight is growing from strength to strength.

No trip to the Passage is complete without a visit to ‘Paul A Young Chocolatiers’. Specialising in developing new and original flavour combinations, this multi-award winning store offers the perfect romantic gift for someone who deserves it or something to take home and enjoy yourself (don’t blame us for becoming a chocoholic!).

The trendy restaurants and cafes offer visitors something a little different than what most markets in the city do. The specialist cheese shop with the cosy wine bar upstairs will fill your afternoon with a distinct European vibe, whereas a five star gourmet meal at Frederick’s Restaurant makes you see the world with the eyes of the a real gourmet. And don’t forget to visit the popular Fishmongers ‘Moxon’s’ and treat your whole family to a delicious fish supper at home.

Behind the market area a part of the London canal network invites you to enjoy the peaceful environment just yards away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Soak up the tranquil surroundings and relax at a beauty spot that is a true contrast of modern city living.

Independent Camden Passage

Like most antique markets, Camden Passage will serve up a whole host of fine China, silverware from the Victorian and Georgian era and rare artifacts of all ages and interests. What sets Camden Passage apart from the norm, is its wide range of truly independent shops which are scattered through the winding streets. With so many spaces to explore, it takes more than one visit to ensure you have discovered all the beauty it has to offer.

The Vintage Clothing shops are a favourite among the local trendsetters and offer a more unusual selection at more competitive prices than the likes to be found in Brick Lane & Co. Camden Passage is also a magical find for knitters and crocheters, with the Loop store rated as one of the finest in the world for unique pattern designs and the highest quality yarn. Worth a visit is also the shop, that specializes in selling hand crafted wooden boxes – a perfect gift for the person that has everything.

Camden Passage: Small But Memorable

Camden Passage may be small in comparison to its local rivals Camden Town Market and Portobello Road, which should by no means deter you from visiting. The niche shops and knowledgeable vendors add a unique vintage charm to this special market, that offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere all year round. On regular market days with the majority of stalls operating, the items sold tend to be of a higher quality and can often be grabbed up for a more than competitive price.

Presenting visitors with a more casual look of London, this historically important area grants a trip back in time. This is just being highlighted by the magnifique old-world items on show. World War Two memorabilia is in plentiful supply and it is even possible to discover rare coins from the Russian Revolution era.

Camden Passage: A Delightful Day Out

Camden Passage is a wonderful area to browse when you are not looking for anything in particular.  A short rummage through the stalls and you will certainly find a gem. Due to the nature of its setting, Camden Passage is frequented by all ages of people looking for a bargain or just generally enjoying a relaxing day out away from the chaos of the city.

Often described as “small and personal”, the beautiful jewellery and antique shops can dazzle and amaze. Even if you come and visit from abroad, you can definitely purchase the antique oak wardrobe that you can’t take your eyes off, as most dealers provide overseas shipping.

Camden Passage is definitely the place to be for a leisurely afternoon stroll and a promise of a grandiose find.

Where: Camden Passage, Islington, London N1 8EA. England, UK
When: Wednesday and Saturday: 09:00 – 18:00 (but most of the boutiques and stalls are open all week)
Web: camdenpassageislington.co.uk

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