Flohmarkt Berkersheim in Germany
Wolff's Flea Market in the United States
A flea market or swap meet is a type of bazaar where inexpensive or secondhand goods are sold or bartered.[1] It may be indoor or outdoor.[2] Many flea markets have food vendors,[3] and may be associated with carnivals or concerts.[4] Some have become infamous as outlets for bootleg movies and music[5][6] or knockoff brand clothing, accessories, or fragrances.[7][8]
The origins of the term are disputed,[9][10] but some have observed that buyers and sellers may be as active as fleas,[11] or that the original people and goods were infested.[12] According to Word and Phrase Origins, the term was derived from the "Vallie Market" of Manhattan.[13]
The original flea market may be the Marché aux puces ("market with fleas" in French) of Saint-Ouen, Seine-Saint-Denis, in the northern suburbs of Paris. It is a large, long-established outdoor bazaar, one of four in Paris. From the late 17th century, the makeshift open-air market in the town of Saint-Ouen began as temporary stalls and benches among the fields and market gardens where ragpickers exchanged their findings for a small sum.[14]
Some television shows focus on the appraisal of second hand goods often found at flea markets that are worth far more than the buyer paid. The most popular of these shows is Antiques Roadshow in the United Kingdom, which led to American, Canadian, Swedish and Dutch versions of the show.
See also
References
- ^ "Flea market". WordNet 3.0. Princeton University (2006). Retrieved on 2008-09-13.
- ^ Berman, Barry; Joel R. Evans (2000). "F Glossary". Retail Management: A Strategic Approach. Prentice-Hall, Inc.. Retrieved on 2008-09-13.
- ^ "How to Become a Flea Market Vendor". StyleCareer.com. Afton Institute, LLC (2008). Retrieved on 2008-09-13.
- ^ Panizzi, Tawnya (July 3, 2008). "Residents flock to festivals, flea markets, concerts", YourFoxChapel.com, The Tribune-Review Publishing Co. Retrieved on 13 September 2008.
- ^ Mitchell, Bob (2008). "Police bust nets $800K in pirated DVDs", TheStar.com, Toronto Star. Retrieved on 13 September 2008.
- ^ Roberts, Bob (December 17, 2005). "Swap-O-Rama Raid Spoils Christmas Shopping For Bootleg Recordings", WBBM Newsradio 780, CBS Radio. Retrieved on 13 September 2008.
- ^ Jonsson, Patrik (February 14, 2007). "Flood of knockoff merchandise triggers a wider crackdown across US", The Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved on 13 September 2008.
- ^ Coleman, Toby (Jan 28, 2007). "Flea market busted for fakes", The News & Observer. Retrieved on 13 September 2008.
- ^ Stokes, Jerry (2008). "Origin of the term flea market". Helium.com. Helium, Inc.. Retrieved on 2008-10-11.
- ^ Oliver, Margie and Richard (2006). "Origin Of The Term “Flea Market”". Antique Clock Guy. The Clock Guy Antique Brokerage. Retrieved on 2008-10-11.
- ^ "RL Glossary: F". RL Style Guide. Ralph Lauren (August 23, 2005). Retrieved on 2008-09-13.
- ^ "What is a Flea Market?". wiseGEEK. Conjecture Corporation (2008). Retrieved on 2008-09-13.
- ^ "Flea Markets in Arkansas". Arkansas Arts and Crafts. Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism (2006). Retrieved on 2008-10-11.
- ^ "Paris Flea Market Tips and Hints" (in English). ParisPerfect. Retrieved on 2008-09-13.
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