CLEVELAND, Ohio The Cleveland Flea started two years ago with 40 businesses participating. On April 11, when the Flea starts its outdoor season, about 160 businesses will be selling. And Flea organizers say there’s a long wait list to join the party. I posed the following three questions to a handful of Flea vendors:
How has participating in the Flea changed your business?
The seller: All Things For canada goose outlet uk You also has a store at uk canada goose outlet 2020 Schaaf Road in Cleveland. Owners Dwight Kaczmarek canada goose outlet online uk and Tim Yanko say, «Participating in the Cleveland Flea has changed our business in so many ways. It has given us the marketing tool for putting our All Things For You name with our faces. The Flea has brought business to our store in the Old Brooklyn South Hills area.»
«The best part of the Flea is the personal relationships we’ve made with our customers, and not to forget the special camaraderie with other vendors.»
«Our hope for the future of the Flea has actually been happening each year. It’s bigger, better, and has become an amazing event for the city of Cleveland. The future Canada Goose online for the buy canada goose jacket cheap Flea has no limits.»
What they sell: Eclectic vintage and contemporary women’s fashion, accessories, and small home accents.
The seller: Articles Consignment, Etc. also has a store at 25076 Center Ridge Road in Westlake. Owner Erin Carlson says, «Last year was our very first year as shop owners and flea vendors. The Cleveland Flea markets have given us invaluable exposure and opportunities to supplement sales.
«The best part for us, really, is the interaction with the shoppers. We adore watching people’s excitement when they find a special treasure at our booth. The inventory is an extension of our own admiration. To see others appreciate the same things is incredibly fulfilling.
«Our biggest hope for the Flea is that it remains true to itself. That it continues to shed light on deserving small business owners, artisans, and curators while maintaining the high standard of quality its shoppers have come to expect. We hope it continues to support underutilized areas of Cleveland, giving people a chance to break away from the typical venues and experience a unique event in an equally unique setting.»
What they sell: Durable hand cut and constructed backpacks, tote bags and messenger bags made from new and repurposed materials.
The seller: Michael Hudecek of Forest City Portage says, «I’ve depended on people finding me online, in the handful of retail locations that carry my products or through word of mouth. Having an opportunity to be out once a month, talking to people, showing them what I do, and how unique the bags and packs I make are has been great.
«I love the way that the Flea has activated so many spaces in an exciting way. Tyler Village is such an amazing place with a great urban vibe. Bringing tens of thousands of people to parts of town that aren’t usually on the ‘must see’ lists helps remind us of our amazing history and hopefully will help to expand development efforts beyond the Central Business District, Ohio City, Detroit Shoreway and Tremont.
«I hope that the Flea continue to move around and highlight some more gems.. I feel like everyone needs to know the hard work that has been happening for 40 years and continues all around, focusing on building strong neighborhoods and communities, not just bars and restaurants for use on the weekend. The Flea is helping to build a retail arm in the city that has the potential to start a new wave buy canada goose jacket of neighborhood revitalization around the arts canada goose outlet store and small business development.»
What they sell: Hand crafted leather bags and accessories
The seller: Fount is the creation of Phillip and Jackie Wachter. He said, «Our company could not have started without the amazing response that we experienced from the support of the folks who come out to attend each Flea, as well as the support of the hard working Cleveland Flea Team themselves. Being a canada goose coats on sale company that does not have a storefront, attending the Flea every month, was critical to the success of us growing our brand and gaining exposure.»
«Our favorite part about the Flea is how inspiring it is. Stephanie Sheldon and her team have curated such an incredible lineup of vendors and products at each month’s event. It is exciting to see what new up and coming businesses are coming out of Cleveland. Also, we love the energy that all of the people bustling and having a good time at the event creates. The music, the laughter, the smell of delicious food from all of the food trucks uk canada goose canada goose outlet it brings on such a pleasant feeling of nostalgia.
«It would be pretty amazing if the Flea had a permanent space: perhaps an old bank, or theater. canada goose jacket outlet There are so many beautiful buildings in Cleveland that could be perfect for this. Also, our hope is that the Flea continues to grow and canada goose outlet grow, which we are sure it will!»
What they sell: canada goose uk black friday Beautiful, hand crafted ceramics.
The seller: Ceramic artist Gina DeSantis says, «The flea has introduced my work to a whole new clientele. canada goose outlet jackets I have customers who now look for me on a monthly basis. I also teach and about 75 percent of my students meet me at the Flea. It also allows me to keep making fresh work.
«Like many vendors the Flea has been part of the reason I was able to quit my day job. There were many factors that went into becoming a full time artist but I definitely consider the Flea an integral piece to helping canada goose outlet nyc sustain my business.
«What is great about the canada goose outlet Flea is that it is not only art based. There are a wide variety of handmade and vintage vendors. The work presented is well curated and represents what I consider to be some of the best artisans in the Cleveland area. It’s not easy doing what we do. It’s nice to have a community there to support you in your endeavors.
«Surprisingly I meet new flea shoppers every month. I want to continue to meet new people and encourage shoppers to continue buying handmade. I think buying handmade and locally sourced items should be a continued movement Canada Goose Coats On Sale not just a passing trend. »
What they sell: Beautifully crafted jewelry using natural materials like twigs, pinecones and pokeberries canada goose outlet uk sale cast in solid metal like sterling silver and yellow brass.
The seller: Liza Michelle Rifkin of Liza Michelle Jewelry says, «The flea has helped make ‘shopping local’ popular to a canada goose outlet parka wider demographic. I’ve gained many amazing canada goose outlet black friday new customers and opportunities because of the exposure the flea has afforded me. Plus all the incredible friends and fellow vendors I’ve met.
«The best part is the feeling of community. Each month we don’t just set up a market, it’s a bustling little village. As vendors we get to hang out and see one another after squirreling away making new product all month, and it gives us a https://www.estrategias.de chance to interact with our customers one on one.
«I hope the Flea, along with all the other amazing markets, boutiques and individuals championing local and handmade in NEO, continues to support and boost this maker economy. It feels great to buy canada goose outlet toronto factory goods and services from local small businesses, and opportunities like the flea allow us to bring them to you.».