It's been close to four years since the Grandview Flea Market in Derry was shut down as part of a lawsuit by Coach for vendors selling counterfeit items with its brand name, but several major flea markets are still alive and well in southern New Hampshire.
The markets
Shoppers and perusers looking for a sweet deal or a rare collectible enjoy rummaging through the discarded or done-with at New Hampshire's various indoor and hybrid indoor/outdoor flea markets. What many may dismiss as junk may in fact be a treasure to the right person. While online reselling sites like Amazon and eBay have, in many ways, solved the problems inherent with connecting obscure product with connoisseur buyer, the personal experience of haggling with vendors or exploring through piles of old toys, movies, music and books is missing. And, of course, you don't need to pay for shipping at a flea market.
Lisa Robert of Hudson likes to visit the Londonderry Flea Market often for jewelry and things she might need around the house.
“I just like to walk around and get some exercise and try to... find good deals,” Robert said. “I go to see different people, what they have to offer.”
Jack Hussey of Boston is a professional DJ who is always on the lookout for music.
“I buy CDs, and I buy DVDs, and I buy Mickey Mouse stuff,” Hussey said while shopping.
Hussey likes to collect Disney memorabilia and vintage collectibles.
“I found four or five CDs, and I’m thinking of going after the doll that's right there. It's old Mickey,” Hussey said.
Many flea markets offer more than just old clothes, furniture or appliances. They also often offer pawn loans, concession stands, antique car displays and live music. And most places allow dogs.
Kevin Linehan of Atkinson is a vendor at the Londonderry market. He likes Londonderry over other markets because it's outdoors.
“I buy storage units and I put the expensive things on eBay and sell the rest through here,” Linehan said. “I had a lot of extra stuff [from] buying those units. It's worth something. I don't want to trash it.”
This is Linehan's first year selling at the flea market.
“[Organizers] are very good. It's convenient because I can leave my stuff here. And then I can come any time during the week. I don't have to come at a specific time, so [that] makes it easy,” Linehan said.
As seen in the August 13, 2015 issue of the Hippo.
