LABEL Issue III
Flea-Market: Retailing on the move
“A flea market is a type of bazaar that rents
space to people who want to sell
or barter merchandise. These markets house
used goods, low quality items and high quality
items at low prices.”
For many, travelling across the globe is in
desire to reach the top of the Eiffel, have the
rarest of the rare delicacy at Pattaya or ski the
Rockies. But there are yet another species of
human race who travels across the globe to
just shop. And Flea markets are an integral
part of such people.
Flea markets are a
culture’s
best
bibelots-many of
which
can
be
bought for just a
few rupees. Who
needs an ordinary
souvenir when one
can buy an antique
jewelerry for a few
hundred of rupees.
History of flea
market dates back to the timeswhen rag and
bone people scavaged through the garbage of
Parisat night to find valuables that could be
exchanged or sold in the market. Flea market
in india is not a new concept and can be hailed
back to the times when a lot of nomadic
foreigners travelled to Goa mesmerized by
it’s laid back lifestyle, pristine beaches etc. A
beach town situated in North of Goa, Anjuna
became a perfect hide-out place for 'hippies'
who arrived in the 60's from the West. Devoid
of cash, they found a novel way to survive in
this town. These travellers started selling and
bartering all that they had. Thus, the culture of
flea market was nurtured where one could find
any and everything ranging from clothes,
guitars, jewellery, art music and more. This
was the beginning of the now popular 'flea'
market at Anjuna. What started as a “Hippieexchange", is now one of Anjuna's most
popular attractions. Flea markets are an
inseparable part of the Goan culture now. With
its strategic location and pleasing weather,
thousands of tourists flock to this hot
destination year on year. Furthermore, the
thriving tourism ensures that these Flea
markets survive all through the year. The
Anjuna Wednesday, Ingo’s Saturday Night
Market, The Friday Bazaar at Mapusa, Arpora
Saturday
night
market are among
the popular flea
markets in town.
Situated on the
sandy
stretch
overlooking
the
Arabian Sea, this
vast and bustling
Anjuna
market,
which
transpires
every Wednesday
during the peak season (October-April),
practically takes up the entire stretch of the
beach. From antiques to apparels, there’s
something that suits every pocket. If heckling
is one of your traits, this place is meant just for
you. Anjuna market treasure chest for people
who are in search for artefacts and decors at
dirt cheap rates. Over the years, the
international seasonal residents of Goa have
also opened kiosks here to sell imported
fashion as well as their own unique designs
that are largely produced in Goa.
Find solace in chaos here! It’s a complete
change from the typical organized retail So the
next time you plan a trip to Goa, don’t forget
to fill your cart at Anjuna mart!
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