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Tuesday, May 21, 2013
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Canton Flea Market expands again

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CANTON — The Canton Flea Market has expanded a second time since it opened in January in University Shopping Center, filling the needs of both shoppers and vendors.

“I wish I had a building the size of Texas,” Manager Frank E. Monnett said. “I have 52 vendors and 64 booths. I have 50 on a waiting list. It’s been insane.”

Vendor Andrew C. Wood, Canton, said he first came to the flea market as a shopper and recognized it as a gold mine for getting rid of excess household items.

“I came in on the second wave and I knew it was right,” he said. “You can have yard sales, but you can’t sell for much. By doing it this way, it really makes a difference.”

Shoppers are looking for bargains in a central location, he said.

“There’s not a lot of businesses expanding in Northern New York,” Mr. Wood said. “I think this has made a significant impact in the Canton area. It’s pumped in money.”

Kasey M. Maroney, Canton, a regular shopper, said she expected the flea market would succeed.

“I’m not surprised, because Canton needs something like this,” she said. “They have everything. Every time I come in, there’s always new stuff.”

Barbara E. Remington, Parishville, stopped in when she saw the flea market sign. “We’re looking for bargains,” she said. “I can’t believe how big it is.”

Vendor Susette M. Kelly, owner of Grandma’s Kids on Canton-Pyrites Road, has three booths filled with merchandise from her store and one with household items.

“It’s taken off much more than where we’re at,” she said. “People are finding out a few minutes is not enough time to go through it.”

Mr. Monnett attributed the success of the market to ample parking and a location in the University Shopping Center on Route 11, where shoppers can buy groceries, hardware and liquor, do their laundry and eat a meal. “It’s almost one-stop shopping,” he said.

Mr. Monnett changed the entrance of the flea market to go through Fashion Kraze, the clothing store he manages, to increase foot traffic near that store’s merchandise. He rejected the idea that the flea market soon will take over the entire building.

“I’m not expanding the flea market any more for now,” he said.

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