New flea market opens in Conway

Tara Petty grew up in Conway, attended Conway high school, her daughter’s a freshman there and now Petty can say her city has an indoor flea market, something she’s been looking forward to.  “A lot of the businesses are closing, the Goody’s store in Conway is closed now, it’s just the economy and people just can’t afford to really spend a lot of money on things so this is great to get this almost new and who’s to say where it came from as long as you’re getting a bargain.“

And bargains are just what flea market manager Tim DeBardelaben says people will find at the new indoor flea market.  The flea market is in the Bay Village Shopping Center, at the site of the old Wal-Mart.  DeBardelaben says this past weekend was the first weekend the flea market was open and more than 400 people came through the doors.  DeBardelaben says the goal is to bring family entertainment and a shopping experience to Conway.  “I’ve been in flea markets before down in Myrtle Beach and we’ve always know that a lot of people have to come all the way from Conway and Aynor and places like that, so we wanted to come out here where they didn’t have to go to Myrtle Beach or they didn’t have to go to Florence to have something to do on a Saturday and Sunday afternoon.“

City manager Bill Graham says the city council voted in August to allow the indoor flea market and says city leaders are glad the store front is no longer vacant.

DeBardelaben says he hopes to expand beyond the store and fill the parking lot with carnivals, car clubs, and other outdoor activities.  Inside the flea market, DeBardelaben says you’ll find affordable merchandise and specialty and thrift items that are new, used, reconditioned.  But there are some restrictions on certain items.  For example, DeBardelaben says the city does not allow him to have live animals, like goldfish.  And he says anything people want to sell will have to get his approval before it goes on display.  “There are certain things that will hit a hot button, if you say I’m bringing in DVD’s, well I’m going to have to look at the DVD’s, see if they’re the proper kind, not bootleg or counterfeit.“ 

Petty says she’s finally glad there’s a place she can go to find bargains that’s close to home.  And she says after spending less than $20 on three pairs of shoes, bracelets, and a shirt, she’ll definitely come back.

DeBardelaben says he want people to come not just for the bargains, but also because it’s something to do and they can have more than just a shopping experience, he wants them to have a fun afternoon.