Flea market

A flea market (or swap meet) is a type of street market that provides space for vendors to sell previously owned (second-hand) goods.^[1][2] This type of market is often seasonal. However, in recent years there has been the development of 'formal' and 'casual' markets^[3] which divides a fixed-style market (formal) with long-term leases and a seasonal-style market with short-term leases. Consistently, there tends to be an emphasis on sustainable consumption^{[citation needed]} whereby items such as used goods, collectibles, antiques and vintage clothing can be purchased, in an effort to combat climate change^{[citation needed]} and fast fashion.^[1][4]

Flea market vending is distinguished from street vending in that the market alone, and not any other public attraction, brings in buyers. There are a variety of vendors: some part-time who consider their work at flea markets a hobby due to their possession of an alternative job; full-time vendors who dedicate all their time to their stalls and collection of merchandise and rely solely on the profits made at the market.^[3] Vendors require skill in following retro and vintage trends, as well as selecting merchandise which connects with the culture and identity of their customers.^[4]

In the United States, the National Association of Flea Markets was established in 1998, which provides various resources for sellers, suppliers and buyers and also provides a means for suppliers and sellers to communicate and form affiliations.^[1]