Flea-Market: Retailing on the move
– Ritika Bramhe
“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.”
Flea markets are an inseparable part of the Goan culture. With its strategic location and weather, thousands of tourists flock to this hot destination year on year. The
thriving tourism has given birth to Flea markets which attracts thousands of tourists. 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 which are quite popular with the localities as well as local and foreign tourists.
Here’s how the concept of flea market started. 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 but not wanting to leave, 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 anything from clothes, guitars, jewellery, art music and more. This was the beginning of the now popular ‘flea’ market at Anjuna, and what started as “a Hippie-exchange” is now one of Anjuna’s most popular attractions. Situated on the sandy stretch overlooking the Arabian Sea, this vast and bustling Market, which transpires every Wednesday during the peak season (October-April), practically takes up the entire stretch of beach. The Market offers everything and anything under the sun. From antiques to apparels, there’s something that suits every pocket. And if your super specialty lies in bargaining, this place is just meant for you. Anjuna market also finds solace to people who are in search for artefacts and decors for their homes 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.
For those who have the perseverance and stamina to scavenge through a crowd for what they are looking for, this is just the right destination to look out for. A complete change from the typical organized retail wherein you know what the closet has in store for you! So the next time you plan a trip to Goa, don’t forget to bargain your cart at Anjuna mart!
