After a three-year nomadic existence, the popular East Side Flea has found a permanent home.
Starting next week, more than 50 vendors will set up shop at the historic Ellis Building, near the Pacific Central Station on Main Street.
East Side Flea organizers had their work cut out for them before moving into the Ellis, which was built in 1907 and had been home to Main Street Sheet Metal for 80 years, including repairs to the leaking roof. Other renovations to the 8,700 square-foot space included ensuring the building was wheelchair-accessible, upgrading the washrooms and heating systems, a good scrub and a few coats of paint. And like most renovations, the project cost twice as much and took nearly twice as long as planned.
A community funded effort, led by the nearby Cobalt and Boxcar bars, budgeted for about $15,000, but even after shelling out more than double that amount, Jill Whitford, co-founder and operations manager, remains optimistic the market will be a financial success.
Whitford, a former vendor at a bazaar held at the Waldorf, created the successful “pop-up” markets after the hotel changed hands in 2013. But a permanent home was always her dream and it became a reality when she teamed up with East Side business owners Ezra Kish and Morgan Ellis, who had restored and renovated the Cobalt and Boxcar across the street.
The pair signed the Ellis Building’s $10,000 lease and now it’s full speed ahead for the market.
East Side Flea — not to be confused with the Vancouver Flea Market — began popping up in different neighbourhoods, starting at the WISE Hall near Commercial Drive, three years ago. The self-described “modern day flea market” has been held at the Biltmore Cabaret, UBC campus, Main Street Car Free days and other events. East Side Flea regularly attracts anywhere from 600 to 1,200 visitors, and Whitford is confident their new home will draw a wide demographic.
“We always wanted a permanent space and this building is central and large enough with tons of character,” says Whitford. “In addition to being the new home to East Side Flea, we plan on making this building an arts and culture hub hosting regular markets, artisan studios, community workshops and demos, food trucks, block parties and more.”
Although East Side Flea has more than 1,000 creative types on its roster, Whitford says they are always looking for vendors, with a focus on DIY collectibles and gift items.
The market will keep its focus on collectibles and vintage clothing, but you’ll also find more hand-crafted items, some of which will be created by “alternative artisans” on the premises: 18 artist studios are located on the top floor of the building, while the main floor, mezzanine and warehouse will be reserved for vendors whose wares will include everything from vinyl records and plants to locally-made body products and foraged items such as wild teas. And if you work up an appetite from shopping, food trucks — including Tacofino — will be just outside. Inside, Kahve & Chai will serve coffee, tea and their signature spicy chai.
Leigh Burrows at Remixd Vintage and a veteran vendor with the market believes the new space will become an alternative shopping hub for Vancouverites.
“I think having a permanent location will bring a broader range of customers than we saw at the WISE Hall,” says Burrows. “I am so grateful to East Side Flea because it transformed my hobby into a living.”
The grand opening takes place April 15, 16 and 17. After that, the market will open one weekend per month for the next eight months.
“During that time we’ll ask the community what they want,” says Whitford. “And we want to allow time for the flea to build a reputation.”
The East Side Flea is located at 1024 Main St., wedged between the Ivanhoe Pub and Campagnolo Restaurant. Admission is $3. For more information and upcoming events, visit eastsideflea.com.
