In the face of C2C e-commerce, it’s no small feat for Jamie’s Flea Market to hit the 50-year mark.
will commemorate its 50-year milestone on Saturday, June 22, 2024. The market has been open every Wednesday and Saturday since it opened its doors. State-mandated Covid closures and the blizzard on Christmas Eve 2022 were the only exceptions.
“The key to our success is based on tradition, hard work and integrity,” stated Karen Mock, one of the four Mock sisters who own the market. “We create a family-friendly environment. This appeals to shoppers and vendors alike.” According to Lorna Ingersoll, granddaughter of the founders, “Customers come for the variety and deals.” Ingersoll has been general manager under the Mocks for the past 28 years.
Robin Swoboda, former news anchor and talk show host will emcee the anniversary celebration. Jerry Popiel, a local singer and songwriter, will be playing classic folk-rock from 12-2pm. A flag flown over the United States Capitol in recognition of Jamie’s Flea Market‘s 50th anniversary will be presented.
Hundreds of dollars in Jamie’s Gift Certificates and prizes will be given away at the anniversary event. Activities and contests for children and adults alike are planned throughout the day: prize wheel, treasure chest, balloon art, face painting, hula hoop and donut-eating contests.
True to its motto, “Great Finds and Family Fun,” the June 22nd celebration will have something to please bargain hunters and their families all day long. Outside daily vendors looking for a crowd won’t be disappointed. Thousands of shoppers are expected. Ingersoll recommends getting there early: “It’s not uncommon to find the outside spaces filled up on a summer morning by 6am.” All outside daily vendors need to arrive before the market opens at 8am. Outside spaces are as low as $17.
The owners and management strive to ensure that the market is warm and welcoming to all. For some it’s a treasure hunt. One shopper found a note on an envelope penned by President Abraham Lincoln. Vendors come because Jamie’s is an established flea market that draws hundreds of thousands of shoppers each year from all age groups and demographics.
Jamie’s many faithful vendors and customers are essential to its success. Vendors come to sell and stay because of the strong sense of community and friendships they make with their customers and other vendors. Mock said, “We added up all the years our vendors have been at Jamie’s. It totals over 900 years!” Ingersoll added, “Two of our vendors have been at Jamie’s for more than 40 years. They watched me grow up.”
About Jamie’s Flea Market
Jamie’s Flea Market is the largest traditional flea market in Northern Ohio. The market is open year-round on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8am to 4pm. Established in 1960 by William and Martha Jamie as an auction house, Jamie’s became a full-time flea market in 1974. Jamie’s is a family-owned and operated business. In 1974 William and Martha Jamie turned their 1960s auction house into a flea market. Today, Jamie’s is owned by the four Mock sisters who inherited the market in 2008 from their parents. Lorna Ingersoll, the general manager, is the Jamie’s granddaughter. Ralph and Lolita Mock purchased the market in 1983 from Lorna’s parents, Janice and Stan Ingersoll.
Over 250,000 people shop at Jamie’s each year. There are 250 booths in two buildings and an eclectic mix of vendors on a week-to-week contract. There is space outside for up to 400 daily vendors. Outdoor spaces can be reserved for vendors who commit to setting up from May through September.
Shoppers can find everything and anything. People come to Jamie’s for bargains and to find vintage and handcrafted items for the home and garden. Vendors sell a wide selection of items: toys and games, musical instruments, new and vintage clothing and sporting goods, as well as jewelry, crystals, and collectibles such as rare coins and baseball cards. There is a range of concessions for breakfast or lunch options as well as prepared food and produce to take home.
Admission and parking are free (tour buses should call ahead). Jamie’s is handicap accessible and has a no pet policy. Trained service animals are welcome.
