Trader Jack's Vendors Serve Up Bargains

If you’ve lived in the area for more than a few months, then you probably know about Trader Jack's Flea Market.

What you may not know is that Trader Jack's is home to dozens of local businesses, each one offering quality items and excellent customer service at bargain prices each week. They offer diverse goods from fine Italian foods to antique furniture to jewelry to vintage collectibles.

Trader Jack's, , is open year-round on the weekends. Of course, the onset of warm weather brings out the crowds. A core group of vendors are at Trader Jack's on a regular basis. They are professional stores, not simply amateurs wanting to make extra cash. Always come hoping you're going to find something you love, and leave knowing you found a bargain. But bring cash because most vendors do not accept checks or credit/debit cards. 

"Freddie's Italian Meats" is owned and operated by Fred Marra and available inside the building. He's been a Trader Jack's Vendor for over 10 years and has built a steady clientele, greeting his customers with a huge smile and a friendly hello.  He offers premium, imported Italian food products at below grocery store prices. Customers swapped comparisons of how much more the same items cost in the local grocery stores. All of his items are purchased direct from the wholesaler. Every Sunday, he brings in fresh baked Italian bread and rolls. But get them fast, because they are usually sold out before 11 a.m.

Another regular vendor is "Roxy's Jewelry,” which has been at Trader Jack's for three years. Roxy usually works out of store in a Washington County mall, but uses Trader Jack's as a means to clear out her excessive stock from her storefront. She offers jewelry repair, watch battery replacement and lots of gold, silver and gemstone jewelry for below wholesale cost. Much of her stock is 60% or more below retail prices. She can be found on two lots by the small office building.

Trader Jack's also has a bounty of produce vendors. Prices are competitive and it's common for them to be shouting out their deals. They are usually very busy, so a little patience can get you the bargain that will make you happy. "Jim the Fruit Guy" is well known and can be found with his two sons waiting on customers or sometimes singing merrily. Their fast-paced booth may leave new visitors overwhelmed. Their product knowledge is deep and their attention to quality well worth the trip.

"Country Lane" is operated by Frank and Becky Logar and has been one of the long-term vendors who have become a fixture. They offer homemade  soy candles, wax tarts, lotions, goat milk soaps, pet products and oils. All items are made with premium ingredients. They carry a wide range of tea tree products, which have been acclaimed to helping skin conditions. With dozens of scents to choose from, stop by to find your favorites. They can be found in the main building in space G6.

Rows and rows of vendors with houseware and collectibles are both inside and outside. You truly never know what you're going to find whether it be leather works, discount jewelry, crafters, coin collectors, Asian import goods, designer sunglasses or books. Each week you can find something new.

The hours of operation are 6 a.m. to 3p.m., but remember that the early bird catches the worm.