Vendors and small businesses from all over The Bronx gathered at the new Fordham Flea Market to display their wares during its grand opening on Sunday, July 27, as shoppers showed up to support local enterprise.

 

As it was a hot day, sellers congregated under tents and music was heard in the background, keeping the day moving along amid a convivial and relaxed atmosphere. Local handicrafts, arts and crafts, gifts, accessories, and self-care products were among the items on sale at the market.

 

According to the market’s organizers, the goal is primarily to support those local businesses which are minority-owned, immigrant-owned, women-owned and LGBTQIA-owned by providing a safe venue for them to express themselves.

Lani Falove is the owner of “A Flare of Home,” a Bronx-based, Black-owned small business that specializes in providing music-themed home goods which aim to create a particular mood in any setting. She said all her products are made by hand in The Bronx, and her candles help create a great atmosphere in the home.

 

Meanwhile, Marco Shalma, founder of Bronx Night Market and president of MASC Hospitality Group, the organization responsible for launching Fordham Flea Market, said, “The team and I want to support the dozens of new business owners, aka home-entrepreneurs, created out of necessity during the pandemic, and apply our reach, experience, and connection to the community in bringing more commerce, marketing, and engagement opportunities to these vendors, all the while showcasing the level of professionalism The Bronx has come to expect of us.”

 

The long-running and highly popular Bronx Night Market is noted for its theme which celebrates culture and cuisine, spotlights the city’s distinctive offerings, and promotes innovative food concepts, all while encouraging visitors from across New York to visit the borough.

 

On July 11, the market will hold its next event, and from July 18, it will be open every Sunday. Vendors and small businesses can apply online to participate, and the market also organizes seasonal pop-up events in collaboration with NYBG, SummerStage, NY Road Runners, and CUNY.