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Indie Flea returns to St. Pete for first time since the pandemic began

The craft and gifts market is taking a new COVID-19 approach it’s calling the Indie Flea General Store to limit the number of people gathering.
 
Hundreds of people attend the Indie Flea Market on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019 in St. Petersburg. The new Indie Flea will be inside a large warehouse where workers will keep shopping groups small and spaced apart.  [LUIS SANTANA   |   Times]
Hundreds of people attend the Indie Flea Market on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019 in St. Petersburg. The new Indie Flea will be inside a large warehouse where workers will keep shopping groups small and spaced apart. [LUIS SANTANA | Times] [ LUIS SANTANA | TIMES | Tampa Bay Times ]
Published Dec. 2, 2020|Updated Dec. 3, 2020

ST. PETERSBURG — One of Tampa Bay’s most beloved markets is returning this weekend after shutting down for the pandemic.

But the new Indie Flea will be different than the crowded outdoor market its fans are used to. The vendors themselves won’t be at their booths. Indie Flea owner, Rosey Williams, is launching a new setup that is more traditional retail store than pop-up market as way to limit the number of people inside the Grand Central warehouse that will host this weekend’s shopping event.

“With the COVID-19 surge, I did not feel comfortable hosting any type of mass gathering even if it was outside,” Williams said.

She calls the new concept the Indie Flea General Store and it will run inside the Coastal Creative space at 2201 1st Ave S. Vendors’ merchandise will be priced and on display at booths, but just a few Indie Flea workers will be there to process the sales rather than dozens of vendors. Williams said she chose the warehouse space because it is large and well ventilated. Masks also will be required.

Shoppers can book private shopping appointments and the number of shoppers allowed inside at any one time will be limited.

“I’m really trying to create a model that is a little more conducive to what is going on, with way less points of contact,” Williams said.

Typically, Indie Flea takes over Curtis Hixon Park or the block near Greenbench Brewing downtown, with each vendor handling their own sales. That adds up to a lot of people even before shoppers arrive. Williams hopes the new model will help keep the risk of COVID-19 transmission low.

Related: Ten outdoor holiday markets and art shows to shop this weekend in Tampa Bay

Many of Indie Flea’s usual vendors have been taking a break from in-person sales because they’re cautious about the pandemic.

Jamie O’Berry, who runs O’Berry’s Succulents, pivoted her entire business during the pandemic. She started hand crafting miniature ceramic pots for little plants for a line she calls Baby O’Berry’s. Her most popular mini pots are made to look like a customer’s dog or cat. The bonus of the tiny creations: They’re easy to ship. It’s transformed her entire online business in a way that wouldn’t have happened with the full-size plants she sells in-person.

But with so much time away from the market scene, O’Berry’s regular inventory has built up and she’s eager to pack her booth with full-grown cacti this weekend.

For newcomer Kimberly Smith, getting a set-up at Indie Flea has been a goal for the last couple years. Smith, the owner of Wilder Provisions, started selling her handmade wooden cutting boards and ornaments in 2018. But the mother of five’s business mostly halted when the pandemic began. Not only were markets called off, but she had a houseful of children learning at home.

“I was planning to do a lot more markets in 2020, but I don’t think anyone’s plans in 2020 went as expected,” she said.

The sellers admit they’ll miss being able to talk to shoppers, but appreciate the measures Williams is taking to keep the event safe.

Shoppers can go to Indie Flea’s website to sign up for their own 30-minute shopping slot. The market begins on Friday with shopping slots starting at 7 p.m. The slots continue Saturday and Sunday morning. From noon to 4 p.m. over the weekend, the shop will have general admission where appointments are not needed. Shoppers who arrive at that time may have to wait in line to shop, depending on crowd size inside.

“I’m looking forward to it,” said local artist and seller April Seelbach. “The market is coming back, even if I can’t be there. I’m so glad.”

Because, really, what is St. Pete without Indie Flea?