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Avery Pacheco

 

Flea market highlights importance of small businesses

 

Hundreds of people headed to Pulaski County this past weekend for the 51st Annual Pulaski County Flea Market. Over 100 vendors brought vintage antiques, crafts, food, and local art to the New River Valley Fairgrounds in Dublin, VA. The event showcases the importance small businesses play in supporting the local community.

 

“It allows me to find more unique pieces I might not be able to find in other places or stores, and it allows me to support my neighbors when I come here,” said Donna Brunson, an attendee of the market for the past five years. Flea markets are especially important in smaller communities like the New River Valley, both due to their accessibility for attendees as well as for vendors and small businesses.

 

“I personally enjoy being a part of the market because I think it allows for our customers to get to know us a bit more and helps us build a better relationship with the community as well as potentially gain new customers,” said local vendor and small business owner Ed Thomas. Thomas emphasizes the impact the Pulaski County flea market has had on his business connections with customers and their relationship with the local community.

 

In a more digitally focused age, it can be challenging for vendors to connect with their customers face-to-face. Flea market attendee Carol Tracy gave her unique perspective, “I think the past several years with so many changes with technology and the Internet, I’ve tried to shop online for things I purchase here. It really removes the experience of it all. You get to spend the day looking at the different items available, and you see and talk with your neighbors. For me, the flea market is much more of an experience than any other errand.”

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TAGS

small business           New River Valley        flea market        shop small             Pulaski County      

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