A FLEA market in Penarth could be about to extend its stay after a sudden increase in trade.

When the Penarth Times first reported on the new hybrid indoor market on the site of the former Kitchener and Thomas shop on Windsor Road, business was tentative to say the least, with vast spaces in the extensive shop floor.

Organiser Jacquie was initially unsure how the new venture would go, which looks to try fill vast shops like Kitchener which single occupiers can no longer afford to run on their own.

However, on a Sunny day at the beginning of May, Jacquie was far more enthusiastic, with the shop filling up with more stalls, and a lot more footfall coming through the door.

Penarth Times:

A new flea market in Penarth is taking off

Penarth Times:

Everything from clothes to jewellery to accessories and vintage ornaments can be found there 

The latest stalls include Secret Cupboard, run by Louise, which sells vintage jewellery and clothes.

Louise said when she saw an opportunity to set up, she jumped at the chance.

“We saw the site on Penarth Times and I used to do this in Brighton so we jumped at the chance,” said Louise.

Penarth Times:

The flea market is taking up space in the former Kitchener and Thomas shop on Windsor Road

Penarth Times:

You could bag yourself a real gem at the flea market

Louise said ideas like the flea market at Old Kitchener are a great way to help businesses get off the ground no matter how small, and offer shoppers in the town a new place to browse.

This is especially poignant with Windsor Road high street being hit by a host of shop closures, including M&M and the ill-fated Shaws Drapers.

“Penarth needs somewhere else for people to browse around and something second hand eclectic is what people want to see,” said Louise.

Penarth Times:

The shop floor is filling up nicely

Penarth Times:

And there's Debra the Zebra

Eclectic is certainly a way to describe some of the products on offer in the flea market, including stylish clothes, vintage signs, healing crystals and a giant zebra called Debra – and yes! Debra is for sale, at a cool £800.

Debra is located at the back of the store in Andrew Taylor’s pop-up shop.

Mr Taylor says the flea market gives the town a bit of a buzz.

“There’s been plenty of people coming in,” said Mr Taylor. “People like to come to Penarth for the day and look around.”

Penarth Times:

Andrew Taylor said things had been busy

It’s a sentiment agreed with by Louise who said it’s the “Penarthian” way to support local.

“A lot of people are starting to get the idea that we are here,” said Louise.

“It is a Penarthian thing to support local and if people do that we will thrive.”

The flea market is open through the day, extending to Mondays now, meaning it’s open throughout the week.

And there’s still space for trading, with two spaces available either for a couple of days, or a full month. For more details contact blayzefashions@gmail.com.