Just off the Orange Line stop at Sullivan Square, is The Yard, the venue for Select Markets’ latest thrift market. With over 80 different vendors, the market is a lovely way to start off the Halloween season. From food, live music, tooth gems and an amazing assortment of clothing from all different clothing periods. Some favorites spotted include vintage Coach bags, Carhartt sweatshirts, leather jackets of all different sizes and colors and some pretty fun vinyl records.
Taking place from 1 to 6 p.m. Oct. 4 and 5, the market was incredibly busy. Which is to be expected, with the rise of thrifting becoming increasingly popular through social media. Crowds of people indulged in the fair, strolling from stand to stand looking at the ranges of clothing. One way they call back to previous events are the banners hanging around, with signatures of previous attendees. The banner can also be signed during the event. There were lots of things to enjoy throughout the market, yet one thing remained clear. For the average person, or rather, student, with the increase of traction in thrift markets the prices have started to rise highly. Noah Cina, a Suffolk student and theatre major, shared his insight on that aspect.
“I really love some of the pieces I found at these stands, but I can’t afford to buy them. I can’t find myself justifying $60 for a jacket,” said Cina.
Now, this is not to discredit Select Markets or any of the vendors at the market. It is just an accurate representation about the reality of demand. For the average person, earning an average salary, some things just don’t make it in the budget anymore. But, that is not the focus of this.
The thing that takes away some of that negativity too, is that the market’s free entry, and attendees can snag some coupons to local vendors around town. Select Markets did an amazing job at putting the event together. The positives far outweigh the negatives, and it is wonderful to see the variety between all of Select Markets’ events.
It was interesting to see what each vendor sold, as they ranged from Y2k, 90s and 2010s. Old and new were able to show up and show out, letting new owners come and find their claims. What is most loveable is the community the market brings.
People from all different backgrounds are able to look through clothes and express who they are. The market may be a variety of clothes, records, shoes, accessories and tooth gems, but it is so much more than that. The owners of the stands sell pieces that hold so much value to the people that buy it. Sure, it may be for the looks, but then again, if they hadn’t sold they wouldn’t mean something to its holder.
Like finding a copy of Buckingham Nicks from 1973. The thrift market shows people that things that are lost, or old can have a new life. Serving as a reminder to everyone that no matter how broken, battered or old-fashioned someone may feel, there will be someone there to breathe new meaning into it. That’s why Select Markets is so successful as the rise of thrifting goes on. The arrangement of vendors know that thrift-goers will come to find beauty in it. So yes, maybe things are getting pricier, but for those who truly love it will be ready.
Select Market’s next event will take place Oct. 11. More information on their events is on their Instagram: @select.markets.
