The Beach Flea Market at LBCC: Where Local Vendors Can Find a Homebase

“Flea Market drawing attention for local brands and vendors”

By Cris Guzman

It has become a new destination for local vendors and creators to come up and showcase their talents at Long Beach City College. Thanks to The Beach Flea Market, many Long Beach and Los Angeles residents have been coming out to show their support for starting brands and vendors with specific collections. This flea market is a collaboration with Collective Market, Manic Pixie Dream Market, and The Beach Flea. The market originally started from Pacific Coast Swap Meet, but rebranded to The Beach Flea Market 3 years ago to expand the brand identity. 

“Its been a good come up since we rebranded 3 years ago”, said Roxy, an organizer at the Info booth. “We encourage local students, as we offer a vendor discount for LBCC and Cal State college students.”

Although the location of the market is at the South Campus of  Long Beach Community College, the organization is not affiliated with the student body association. The Beach Flea Market only utilizes their parking lot for vendor space. There have been student run vendors, but they are mostly independent brands selling their products or brand identity. The Flea Market runs every other Sunday. 

Local Vendors

Good Riddance Clothing Co.

This clothing brand is a student owned brand that represents creative identities of the wording “Good Riddance”. Gustavo Villagomez is a founder and owner of Good Riddance. He established the brand earlier this year in hopes to make a variety of collections to continue developing his brand identity. Gustavo hopes his brand gives customers a feeling of a new, exciting experience. He hopes that his shoppers always feel like they're discovering something new. Gustavo is a newcomer for The Beach Flea Market, but already feels welcomed by the community, as he was setting up.

“The organizer made it easy to set up this morning at 8 am” Gustavo stated. “ When setting up they made it seemliness to check in and already feel like they welcomed me with open arms”.

Before leaving his booth, he also teased his new collection coming out around the New Year Eve celebration. The design is a poker inspired beanie with each four symbols of the playing cards laid out near the text of  “Good Riddance”. Gustavo also sells hoodies and T-shirts that are a representation of  the “Good Riddance” identity.

The Puppy Bakery

This vendor is an eCommerce store for pet treats, such as cupcakes, cookies and other baked goods. Miguel Bolfen is the store owner and baker for all the treats he sells. He developed various types of dog recipes for all pet preferences. If your pet is a picky eater, he has protein options for them, or if your pet wants to try something new he has a new fall feature of pumpkin flavored treats. Miguel has been coming out every other Sunday showcasing his treats to local pet owners and lovers. He had his banner up with his social links, and was ready to answer all my questions on what type of treat will be best for my dog.

He left a comment for all future visitors,  “Come by with your pets for a free sample”

Miguel hopes his customers feel welcomed and confident with the quality of ingredients they are using for their treats. For him the flea market serves a place for networking opportunities and a location to generate sales by doing what he loves.   

How Can New Vendors Join? 

To apply to be a part of The Beach Flea Market is a simple process. Brands and vendors can fill out the necessary information via the interest forms linked on their social media pages. The requirements include the list of the brand name, product type, short description, photos of the product, and any social links. The organizers strongly encourage small vendors to apply, as they are constantly evolving into a bigger identity. For vendors who are thinking about being part of this market, it is a great opportunity for your team to be represented and recognized and provides the opportunity to grow your brand. With the support from The Beach Flea Market, the Long Beach community continues to strengthen the local commerce and support for small businesses. 

Source list

Roxy and Alexis - The Beach Flea Market-INFO@LBCFLEA.COM 

Tony - Collective Markets - Instagram@collectivemarket 

Miguel Bolden - The Puppy Bakery-Miguelbolden2017@gmail.com

Gustavo Villagomez - Good Riddance - gustavo.maya1229@gmail.com