Flea Time! A Conversation with the Founder of the Brooklyn Flea

By Lexi Green
January 21, 2011

When the Brooklyn Flea opened in 2008, it changed the face of flea-ing forever. What was once a favorite pastime of dedicated collectors and yes, a few high fashion types (glossy magazine editors and boldface celebs have been making appearances at New York's Chelsea Flea market for years), became a must-do weekend activity, bringing hordes of previously Brooklyn-resistant Manhattanites across the Bridge, and inspiring copycats, both locally and around the country.

The formula has been right-on since day one. The day it opened, The Flea, as it is often called, pulled in over 20,000 visitors to its outdoor market at Bishop Loughlin High School in Fort Greene. Since then, much like Manhattan’s Empire State Building or The Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Flea market, with its quirky accessories, fashionable finds, and mouth-watering treats, has become a major attraction, enticing tourists and intrigued New Yorkers alike. “Technically, the Flea is an international destination,” said Eric Demby (left), the Flea’s co-founder and curator. “People all over the world hear about the Flea and want to come visit. It freaks me out and is also incredibly gratifying. We’ve become an ambassador of Brooklyn.” In fact, among celebrity visitors including Anne Hathaway, Tyra Banks, and even Jerry Seinfeld, Vogue’s famed editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, recently visited the Brooklyn Flea’s indoor holiday market.

While the Brooklyn Flea market draws visitors for a wide variety of goods and crafts, it is perhaps the gourmet food selection that has really made headlines. Eric Demby says that although his instinct is to say he loves all of his flea market vendors, he holds a special place in his heart for the food vendors. Some of the Brooklyn Flea’s delicacies include salted caramel chocolates, home-made cannoli and ricotta cheese, hot dogs with Asian toppings and artisanal pickles.

The Brooklyn Flea

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Photo Credit: all images courtesy of Eric Demby and The Brooklyn Flea

Brands have been made at the flea market—both for food vendors, who have been subsequently featured in Martha Stewart Living or other popular media—and for craft, clothing, and jewelry designers, who the Brooklyn flea market has helped not only obtain national recognition, but also a wider market to sell their goods. Eric Demby told us that he and his co-founder, Jonathan Butler (also founder of the real-estate and renovation blog Brownstoner), initially set out to create a place where independent Brooklyn companies could find their footing and a sense of community. “It’s incredibly gratifying,” he said of the community he has created. “I think that is what kept people coming: the vendors and the people behind the businesses. Visitors have come to feel like they had a role in helping these businesses, who are also their friends and neighbors, grow.”

Regarding his own favorite Brooklyn Flea market purchases, Eric Demby told us, “You know, it’s funny, I had a kid a year and a half ago and now I am trying to get all the clutter out of my life. But, some of my favorite items include a money clip that I got from Bon Bon Ouiseau and a really nice floor lamp that has done wonders for our living room.”

For details on the Brooklyn Flea's location, hours and expansion into Williamsburg, click here. Until then, check out a selection inspired by Brooklyn Flea favorites below.

Vintage Lisner Set Faux Pearl Brooch Earrings

(buy it now price, $24.99)

Vintage Costume Jewelry: Vintage jewelry is big business at the Flea, as it is on eBay.

Vintage Costume Jewelry: Vintage jewelry is big business at the Flea, as it is on eBay.

French Industrial Antique Shop Metal Letter

(buy it now price, $100)

Industrial Letter: Demby says that some of the most popular items at the Flea are industrial lettering and type face.

Industrial Letters: Eric Demby says that some of the most popular items at the Flea are industrial lettering and type face.

Industrial Modern Woven Steel Desk Letter Box Trays

(buy it now price, $74.95)

Vintage Industrial: In fact, anything that fits into the "vintage industrial" category has been a huge seller at the Flea.

Vintage Industrial: In fact, anything that fits into the "vintage industrial" category has been a huge seller at the Brooklyn Flea market.

Vintage Cotton Club Wood Crate

(buy it now price, $32.49)

Vintage Wood Crate: I’ve picked up a few of these vintage wood crates at the Flea to store my household knick-knacks. They look great on old bookshelves.

Vintage Wood Crates: I’ve picked up a few of these vintage wood crates at the Flea market to store my household knick-knacks. They look great on old bookshelves.

VTG 90s Wool Striped Sweater Jumper Rugby Prep

(buy it now price, $32)

Vintage Prep: The Flea has a fantastic amount of vintage clothing vendors who sell preppy goods, like this pre-owned sweater.

Vintage Prep: The Flea has a fantastic amount of vintage clothing vendors who sell preppy goods, like this pre-owned sweater.

Mashad Persian Oriental Area Rug

(buy it now price, $547.40)

Oriental Rug: One day, I will get my hands on one of the fabulous Oriental rugs, like this one, that are sold at the Flea.

Oriental Rugs: One day, I will get my hands on one of the fabulous Oriental rugs, like this one, that are sold at the Flea.

Antique Medical Print Anatomy Skull Bourgery 1831

(buy it now price, $439.90)

Medical Print: Not for the squeamish, anatomical prints, a hipster favorite, can be found a-plenty at the Flea.

Medical Prints: Not for the squeamish, anatomical prints, a hipster favorite, can be found a-plenty at the Flea.

Vintage Sterling Silver Apollo Monogram Money Clip

(buy it now price, $199)

Money Clip: Demby says that one of his favorite purchases has been a money clip. I love this monogrammed one.