There's a new indoor flea market opening soon in Oak Creek
Local vendors can soon join The Artisans’ Collective, a new indoor market concept opening in Oak Creek on April 1.
Here's what we know so far about the business.
What is The Artisans' Collective?
Jerry Sidello, along with his wife Roanne, are starting this business venture in the Tower Square Shopping Center, 2151 E. Rawson Ave., as a way for local sellers to have more opportunities to offer their goods to the community.
Jerry Sidello said the issue with many similar spaces is vendors are forced to constantly pack and unpack their products. The Artisans’ Collective will be open every day except Monday and major holidays.
“The competition is only open three days; you can’t survive only on three days,” Sidello said. “This is to get rid of that.”
How much does it cost to rent a booth and what's included?
There are 20 empty 6-foot by 11-foot vendor spaces available.
Tuesday through Thursday rent is $20 per day, Friday is $35 or a three-day package of Friday, Saturday and Sunday is available for $100. A full week rental — Tuesday through Sunday — is available for $120. The monthly rate is $440, Sidello said, adding the rent covers "all expenses" including advertising.
“We want to provide a place for vendors to sell what they sell/make to the customer at a reasonable cost without paying a large overhead,” Sidello wrote in a brochure for The Artisans’ Collective. “The costs of rent, We (Energies), insurance, taxes and weekly advertising are all included in their booth rental.”
A limited number of 2-foot by 4-foot tables are also available for rental, if needed.
Consignment is a possibility in the future with a rate of $40 per week and a 40% commission, Sidello said.
Vendors selling handcrafted items, collectibles and Mary Kay vendors are welcome
Whether you sell handcrafted items, collectibles or you’re a classic Avon or Mary Kay vendor, for example, you’re welcome at The Artisans’ Collective. The only products not allowed are antiques and rummage.
Sidello is planning to take out advertising weekly in the Journal Sentinel’s Now sections as well as monthly in the Bargain Hunter publication. The ads will reach Bay View, St. Francis, Cudahy, South Milwaukee, Oak Creek, Franklin, Hales Corners, Greendale, Greenfield, West Milwaukee and West Allis so Sidello is specifically seeking vendors from these areas.
Sidello does expect vendors to advertise on social media, which can offer another discount on rent, and free sites such as Craigslist.
When will The Artisans' Collective be open?
Either or both of the Sidello’s will be on site during open hours which are planned to be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. It is a vendor’s responsibility to cover their materials on days they are not planning to be there; if anything is stolen it is their responsibility, Sidello said.
The owners will also operate their own booth selling diabetic socks, "miracle salt" and a few other gift items.
Wednesday will be “senior day” with a 10% discount for customers and a coupon day on Thursday for $5 off any $45 purchase. Vendors won't have to absorb those losses as the Sidello’s will reimburse sellers.
How to contact the owners
Interested vendors can contact the Sidello’s at 414-550-5242 or at 2023artisanscollective@gmail.com. Those who sign up before opening day will be allowed inside to set up March 29-31.
Contact Erik S. Hanley at erik.hanley@jrn.com. Like/follow his Facebook page, The Redheadliner, and follow him on Twitter @ES_Hanley.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Indoor flea market opening soon in Oak Creek shopping center
