This is how a flea market in Mexico City looks like

[Drain]

I would find it hard to decide if I want get the old toys for my collection or older Topps Mexican Non Sports Cards to finish a few of the sets I am working on; (POTA,SMDM,CA,SM-TM,SW).

[kryptosmaster]

That's what flea markets USED TO be like. When I first lived in AZ in the late 70's we went to the flea markets at the greyhound race tracks and they were great. Would take hours to walk through and the bargains...OH MY! When I moved back here in '98 one of the first things I did was go to the flea market. I had dreamt about returning there for many, many years. What a MAJOR disappointment! Everything was made in China (importers just selling dollar store crap) and very little "garage sale" type sellers.
I guess ebay and the internet just blew the bottom out of the traditional flea market seller?
The closest thing I have found recently is the Antique World in Clarence, NY (near where I'm originally from, Buffalo) but unfortunately the "good stuff" is only there on Sundays when the weekend sellers bring their wares and set up a stand for the day and if it rains...which it did both Sundays I was there!!....forget it. Nobody shows up and you have to deal with the indoor sellers with practically everything behind glass and priced accordingly.
I miss the good ol' flea markets like those pics.
Pick me up on your way cjefferys and we'll meet Bryan & Hector (gotta have a translator, LOL) and get some goodies. I've never been to Mexico...well not near the border. Been to Cozumel and Playa del Carmen.
Rich

[Meule]

Pretty much what flea markets over here look like, without all those Megos of course. I wonder how many Lili Ledys were burried under that pile

[Hector]

I've never been to Mexico...well not near the border. Been to Cozumel and Playa del Carmen.
Rich

Playa del Carmen is awesome...I love that place...much more relaxed and less commercial than Cancun.

Avoid border towns at all costs, especially Juarez...by FAR...the deadliest place in all of Mexico.

[rche]

... especially Juarez...by FAR...the deadliest place in all of Mexico.

Oh, do I have memories of Juarez. I spent a weekend in jail there in the 80s that would make any hollywood teen coming of age story quake in its boots.

Mex City is a whole universe away tho and not a border city. I have good memories of visiting as a kid. Of course any vendors then would have been hawking NEW Lili Ledys.

Give me a call when you plan the road trip, fellas.

rche

[vulcan2074]

Playa del Carmen is awesome...I love that place...much more relaxed and less commercial than Cancun.

Avoid border towns at all costs, especially Juarez...by FAR...the deadliest place in all of Mexico.

Agreed! When I was young and dumb me and my Friends would hit the Bars in Juarez regularly. I lost a Cousin and some friends in that Town. Theres nothing but Trouble there.
Sammy

[samurainoir]

I was in Mexico City a year ago! Wish I knew about this flea market.

I did find some really delightful Mexican Superhero figures that are sold in street stands. I am particularly fond of the ones that are shaped like Eggs with arms and legs, as well as the figures of Homer Simpson as various superheroes like Superman and Spiderman.

[mextoys]

Seriously guys, wish it was possible to organize a trip to Mexico City, I would help to prepare everything here, transport, hotel, talk with the different sellers that I know, plan the visits (not only to the flea markets but to other places that could interest you), etc., be sure that there is a lot of things to do.
By the way, maybe some of you have heard that it is a dangerous city, but like in all the big cities the important thing is to know where to go and where not, don't worry, nobody would be in risk!
Toys2cool: There are some crazy sellers that want to win a lot of money, but there many people with very accessible prices.

[toys2cool]

Seriously guys, wish it was possible to organize a trip to Mexico City, I would help to prepare everything here, transport, hotel, talk with the different sellers that I know, plan the visits (not only to the flea markets but to other places that could interest you), etc., be sure that there is a lot of things to do.
By the way, maybe some of you have heard that it is a dangerous city, but like in all the big cities the important thing is to know where to go and where not, don't worry, nobody would be in risk!
Toys2cool: There are some crazy sellers that want to win a lot of money, but there many people with very accessible prices.

cool thanx for the info

[steelcouch]

Mexico City really needs a guide to show you the right places. Pretty much almost like going to L.A. for the first time. Can be very dangerous if you dont know where to avoid. Love the ledy shots. Being mexican myself I would be afraid to travel into mexico city by myself. You can find alot of cool stuff. Went to a tianga in Jalpa, Zacatecas and found a ledy supergirl there. Almost made the trip but for me its the food that I miss. Nothing like authentic mexican food.

[jwyblejr]

Maybe we should bring Anthony Bourdain along. Travel Channel aired one of his shows from there last month.

[Remco Monster]

Very cool, thanks for sharing! I am dying to rummage through all those figures.

[wayne foundation 07]

That's what flea markets USED TO be like. When I first lived in AZ in the late 70's we went to the flea markets at the greyhound race tracks and they were great. Would take hours to walk through and the bargains...OH MY! When I moved back here in '98 one of the first things I did was go to the flea market. I had dreamt about returning there for many, many years. What a MAJOR disappointment! Everything was made in China (importers just selling dollar store crap) and very little "garage sale" type sellers.

Rich

Funny thing,we were just at the swapmeet at the GreyHound track in Oct.It was big but all new stuff.I like how they had tarps overhead to keep the sun off you.We went on a Sat.got there around 7:30,boy were they slow to set up.

[kryptosmaster]

Funny thing,we were just at the swapmeet at the GreyHound track in Oct.It was big but all new stuff.I like how they had tarps overhead to keep the sun off you.We went on a Sat.got there around 7:30,boy were they slow to set up.

And you didn't come see me?
Yes, I remember being surprised at the improvements to the Phoenix site. We used to go almost every weekend (in the early 80's) and there were few, if any, tarped areas back then. It does make it more comfortable. The sellers with the "good stuff" are relegated to the uncovered areas way in the back and those are the types of things I go to a flea market to look at. Not these ones that order a boatload of crap from China to sell.
The one in Apache Junction was improved as well but on it's last legs when I got here. I'd venture a guess of maybe 30 sellers when I went. It closed up soon after I moved here and they built a WalMart Supercenter (which moved from a smaller store down the street). There is a newer totally covered "flea market" right around the corner from me and it's almost entirely the Chinese crap, too. I've heard some refer to it as "ChinaTown", LOL.
As for the slow to set up; that wasn't the case when I was a kid. There were people there before it even got light out and you had to go early anyhow because you wanted to be on your way home by noon because of the heat (not as bad in winter) but by 2:00 most are closing up anyway.
Rich

[jwyblejr]

That's what LACON use to look like , jwyblejr back in the day. Lord knows I bought a ton of toys from there over the years. use ot go every weekend until college.

Mountain Top going towards Gadsen use to look like that too. Haven't been over there since they had the fire that wiped out the middle of the flea market.