Vendors back to work as former Eastland open-air market reopens in new location

CHARLOTTE — The former Central Flea Market is officially back in Charlotte as it reopened on Saturday, just in time for the holiday season.

After the open-air market near the Eastland Mall closed 10 months ago, dozens of vendors were forced to leave the property on Feb. 11.

The new market is located on Galleria Boulevard.

Charlotte City Council members have been working with organizers during that time to find a new location. Both sides are optimistic about the return.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Former Eastland open-air market to reopen in new location Saturday

Tariq Bokhari, a city councilman, said getting vendors back to work was a top priority.

“Our first priority above all else was finding a place where these vendors who have been out of work, many of which support their families through the flea market, could get back to work quickly,” Bokhari said.

One vendor said they prefer the new location.

“It’s definitely better — l feel like it’s a little bigger got to see some old faces, some new ones as well, so it’s definitely good to be back with everybody else,” vendor Rual Covarruvias said.

The market will operate every Saturday and Sunday, opening at 9 a.m.

(WATCH BELOW: City of Charlotte breaks ground for new development on old Eastland Mall site)