Clinton Hill Flea Coming To Fulton Street This Fall

We noticed a banner posted at 892 Fulton Street (between Washington and Waverly Avenues) last week for the Clinton Hill Flea–a forthcoming market that, as it turns out, has been founded by neighbor and Grady’s Collective Market (formerly at 923 Fulton) collaborator Suzette Lavalle. We checked in with Suzette about what inspired her to start the market, as well as what’s to come at the newest addition to our flourishing local flea market scene.

Suzette, who was born in Park Slope and raised on Long Island, moved to Manhattan after high school to begin her career in fashion. Since then, she has worked as a buyer and merchandiser for multiple NYC boutiques, and has served as a stylist for Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and Interview Magazine, as well as clients like Rosario Dawson, Mark Wahlberg, and Kirsten Dunst.

“After living in Manhattan for over 15 years, I was apartment searching,” she says. “A close friend of mine was bartending at the Dean Street Café on Underhill Avenue and asked me to come for a visit. When I surfaced from the subway, I immediately knew this is where I wanted to live.”

That was nearly eight years ago.

“I loved it then and I love it now,” Suzette says. “Much has changed, but I love the diverse dynamics of the people, and how close it is to Manhattan… I love being close to Prospect Park and the Botanical Gardens. I travel to Long Island often, and the LIRR is just 10 minutes away as well.”

Suzette launched her website five years ago and began participating in flea markets and street festivals about four years back. She participated at Park Slope’s PS 321 market until the Brooklyn Flea took over. Her year at Grady’s, once located across the street from where the Clinton Hill Flea will be held, also helped equip her with market-running chops.

“Creating my own market was bound to happen just out of convenience, and my knowledge of markets and how diverse the vendors and artisans can be,” Suzette says. “The Clinton Hill Flea will be launching a market that will showcase mostly local vendors and businesses as a venue for exposure.”

Local businesses participating in the market will include Biegel’s Bakery and Heartland Brewery–hence the flea’s slogan, “It’s all about the bread, the brew, and the community.” The market will also feature free trade and hand-crafted items, Suzette’s men’s, women’s, and kids’ clothing and accessories, and more.

Suzette says she’s considering bringing live music to the flea, and is encouraging other food and drink vendors to join as well (see how here). She says she’s looking forward to the flea’s character growing and niche coming to light as the market evolves.

The Clinton Hill Flea is scheduled to open the weekend of September 27-28, and will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-6pm.