Swap-O-Rama Flea Markets — Attraction in Lake Township

Update Covid 2020. Very few vendors selling. City of Chicago now requires a general business license for sellers. I don't know if this applies to the Alsip location.

Update 10/10/2020 Swap-O-Rama Alsip Location I saw quite a few vendors from the ashland location here at Alsip. I'm sure more ashland vendors will come to this location.

Weekends are busy so go early 8am. There is an entrance on wolcott and 43rd. This entrance is only open on the weekends. If you want to avoid the traffic on ashland head to the flea market east on 43rd from western ave. If you see lots sellers at the far west entrance inside the flea market that means they will open that entrance around 9am and close It around 1 or 2pm. Park your car along the fence or opposite side by backing in so it's easy drive out and leave. It's best to exit the way you came in. Just walk east to the next entrance. Make sure you park correctly within the lines. A private Tow company will tow you for a minor reason. Taking 2 spaces, blocking, not an assigned space. They don't mess around. Don't leave valuables in your car. There are people who walk the parking lot placing flyers on the windshield but they are scoping out vehicles. They let each other know which cars to break into. Put any valuables in the trunk. The flea market west of the building has better deals from my experience. The flea market closest to the main building has more new merchandise. It does sell used items such as tools,appliances,paint, tires,bikes. These are regular sellers and they have been in the same space for years. Inside the main building they have sellers too. You can find computer repair, prescription glasses,tile,video game,pet supplies and small birds for sale. You will find some higher end western style clothes such as hats and boots.Most storage and household cleanouts are found on the other side of the flea market. Stuff is priced to move and you will have to dig. Lots of dealers show up early so you snooze you lose. If you are lucky some sellers will just leave stuff behind. It's free for picking.Just don't make a mess. It's usually put in boxes for the trash pickup. I'm not ashamed to admit It but I have found lots of stuff in the trash at this flea market. Found a ton of old rotary phones and boxes of vintage sanitary pads. There is a huge market for these items and I sold them all. Go around 2 to 3pm and you'll get your $1 sales or less. Bring a shopping cart and some hand sanitizer. Don't worry if a seller doesn't speak English. Money is a universal language. No drinks or food is allowed. They sell water and drinks inside but skip the food. Use the restroom before you arrive.The restrooms and porta potties are disgusting. You have...

You can find a bunch of things in this place, even things you thought you didn't need. Dont buy Brand name stuff here bc most likely almost 90% of the time its FAKE! You can buy fresh vegetables and fruits fromlocally grown ranchs. You can find very nice leggings, and for the guys some people sale tools for a good price but you need to be smart to find the good stuff. Bargain, Bargain, Bargain with those who sale second hand tools, decore and stuff like that. If you go all the way to the back sometimes there are people selling really good stuff for a $1 arounf 3-5pm. DO NOT BUY FOOD FROM THIS PLACE!!! ITS DIRTY, ive seen many rats by the food and well just by the smell they use very cheap oil, but its your choice :) DEfinitely check it out, also the entrance is $2 for adults and kids over 12 years old. There is a discount for the elderly. Gettign parking close to the entrance is a little challenging specially if you go in very pretty days. Also, around this market there are people selling snacks and...

I'll start like this... I rather spend my hard earning money in buying everday house hold items here at the "Remate" with people that are trying their best on selling items at a lower price compare to big companies to feed their families... so instead of spending my money on Big Stores and making the rich richer I try to help the community when I can. Love going to REMATES... My parents use to take me every 2 weekends to the one in Clovis California near Fresno. Ever since I was told of Swap O Rama at S. Ashland Ave Chicago Illinois I try to come here at least once every 4 months for the reason that its an 8 hour round trip drive for me... It's a great place to go!!! Always get our Fruits and Vegetables WAY much cheaper then in the stores. Plus you I find many house hold items that are also needed without the huge prices plus I also find things I didn't know I needed. A lot to see, eat, and to...