Inside Brookfield Square, the monthly ‘Secret Market’ is a hidden pop up filled with a vast selection of retro, vintage, and antique treasures.
The Secret market occupies several of the mall’s empty spaces, taking over the former Victoria’s Secret, Buckle, and Tilly’s stores. They have been cleared out and repurposed, given a whole new life fueled by artists and vendors.
According to the Secret Market’s founder, Randy, there are currently over 100 different vendors. That number is only set to increase, and the Market has even begun to move into an additional fourth space as interest and demand rises.
For an admission fee of just one dollar, guests can step into an experience that is akin to Alice stepping into Wonderland.
“We have gathered a diverse group of vendors with a common interest in nostalgia,” explains Randy. “There’s an eclectic mix of curated collections from decades past.”
As you walk up and down the aisles, you will see trinkets, treasures, and objects that bring back long lost memories from eras past. There are booths with retro graphic t-shirts and handbags, booths with collective figurines, and booths with mid-century jewelry, glassware, and wall art.
Many of the vendors are nearby and are eager to talk to visitors as they pass by. Many are selling objects that they have personally collected over their lives and have stories to tell about their favorite objects. One women selling a carousel-style lemonade set from the 1950s talked about how the unique piece had just been sitting on her kitchen table for at least a decade. She wanted to sell it so that someone else could enjoy it, giving the piece a new life.
“Whether you are a fan of furniture, clothing, home decor, jewelry, art, toys, or music, there is truly something for everyone,” says Randy.
The Market is also an opportunity for local artists to show and sell off their work. There is an eclectic variety of paintings, repurposed goods, hand stitched zip up bags, and so much more. This blend of old and new allows for the true creativity behind each vendor to shine through.
The Secret Market is held on the first Saturday and Sunday of each month. With plenty of space for parking, a nearby ATM, and restroom facilities, visiting the market couldn’t be more of a breeze.
For those in search of a shopping experience unlike any other, a visit to the Secret Market is like stumbling on a treasure chest.
