BUSINESS FEATURE Kyle Flea Market
BY ZARA FLORES
Family-owned business provides indoor and outdoor space for vendors’ trinkets, treasures A fter serving in the U.S. House of Representatives and as the 47th attorney family, the market also has a large outdoor grass area in front of the building where vendors can also set up, Jim said.
The Kyle Flea Market has been passed down through generations of the Mattox family.
PHOTOS BY ZARA FLORES COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Flea markets can be hit or miss. Here are some tips to keep in mind before attending either as a shopper or a seller to maximize success.
general of Texas, James Mattox and his siblings, Janice Mattox and Jerry Mattox, purchased the property at 1119 N. Old Hwy. 81, Kyle, and began the Kyle Flea Market. At 18 years old, James’ son, Jim Mattox, took over the ea market following his father’s death in 2008 and had to ensure it became a successful venture, he said. “We knew that it would help everyday people be able to come and nd things that they need, nd things that they’ve been looking for, nd those treasures, nd the things that you could buy for a dollar that ends up being worth hundreds of dollars,” Jim said. “It’s a treasure hunt.” The building the market is partially in is hard to miss from I-35
While some vendors come once or twice, Jim said there are many vendors that return every weekend. In addition to the vendors, the ea market also has a handful of food trucks on-site that sell Mexican food, barbecue, shaved ice and more, which was an important aspect of the market to the family. The family wanted to ensure the market was a family-oriented location where people could come for a variety of activities. There is also regularly live music or a DJ on-site, Jim said. To maneuver the market with ease, Jim said it is best to come prepared with a reusable bag, cash—because not all vendors will be equipped to take cards or digital
SHOPPER: Bring cash
Bring reusable bags Browse slowly Dogs allowed on leash
An indoor vendor sells plates, art and other home goods.
Parking is free
Wear comfortable shoes
SELLER: • Booths vary in price depending on day, size, location • First come, rst served to get a booth • No entry to property before 7 a.m.
An indoor vendor sells a variety of framed music memorabilia.
with big, red letters painted on it that say “Kyle Flea Market.” The building has rows and rows of booths with trinkets and trea- sures. Anyone can be a vendor and can sell
currency—and a lot of time set aside to browse. Ultimately, Jim said the ea market is based on a commu- nity coming together to buy, sell and barter in a world where everyone just wants new things. “We’re not a mall. … But understand that if there’s going to be
“WE KNEW THAT IT WOULD HELP EVERYDAY PEOPLE BE ABLE TO COME AND FIND THINGS THAT THEY NEED. ... IT’S A TREASURE HUNT.” JIM MATTOX, OWNER
Food trucks are on-site, o ering a variety of cuisines.
A vendor sells a variety of plants and owers at a booth outside.
items ranging from clothes and jewelry, art, vinyl records and CDs to video games, trading cards, plants and more. The market was doing well until the pandemic hit in March 2020 and had to close, Jim said. Luckily for the
Kyle Flea Market 1119 N. Old Hwy. 81, Kyle 512-656-5958 Facebook: Kyle Flea Market Hours: Sat.-Sun. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Mon.-Fri.
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CORTEZ ST.
a place where no other place has it, we just might. Come looking, come searching,” Maddox said.
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Providing a Continuum of Quality Health Services CORRIDOR PRIMARY CARE
512-392-1700 | www.corridorpd.com 601-B Leah Ave • San Marcos, TX | 4221 Benner Rd, #205 • Kyle, TX
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION • JUNE 2022
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