Rows of clothing racks creak in the morning breeze. Students unfold tables and neatly lay out vintage tees, patiently waiting for their first customers.
The Jack and Jill flea market, hosted at the Oaks Mall on select Saturdays, brings together local vendors, artists and thrifters. This includes several high school students who run booths selling clothing, handmade items and upcycled designs. For student vendors, the event offers a mix of entrepreneurship, creativity and real–world experience, while student shoppers get the chance to support familiar faces and find unique items at lower prices.
“I just go thrifting a lot, and I have a lot of clothes I need to sell,” said Lucas Landauer ‘26. “I [hosted a booth] with my friends, and it seemed like a good way to make money.”
Landauer ran a booth selling thrifted clothing such as t–shirts and hoodies. Preparation was simple because he already owned most of the materials besides the clothing racks, making it easier to jump into selling.
“I’ve learned how to manage customers and sell myself and my products,” said Landauer. “That’s probably the biggest thing I’ve taken away from it.”
For other students, the flea market is not just about reselling clothes but about creating something new. Stevie Bethell ‘26 runs a booth focused on handmade and upcycled items, ranging from altered clothing to accessories she makes herself.
“I like to make things and upcycle clothes, and it’s sometimes more effective than selling online because it’s in real life,” said Bethell. “You get to actually talk to people.”
Preparing for the flea market often means long days of thrifting and crafting leading up to the event. Bethell’s routine includes visiting thrift stores or bins, sewing at home and constantly creating new inventory to bring to the booth to turn a profit.
“Sometimes I make more [money than I expected], and then sometimes I make less,” said Bethell. “It kind of just depends on what flea market it is, the popularity of it and location.”
While running a booth can be rewarding, it also comes with challenges. Vendors arrive early to set up and stay for most of the day, often spending eight hours managing their space, talking to customers and breaking everything down at the end.
“The hardest part is definitely the setup and taking it down,” said Landauer. “It takes a long time, and you have to get there early.”
Student shoppers said the flea market feels more welcoming when peers are behind the booths. Caden Lopez ‘26 attended the Jack and Jill Flea Market to find affordable clothing and ended up buying from someone he knew.
“I bought from Lucas Landauer’s booth, and it was a great experience,” said Lopez. “It was good customer service, and it was easier buying from someone I know.”
Prices at the flea market can vary depending on the item, especially when it comes to vintage clothing. Yet, Lopez said the mix of affordability and uniqueness keeps him coming back.
“Some things are more expensive because they’re vintage, but a lot of stuff is cheaper because it’s secondhand,” said Lopez.
Lopez also said student–run booths add to the overall atmosphere of the event, making it feel more personal and engaging. These booths function as an outlet for creative expression for students’ passions all while providing a reward for their hard work.
“It makes the flea market more interesting because you get to see your friends,” said Lopez. “It’s easier to negotiate with people you know [as well].”
For many students, the Jack and Jill Flea Market is more than just a place to shop or sell. It’s an opportunity to gain confidence, learn responsibility and turn creativity into something tangible, one rack at a time.
“You have to spend a lot of money to make money,” said Bethell.
