Constantly I get complimented on my small glittery head bands that I wear religiously, and every time I am asked ‘Where’d yah get that?‘ I reply ‘Attias Flea Market’. Being a Long Islander, I figured once I told them which flea market they would know right away where it is, and how to get there. However, many Long Islanders look at me like I have 2 heads when I tell them Attias Flea Market.
God only knows how someone who is from LI doesn’t know about the flea market; seeing how many don’t though I figured I would tell those who have been in the cave for far too long about it, and how to get there and get their own damn head bands.
The Attias Flea Market is located in Sayville, it is a gigantic building that has since expanded and added a huge amount of new vendors and booths. With a jaw dropping 650 vendors, 60 jewelry booths, and a food court.
In all honesty when you walk into the flea market you are a bit overwhelmed, but trust me, you can wander you way through the entire indoor flea market in about an hour; 3 hours if you are taking your time to check out every vendor.
There are about 4 entrances into the flea market, but honestly I like going into the main entrance to be greeted by the mobs of gold and silver jewelry that are displayed in glass cases.
Throughout the flea market you will come across graphic tees, t-shirts where you can put your own picture or design on, jewelry, jewelry and more jewelry, with designer names such as Gucci, Chanel, baby phat, and many, many more. There are purses galore, (rumor has it if you ask the woman in the newer addition to the building she will give you an actual name brand purse -fake of course- she is located in the newest section of the building in the back right hand corner of the flea market), there are toys for the kids, name brand clothing, Japanese swords and furniture, watches, car stereos, they even have a bridal center. In the back of the store their are neat shops such as a witches supply store, a shop where beautiful glass dolls beg to come home with you for dirt cheap prices, in the back area you can also find hot name brand shoes, a slew of jewelry vendors, and much, much more.
In the middle of the flea market you can find crystal pieces such as small elephants, monkeys, charms, and more. Here in the middle you will also come across vendors that focus on just hair, in this area you will find gorgeous clips, scrunchies, and of course the elusive sparkly head band. Across the way you will find socks, bras, and underwear for great prices.
The food court which is located on the far right of the building has plenty of tables and chairs to accommodate their customers. At the food court you can pick yourself up a cold soda, tea, or some food. You definitely want to purchase one of their large hot pretzels. Besides the excellent fresh pretzels you can pick up funnel cake, hot dogs, pizza, hero’s, fries, burgers, and nearly anything else you can think of. There is just so much to name.
WHAT I LOVE MOST:
I love everything, but in reality, what I love most is the competition. Each vendor is placed pretty close to one another, and if you like a piece of jewelery, and not the price, odds are that if you walk away they are going to throw a much cheaper price at you because they fear that you will find the same/or similar piece at the next vendor. Every time I go in looking to buy earrings or rings, I am given a price. If I think the price is too high, I walk away, as I walk they throw a lower price at me. This is when I give them an even lower price than the one they gave to me. I walked out with an originally $80 gold ring for $60. Truly, yah can’t beat that.
This is what makes shopping at the flea market so fun; you basically name your own price. They can either take it or leave it…but odds are, they’re going to take it.
THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY AT THE FLEA MARKET:
This is truly awesome. Attias Flea Market will throw a toy fair every year around Christmas time. These vendors come in selling old collectible toys that you truly cannot find anywhere else. They also sell comic books, old baseball cards, and other old antique like items. This is the best time to get up to the flea market, and gives any collector the opportunity to pick up old/missing pieces for their collections.
Items I have seen in the past include, old robotic toys from the 40’s and 50’s, batman figures from early times, old Archie comics, batman, superman, hulk, and more. Old books, military items, older Barbie’s, and magazines.
Besides the toy fair, they also have a psychic in a booth to give palm/tarot readings. The price is $10. In the back they will also have massages where a small Japanese girl will walk on your back.
At this time the flea market will also sometimes hire a glass blower. This is the neatest guest they have on the premises at the time. He stands behind a glass wall as customers can look in a watch him create pieces. This guy can even create custom pieces to your request and you can stand there and watch him make it. Prices can get steep if you request a big piece, but honestly it’s a one of a kind treasure.
Overall the Attias Flea Market is a must see if you are passing through Long Island. And for you Long Islanders who have yet to visit the flea market now is the time. It’s truly quite the experience, and while you are there it will feel like you are in a section in China town where they have everything, and anything you can think of. Plus, like in the city, you name the price. Price tags at the Attias mean nothing.
Call 631-244-5755 to ask when the Christmas fair begins. It would suck to drive all the way up there and to learn that the fair is taking place at another date.
CARNIVAL:
Oh yeah, of course there’s a flippin carnival. The parking lot will at times be transformed into a Carnival. I believe this years is coming up soon, so call the mall and ask them if you plan on heading out to the Carnival.
WHAT’S NOT SO HOT:
The Attias Flea Market at times can get a bit clustered, and could be annoying. The walk ways in the beginning of the market are a bit tight, and with so many people passing by and hitting into your heels the experience can go from good to bad quickly. Have patience though. The worst times in my opinion is the weekends, and a few days before Christmas.
Besides a bit of cluster on weekend, the flea market also for some reason is always hot. So going in on a hot summer day could be uncomfortable. May of the vendors however will run fans which cool things down a bit. But in some sections it gets so hot you feel like exploding.
I usually avoid the flea market on hotter summer months. It is advised you do the same. Go on a cooler rainy day, or a nice cool fall/spring day.
Another thing I hate is how nearly every jewelry vendor has signs saying that they BUY GOLD. This is far from the truth. Every time I have been there trying to sell my old junk gold, none of the vendors are ‘buying at this time. This is always the story, and have been asking for years. So don’t think you’re going to go in and sell your scrap gold. They seriously DO NOT buy it, and I have no idea why they keep advertising as such on their commercials.
HOURS OF OPERATION:
Monday- The flea market is closed on Monday. However it will open up from 10-6pm on Mondays during Christmas time.
Tuesday- Closed
Wednesday– Closed
Thursday- 10-9pm
Friday- 10-9pm
Saturday- 10-9pm
Sunday– 10-6pm
Of course the flea market has it’s downs, but if you head there on a week day, you are bound for a much nicer experience. Things get a little tight and hectic around Christmas time, but honestly this is the best time to go.
Visit www.attiasfleamarket.com for directions to Attias Flea Market and Jewelry Exchange.
