Iconic Hialeah market to close after 40 years

More than 40 years after its opening, the Opa-Locka Hialeah Flea Market will close its doors permanently. According to a letter provided by the market's management to the community, the lease agreement with the owners of the site expires on June 30, 2022.

"We are extremely proud of the work we have done running the flea market over the past five years, including working with you to survive and even thrive in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, as well as fighting the ongoing global pandemic. We have always appreciated your hard work and partnership," the administration claimed.

New York-based Gramercy Property Trust bought the flea market in July 2017 with the intention of giving it a makeover.

The market's headquarters building covers about 43.8 acres, making it one of the largest facilities in Opa-Locka that provides jobs, Local10.com explained.

The merchants currently in the market have an occupancy lease that will expire on June 20. After that, the business owners will have to move out, so they will have to dispose of all their goods and inventory before the property officially closes, adds the media outlet.

Opa Locka Hialeah Flea Market has over 500 stores and registers around 15,000 weekly visits.

The Hialeah-Opa-Locka Market opened in 1981. At the peak of its popularity, "The Flea Market" had nearly 100,000 visitors a week, 900 vendors, and was the largest flea market in Dade County.

The popular flea market offers more economical wholesale purchases, as well as a wide range of goods and services. Its clients include several importers of goods for resale in various Latin American countries, especially Cuba.