For the first time in the Alpine Village Swap Meet’s 55-year history, its rumors of shutting down ring true. The flea market is nestled onto Torrance Boulevard among its namesake German market, a condominium complex and food vendors whose stalls decorate a street corner just before an entrance to the 110 Freeway.
The swap meet is set to fully close on Feb. 23 following an official notice that was issued on Jan. 23. Vendors were previously told that its last weeks of operation would be those of late January on Dec. 27, but after two organized protests and marches, the date was postponed. A vast number of vendors rely on the swap meet as their main source of income.
Vendors and patrons have established what could best be described as a symbiotic relationship — vendors supply a variety of both household and niche goods and customers offer their loyalty. Merchandise found at the swap meet includes but is not limited to: Mexican street food snacks, blooming hydrangeas, keys made by an in-house locksmith and plush toys.
One vendor, 60-year-old Maricela Mora, has been selling honey, pollen, vitamins, jellies and other natural medicinal products for 17 years. Her stand operates four days a week. She emphasized her dedication to serving the surrounding community though providing affordable healthcare items that are generally more difficult to find in chain stores. Mora doubles as one of the swap meet’s most prominent advocates.
“The first warning [the city of Los Angeles] gave us was verbal…we were just told that by January 15, we had to have left the swap meet,” Mora said in Spanish. “But we organized protests, and I’m one of the organizers, and we had all of the vendors stand outside to call the press, the newspapers, to notify the internet — we called many people.”
When asked what plans she had after the Alpine Village Swap Meet’s closure, Mora reiterated her commitment to her clientele.
“Before anything, go look for another swap meet; continue helping the people of the community, the Latin community — that look for the things we’re selling at the swap meet — and cry,” Mora said. “I’ll cry because I’ve put 17 years into this swap meet…But like good Mexicans, we don’t give up.”
Another vendor, 41-year-old Luis Ochoa, shared a similar sentiment. Ochoa has been operating what he affectionately referred to as his “mobile juice bar” from Tuesday to Sunday, six days a week, for the past 13 years. Ochoa sells fruits, agua frescas, raspados, bionicos — a Mexican fruit salad with granola and cream — and Tostilocos — a snack made with Tostitos chips and pickled pig skin.
Ochoa mentioned the possibility of taking his business to Los Angeles Harbor College Swap Meet, a popular choice among vendors.
“Good Lord…Obviously I’m gonna be looking for a spot around here because this is where my customers are at, but as of now I don’t have one,” Ochoa said. “They’re talking about opening up Harbor College on Saturday and Sunday, so that’s gonna be a good option for me if I’m able to get there.”
Given the Los Angeles Harbor College’s current hours of operation — Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Alpine Village Swap Meet regulars will no longer be able to acquire goods on nearly any given day of the week.
A second generation vendor, 35-year-old Nancy Luque, reflected on her departure from Alpine Village to another swap meet. She described the Alpine Village Swap Meet as a “place of gathering” and said it “won’t be the same” because she and her family have been “building our 30-year clientele.” Luque sells personal care and household products ranging from laundry detergent to body wash.
Until its official closure on Feb. 23, the swap meet will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.