By Vaughn Bui
Every weekend, a large gathering of people bring their trucks and set up stalls filled with miscellaneous goods in the parking lot of Golden West College in Huntington Beach. Chatters and yells advertise cheap items, the smell of roasted peanuts fills the lot and the California weather works its serene magic.
Collectively, this forms the Golden West Swap Meet.
What was once only a small 100-vendor shop has grown to a massive scale with over 600 available spaces for vendors to register. Since the swap meet’s inception in 1979, the location has had many long-staying shop owners. A wide variety of goods are sold at the flea market: antiques, collectibles, clothing, books, plants and produce — though many unique shops have made their stay at the market.
Opening his stall 20 years ago, Hao Nguyen’s bookstore has become a staple in the market. From children eyeing a new picture book to adults buying a new novel, Nguyen’s store has seen great business over the years. On top of managing his store, Nguyen often enjoys browsing around other stalls as well to see what he can find.
“My favorite [thing] about the market is bargaining,” Nguyen said. “A lot of good, cheap stuff you can find here.”
Throughout the market, you can also find food vendors like Hang Bui. Bui runs a concession stand selling pretzels, churros, drinks and snacks to shoppers walking by.
“I have been selling here for 25 years. I enjoy very much seeing people come and buy; it makes me happy.” Bui said.
The swap meet additionally serves as a great place to start a small business. Shoupan Cai and his wife have turned to the swap meet to begin selling handmade crochet items. Their small stand has filled the flea market with bright smiles, beautiful flowers and bright colors.
“[We’re] from China. We like [and have been] selling for three months,” Cai said. “My wife [makes these] handmade.”
Most stores at the swap meet are generally organized and decorated, though some find success even without them. Vendor Raymundo Guerrero Caso has recently enjoyed his 20th year at the swap meet. His store consists of many tables piled with random items for anyone to dig through. Though unorganized, Caso enjoys meeting and selling with customers.
“What I like most is the people here, [they’re] super nice,” Caso said. “And like the weather too … [it’s] the best place, I think, in all of the planet.”
The Golden West Swap Meet is at 15744 Goldenwest Street in Huntington Beach, CA. It is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every weekend through fog or rain, with free parking for all attendees.
