Iola Flea Market offers mix of new, old merchandise

Jeff Heinrich brings a mixture of old and new to his newest business venture, Iola Flea Market and Consignment.
Not only will he feature an assortment of flea market booths and consignment merchandise, Heinrich also plans to regularly replenish his shelves with new items — athletic equipment, children’s toys, clothing, tools, light bulbs, etc.
Heinrich opened Iola Flea Market in January, with long-term productivity, and stability, in mind.
“We’re taking our time,” he said, noting his building at 102 E. Jackson Ave., has several large potential rooms for displays. Two of the rooms are currently targeted for storage.
“As we clear out those rooms, we’ll set up more booths,” he said. “It could take two weeks; it could take two months.”
Heinrich already has several consignment partners on hand, to ensure his merchandise is updated on a regular basis.
“What we’ve found is our consignors are becoming our friends,” he said.
Heinrich also plans to sell — or buy — merchandise online for consignors.
“If they want to try to find something, we want to help,” he said.
This isn’t Heinrich’s first attempt at a flea market, but a bit of bad timing derailed his earlier shot.
He poured plenty of planning and labor into opening a flea market in the fall of 2005.
His opening day Coincided with the arrival of Hurricane Katrina on the Gulf Coast.
Heinrich spent the following three months in the Gulf Coast states for his disaster recovery duties with the National Guard.
While Heinrich has since retired from the Guard, he still assists with recovery efforts following natural disasters.
“Hopefully the weather will be nice for a while,” he joked.
Heinrich is assisted full time by Iolan Rebecca Misenhelter. Son Tyler, a junior at Iola High School, also works at the store part time. Heinrich’s parents, Judy and Jim, also have poured long hours into preparing his building.
Shoppers will probably see them around the store, too.
Iola Flea Market and Consignment is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Heinrich can be reached at 228-8543.