Every first Sunday of the month, it is the rendez-vous of bargain hunters and hobbyists at Alameda Antique Faire, also known as Alameda Flea Market.
Installed on the former airfield of a naval base created in the 1930s and closed in 1997, this Alameda dismountable flea market is a real Sunday ride. It is the largest market of this type in Northern California. It brings together up to 800 sellers who resell home items, clothes, vintage, jewelry, books … and much more if you are looking closely.
MerciSF has naturally found the dealer of French objects in this market and had the pleasure of meeting Coco and Fred, the happy owners of Grenouille French Antiques. We even went to their warehouse but we keep the address secret for obvious reasons, and that’s where we learned a little more about this brother and sister established in business since 1990.
Fred studied at UC Santa Barbara, and Coco came to visit him one Summer. Seduced by San Francisco, they will not leave! They started by opening a vintage clothes shop in Hayes Valley and very quickly, their customers complimented them on the store decor made with antique objects imported from France.
One thing led to an other, the clothes shop turned into a vintage objects shop. Today, they mainly sell to professionals, except at the few fairs they attend along the West Coast; you’ll find them from Seattle to Long Beach. They are mainly trading with professionals who are looking for authentic objects to create ambiances in shops, restaurants…
Alameda Antique Faire: hours
The parking is free but there is a small admission fee. The price drops throughout the day allowing professionals or motivated treasure hunters to do their shopping early in the morning without the general public.
Hours and prices
from 6:00 AM to 7:30 am $ 15.00
from 7:30 am to 9:00 am $ 10.00
from 9:00 am to closing at 3:00 pm $ 5.00
It’s free for kids who will not regret the trip! They will be able to enjoy a crêpe from Brittany Crêpe or any other type of food from the vendors installed on the perimeter of the Faire. There are even tables for outdoor dining!
Thank you Coco and Fred de Grenouille French Antiques
