At 18 years old, James’ son, Jim Mattox, took over the flea market following his father’s death in 2008 and had to ensure it became a successful venture, he said.
“We knew that it would help everyday people be able to come and find things that they need, find things that they’ve been looking for, find those treasures, find the things that you could buy for a dollar that ends up being worth hundreds of dollars,” Jim said. “It’s a treasure hunt.”
The building the market is partially in is hard to miss from I-35 with big, red letters painted on it that say “Kyle Flea Market.” The building has rows and rows of booths with trinkets and treasures.
Anyone can be a vendor and can sell items ranging from clothes and jewelry, art, vinyl records and CDs to video games, trading cards, plants and more.
The market was doing well until the pandemic hit in March 2020 and had to close, Jim said. Luckily for the family, the market also has a large outdoor grass area in front of the building where vendors can also set up, Jim said.
While some vendors come once or twice, Jim said there are many vendors that return every weekend.
In addition to the vendors, the flea market also has a handful of food trucks on-site that sell Mexican food, barbecue, shaved ice and more, which was an important aspect of the market to the family.
The family wanted to ensure the market was a family-oriented location where people could come for a variety of activities. There is also regularly live music or a DJ on-site, Jim said. To maneuver the market with ease, Jim said it is best to come prepared with a reusable bag, cash—because not all vendors will be equipped to take cards or digital currency—and a lot of time set aside to browse.
Ultimately, Jim said the flea market is based on a community coming together to buy, sell and barter in a world where everyone just wants new things.
“We’re not a mall. ... But understand that if there’s going to be a place where no other place has it, we just might. Come looking, come searching,” Maddox said.
Kyle Flea Market
1119 N. Old Hwy. 81, Kyle 512-656-5958. Facebook: Kyle Flea Market
Hours: Sat.-Sun. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Mon.-Fri.
