Flea Market is Family Business Story By Natalie Salvatore Photos By Robert Noles
F
or 35 years, a family-owned small business has been making its mark on the community in Smiths Station, Alabama. In 1986, Ruth Williams opened the Lee County Flea Market, LLC. Her daughter, Rhonda Jones, and Rhonda’s husband, Barry Jones, took over the business when Williams passed away. During its first year of business, the flea market was located across the street where a Marathon gas station currently stands. “It did so well the first year that she moved it to the
current location,” Rhonda said. “There seemed to be a need in the area, and she was right”. Their business is the largest outdoor flea market in East Central Alabama and provides different items to suit any interests. Assorted vendors sell items that are older, used and even new, all with different bargains. Guests can browse through over 300 tables on display, many of which are underneath a covered shed. The market’s layout results in great visibility and convenience for guests to travel from one display to the
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