NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Flea market vendors were invited to tour their proposed new home at the Hickory Hollow mall, but some said they have some concerns about the move.
Dozens of vendors from the Tennessee State Fairgrounds flea market went on the private tour of the mall on Friday afternoon.
All the vendors at the tour had the same concerns: the parking, the space, and the possible rate increases by moving the flea market to Antioch.
"I represent 100% of the vendors and we are not happy with the move," said Dick Dickerson with the Tri-Star Kennel Club.
He was one of the invited guests and flea market vendor. He said when the Flea Market came to town, it was big business for music city.
"They stay in hotels, they buy gas, eat in all the restaurants and thousands of people come from out of town," said Dickerson.
Dickerson said the move from the fairgrounds to Hickory Hollow Mall is not something they think is a good idea.
"One of the representatives said the purpose of moving it here was, and I want to be very accurate, was to sure up this mall just as they had done at 100 Oaks, and they used that as an example. And that this would bring more people," said Dickerson.
While the vendors are not happy, one business was happy to hear about the move.
"We move in just this week. We've started with Miles Barber Shop Incorporated and so business has been okay," said Sharon Miles-Walker.
She said she's not sure what kind of business the flea market will bring, but any business is good business for a new place.
"Sounds great to me. I'd rather hear business coming in than going away. That will make our business better. A lot of traffic flows through here that will make our business better," said Miles-Walker.
While Mayor Dean was not on hand for the tour, NewsChannel 5 learned he helped organized the event.
To lease the space at Hickory Hollow, Metro would pay more then $1.8-million a year. The three lease agreements would have terms from ten to 15 years each.
