Freedom to dream

Freedom to dream Subhead New liquidation store, flea market opens in Meridian Nathan Diebenow Editor Wed, 06/26/2024 - 06:07 Image

• The Meridian Chamber of Commerce welcomed the Jorge Martinez Liquidation / Flea Market to Meridian's business community with a ribbon-cutting on Friday, June 19. Photo Courtesy by Meridian Chamber of Commerce

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Meridian is buzzing with excitement as the Jorge Martinez family opened the doors to their new store and flea market at 207 East River Street.

The family’s store was welcomedintothecommunity with a ribbon cutting by the Meridian Chamber of Commerce on Friday, June 14.

The store’s opening marks a significant milestone for the family, who have journeyed from the Metroplex to Bosque County to deliver home goods at affordable prices.

Beginnings

The Jorge Martinez Liquidation/FleaMarketstore is more than just a new family business; it’s a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit America fosters.

Jorge Martinez, the patriarch, along with his wife Wendy and their daughter Sheila, have poured their hearts into building this store and its supply chain from the ground up.

Sheila Martinez shared their story during a recent interview, recounting the early days when her father started selling goods out of a small truck.

“We started with a little truck, just buying a little bit at a time. Then, as business grew, we got a trailer, and from there, it just kept expanding,” she said.

Initially based in Arlington, the Martinez family operated their business from their home and storage units. Their journeytookthemfromselling small items to acquiring larger loads and eventually moving to “The Ranch” in Kopperl. However, the location proved challenging, prompting their move to Meridian.

New location

Meridian offered a more accessible location for their burgeoning business, Sheila explained.

“We liked it here because in The Ranch, it was really muddy, and a lot of people didn't want to come out there. Here in Meridian, it's easier for people to pick up stuff with their trucks,” she said.

After setting up shop in various locations, they finally settled into their current spacious facility that was previously used as a feed store and flower shop in Meridian.

Diverse offerings

The store specializes in a wide range of products, including surplus items from major retailers, like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart.

“We have a little bit of everything,” Sheila said with a smile.

From home furnishings to construction materials, the store aims to provide quality goods at competitive prices.

In addition to retail, the Martinez family has also launched a new flea market adjacent to their store.

“We started the flea market because a lot of people were looking for a place to sell their items after the previous market in Meridian closed,” Sheila noted.

Open every weekend from 6 a.m. - 7 p.m., the flea market offers vendors a platform to sell a variety of items, excluding alcohol and firearms.

Community-centered future

The Martinez’s store is not just about business; it’s about community. The family plans to host raffles and other events to engage local residents.

“We want to do specials like raffles every month to attract people,” Sheila said.

Operating hours for the store are Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., although they’re flexible based on customer traffic.

The Martinez family provides customer service in both English and Spanish.

Plans ahead

For those interested in becoming a vendor at the Martinez Flea Market or learning more about the store, contact Sheila Martinez at (817) 443-5411.

For more information on raffles, visit the store’s Facebook page.