Business & Tech

Flea Circus in Collinsville Closing its Doors

After nearly two years, the Flea Circus in downtown Collinsville is closing its doors later this month. 

The store, which specialized in a variety of used goods, was always intended to be a temporary venture, co-owner April Arrasate said.

"This was about impermanence and getting these things back into the world," she said. 

Store owners said their goal was to run a business, have some fun and see people reuse quality items that were often of much better quality than much of what is currently manufactured. 

Arrasate opened the store with her siblings Chuck and Samantha in the March of 2012. The business honored their late mother Rachel Veleas and offered items she and others collected. Later consignment pieces were added.

The store also carried on a tradition of previous business, Gallery 101 Main, and displayed the work of many local artists in its vault. It also hosted openings with live music and other special events. 

Originally the intent was to open for one year. After a winter hiatus, however, the siblings decided to keep it going for another season. 

"It was so much fun that we decided to do another," April Arrasate said. 

Now, however, the siblings are increasingly busy with other ventures and life commitments but have a renewed appreciation for what it takes to run a business. 

'"I have a lot of respect for small business owners," April Arrasate said. "It's a lot of work." 

The last day is set to be Dec. 20, April Arrasate said. It will generally be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday to Sunday and other days by chance. 

There will also be a few more Friday evening events, including a Tarot Card Reading this Friday, Dec. 6, live music with Wise Old Moon during Christmas in Collinsville on Dec. 13 and a goodbye party on Dec. 20. Events generally start at 6 p.m.

Follow updates at https://www.facebook.com/TheFleaCircusCollinsvilleCT



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