Norwalk Indoor Swap Meet slated to close on June 30
By Raul Samaniego
NORWALK – The Norwalk Indoor Swap Meet, an icon in the south part of the city, is slated to close its doors at the end of the month, according to vendors at the location.
For 25 years, Chris Lam has owned and operated his business inside the swap meet, located at 11600 Alondra Blvd
“On June 3, I was handed a letter,” Lam said. “It said we had until the end of the month [to move out].”
All vendors received the same letter simply stating that the facility would be closing on Friday June 30.
SEE ALSO: Local cities promise aid after report reveals drastic spike in homelessness
No explanation was given for the sudden announcement, but vendors, like Lam, say they had their suspicions.
“Years ago, we had a feeling something was going on,” said Lam, who sells toys and sports equipment. “The first three days [after receiving the notice] I didn’t want to believe it.”
Chris Lam received a letter at the beginning of June stating that the Norwalk Indoor Swap Meet will close on June 30. Photo | Raul Samaniego
He has already started liquidating his business inventory, which even includes a fully operational bike shop.
Lam expects to take a loss, but he has the ability to return some of his stock directly to his vendors. He is also offering everything at or below his usual costs – including all of his bicycles.
At the front of the swap meet, a vendor, who only goes by “Sunshine,” said that everything at his own shop was at least 50% off the ticketed price.
SEE ALSO: Circulating flyer attacks hauling company hoping to win Norwalk’s waste contract
Inside, other vendors have “Closing Sale” signs posted everywhere.
Norwalk officials acknowledge the swap meet closure, but have no knowledge of what the land owners have planned.
“The Norwalk Planning Department has received no information on potential development plans for the [Indoor Swap Meet] property from the owners,” said Norwalk Senior Planner Jessica Serrano.
Multiple inquiry calls to the phone number listed on the Norwalk Indoor Swap Meet website have not been returned.
ALSO SEE: World's oldest McDonald's begins construction of drive-thru