Business Details
42 Years
experience
Your Premier Flea Market Destination in the Southeast
Smiley's Flea Market was founded in 1984 by Ben Campen Sr., who envisioned a marketplace where individuals could sell merchandise at affordable prices. With prior experience in the flea market industry since 1975, Campen aimed to create accessible venues for both sellers and buyers. The first location in Fletcher, NC, opened on 20 acres with 50,000 square feet of covered space, expanding to over 100,000 square feet and 700 outdoor spaces. A second location in Macon, GA, launched in 1985, now spans 60 acres and 100,000 square feet of covered stalls. The business remains family-operated, with Ben Campen Jr. and Ashley Campen continuing their fathers legacy through innovation and growth. Smiley's Flea Market has become the largest in the Carolinas and Georgia, offering diverse shopping, dining, and entertainment options.The company emphasizes affordability, variety, and community engagement, hosting over 1,000 selling spaces across both locations. Its commitment to providing a successful platform for vendors and an enjoyable experience for customers has solidified its reputation as a premier regional marketplace. The business maintains corporate offices in Jacksonville, FL, while operating under the leadership of Ben Campen Jr., who serves as president and managing partner. Smiley's Flea Market continues to evolve, ensuring it meets the needs of its customers and vendors while staying true to its founding principles.
Services
Indoor Shopping
Outdoor Vendors
Food Court
Rides & Attractions
Antique Mall
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in the flea market industry.
- Our family-owned business prioritizes affordability and vendor success.
- We offer diverse shopping, dining, and entertainment options under one roof.
- Our locations feature over 2,000 combined selling spaces for unique finds.
- We provide family-friendly environments with rides and attractions.
Services
Indoor Shopping
Our indoor shopping areas provide climate-controlled spaces with over 100,000 square feet of vendor booths at each location. Shoppers can browse thousands of items year-round, from antiques to new merchandise. This service ensures a comfortable experience regardless of weather conditions.
Outdoor Vendors
We offer 700+ outdoor selling spaces in Fletcher and 400+ in Macon for vendors to display goods under the open sky. These spaces attract bargain hunters seeking unique finds like collectibles, produce, and handmade crafts. Our outdoor markets create a vibrant, traditional flea market atmosphere for buyers and sellers.
Food Court
Our food courts feature seven restaurants and concessions serving diverse fare including BBQ, Mexican cuisine, and classic fair foods. Visitors enjoy affordable meals while taking breaks from shopping. The family-friendly dining areas accommodate large groups and provide varied options for all tastes.
Rides & Attractions
We provide amusement rides like bumper cars and vintage carousels to entertain visitors of all ages. These attractions create memorable experiences for families visiting our markets. The rides operate seasonally and are located adjacent to shopping areas for convenience.
Antique Mall
Our antique malls span lengths exceeding football fields, housing curated collections of vintage furniture, collectibles, and historical artifacts. Serious collectors and casual browsers alike find rare treasures in these dedicated spaces. The malls showcase high-quality items from specialized dealers across the Southeast.
People
Ben Campen Sr.
Founder
Ben Campen Sr. established Smileys Flea Market in 1984 after gaining experience in the industry since 1975. His vision created accessible marketplaces that became regional landmarks. Though not named Smiley, he embraced the brands cheerful identity and laid the foundation for the family business.
Ben Campen Jr.
President & Managing Partner
Ben Campen Jr. co-manages the business with his sister Ashley, continuing his fathers legacy since the 1990s. He oversees operations while implementing modern strategies for growth. His leadership maintains Smileys Flea Markets position as the Southeasts premier marketplace.
Ashley Campen
Co-Manager
Ashley Campen joined the family business in the 1990s, contributing fresh ideas to expand Smileys Flea Market. She plays a key role in managing day-to-day operations and special events. Her efforts help maintain the companys reputation for exceptional customer experiences.
Questions
What are Smiley’s Flea Market hours?
We’re open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM in Fletcher, NC. Macon locations operate sunrise to sunset on weekends.
Are both locations open year-round?
Yes, both Fletcher and Macon markets operate year-round with seasonal adjustments for weather conditions.
What payment methods do you accept?
Vendors accept cash, credit cards, and digital payments. The market itself doesn’t process transactions directly.
Do you host special events?
We feature seasonal events like holiday markets and themed weekends. Check our website for current promotions and activities.
Can I rent a vendor space?
We offer flexible rental options for indoor stalls and outdoor spaces. Contact our corporate office for availability and pricing details.