Nominate your favorite 5Star Swap Mart Merchant during the month of November. Come to office to nominate merchant, or email russ5star1@outlook.com

Also 1 individual will win a prize for nominating their favorite merchant.

Your Name:
Email Address:
Phone #:
Favorite Merchant:

Why are they your Favorite?:

1 nomination per person. 18 years and over. Family and friends of merchant are not eligible to participate. Deadline Tuesday November 30th.

On October 9th & 10th, 5 STAR SWAP MART will be celebrating its 18th Anniversary as a Discount Mall in Villa Park. This fun, festive weekend is to THANK our customers for their continued support.

This 2 day event will include Shopping Bargains, Entertainment, Giveaways, Food and Drinks…fun for the entire family in our Carnival themed atmosphere. Chicago’s “Bargain Hunters Paradise” began this adventure in the Fall of 2003 with a unique shopping experience with ethnic flavor and bargains galore! A huge variety of small independent businesses provide a bazaar-like marketplace with an impressive variety of product and service categories for the consuming public.

A distinctive, fun retail experience unlike national chain-filled malls awaits you at 5 Star Swapmart, Chicago’s Bargain Hunters Paradise.

OPEN Monday-Friday (closed Tuesday): 12:00-7:00 pm
Saturday-Sunday: 10:00-6:00pm
Come join our 18-year Anniversary Party

This is the part of the year many people realize their time is severely limited.  The end of the year always means an increased number of errands, appointments and events. One task often put on the back burner is gift shopping. All too often, many of us realize at the last minute that we still must purchase something to give to family or friends. It is so easy to forget about one gift with all the activity. This is when it is nice to know Five Star Swap Mart is your one stop shop for all types of treasures!

Five Star Swap Mart has been serving the Chicago area for many years. The number of shops, wares, unique items and other items is enormous! You can head to the mart in Villa Park, do as much shopping as you like, have a great meal, watch a movie or live show and never have to leave the building. Although Five Star is mainly known as a place to purchase a huge variety of goods, there are always many other exciting events to enjoy.

So Much to Enjoy All in One Place

You can go to the mart and find that perfect gift for anyone. There are over thirty different types of shops inside to find your ideal present. Clothing, jewelry, games, perfumes, auto supplies and sports collectibles are just some of the items you can choose from. After you complete your shopping stick around and enjoy a magic show or even get a haircut. It’s all here at Five Star!

Another important consideration this time of year is the weather. In northern Illinois it is not always comfortable to be outside for long periods. Since Five Star is an indoor facility, you will not have to worry about the cold winds blowing while trying to pick up your treasures. Stay inside, warm up, and enjoy a splendid day with your family and friends.

So remember that in the Chicago suburb of Villa Park, a truly hidden gem to purchase almost anything is at 5 Star Indoor Swap Mart . This venue is always bustling with activity, filled with people looking for the very best deals. It is the ideal place to pick up a present for that hard to shop for person on your list. The mart is conveniently located right off I-290, on North Avenue. For more information give them a call today at 630.835.2800 or check out their website.

As so many savvy shoppers and parents in the area already know, Five Star Swap Mart is a lot more than a convenient place to purchase goods. Make no mistake, Five Star remains an incredible emporium to browse and purchase rare and unique items. However, the mart offers so much more! The venue is always cognizant of the time of year and latest happenings. If you check the website, you will find a complete list of the latest seasonal events and specials.

The Events and Promotions are Always Changing

The Events page is the place to view the upcoming schedule for specials, promotions and games. Five Star continually updates this spot so all its valued customers can make plans to attend a fun event. Because the time of year is a big focus, expect to find back to school specials and activities in August and Autumn fun throughout September. The beginning of October brings many spooky but cool Halloween happenings.

These special and monthly events are chock full of many terrific and unique give-a-ways, crafts, movies and other exciting promotions. The constantly changing nature of Five Star is another reason it is one of the top places to visit to have a great time and benefit from some amazing deals.

Going to the Events page will also allow you view the entire calendar for the present month and upcoming deals. You will also find coupons and other information to make your next experience at the mart even better!

In the Chicago suburb of Villa Park, 5 Star Indoor Swap Mart  has been the site for a wide variety of events for several years.  This venue is always busy, filled with people looking for a fun way to spend time with their family and friends. Of course, as always, Five Star is still your number one place to find the very best deals. The mart is conveniently located five minutes west of Route 83 South, right off I-290, on North Avenue. For more information give them a call today at 630.835.2800 or check out their website.

When individuals hear the term “flea market” many immediately think of used, cheap and inferior items or goods. While this may be true in certain cases, the vast majority of flea markets offer many solid wares of fine quality. In fact, a savvy shopper can discover a plethora of rare and unique items at terrific prices. An informed consumer will consider these markets an opportunity to find many bargains and treasures at a small cost.

So why do some feel that a flea market is a place to avoid? Part of this may be the thinking that something that it used is of lesser quality. However, most items for sale have been scrutinized thoroughly by merchants and vendors. These people are there to sell their inventory, earn income and grow their business. A dealer certainly does not want to carry low quality items that will be looked at very quickly but never purchased.

Used Goods are Often Still of High Quality

Another factor some people bring up is the fact the goods for sale are mostly pre-owned. Lots of consumers consider these types of items to be “gross” or “icky”. Most of the time this is simply not true.  Just consider some of the purchases we make all the time on used items – cars, clothing, tables and other pieces of furniture. Thrift stores and goodwill associations sell these type of goods on a regular basis. As long as the items have been maintained properly and cleaned, there is no practical reason to eliminate a sale item from consideration.

In the Chicago area, the best place to find rare treasures and enjoy family fun is at Five Star Swap Mart. The mart is open to the public Monday through Friday from 12 Noon until 7 pm, except for Tuesday when Five Star is closed. Weekend hours on both Saturday and Sunday are from 10 am-6 pm. Five Star is conveniently located at 270 W. North Avenue in Villa Park, just 5 minutes West of Route 83 South, off of I-290.

Shopping for a rare item at a flea market is a very enjoyable and fun activity. The popularity of markets has skyrocketed in the last few decades. These venues are now the places to visit for large numbers of people to find something unique. For those who are new to this activity, there are a few pointers to help make their experience more enjoyable.

Some Helpful Tips

It is suggested you go early to get the best selection of items. Stopping by again right before closing is also a great time to find discounts and deals. Also try to get a map or directory of the layout so you can plan the most efficient way to hit all your desired shops. You do not want to be re-tracing your steps and wasting too much time.

Since not all markets accept debit or credit cards, or have access to an ATM, it is highly recommended you bring cash. Some venues do take credit cards, but there is no sense in taking any chances. Also remember you may do quite a bit of walking so be sure to wear a pair of comfortable shoes. Try to dress in comfortable clothing that will allow you to move around easily for a long while.

If you are not really serious about purchasing a certain item, do not haggle about it with the seller. When you do uncover something you truly want to have, a vendor may just assume you are actually not that interested and may wish to sell to another patron.

Never walk away from something you think is a terrific deal or bargain. There is a good chance other shoppers will feel the same way. This item may be nowhere to be found if you come back an hour later.  Also, do not ignore a sturdy, economical item just because it may need a little work. A quick fix at home can make it worth your effort.

In the Chicago area, the best place to find great deals on rare and unique treasures is at Five Star Swap Mart. Located at 270 W N Avenue is Villa Park, this gem is filled with a huge variety of items for sale. Five Star is an indoor facility, meaning the weather is always perfect for finding that terrific bargain! Take a trip there with the family today to find some great deals!

Now that most kids are out of school for the summer, many parents are looking for ideas for family outings. Some people enjoy taking long and luxurious vacations, while others prefer to stay closer to home. For many, remaining near home can save a lot of money and also avoid the hassles of traveling. For those who wish to stay in the area, a great day trip idea is to spend the day at Five Star Indoor Swap Mart.

There Activities for the Entire Family!

Located in Villa Park, the mart is easy to get to from anywhere in the Chicago suburban area. What is truly great about the swap mart is the number of options it gives a family to do! First and foremost, keep in mind Five Star is much more than a swap mart. In addition to shopping and finding many rare and unique items, there are also many other events and activities to partake of.

Five Star is always bustling with entertainment, from live bands to a magic show. Spend some time relaxing at the lounge or get a bite to eat at one of their terrific eateries. Check the website to see what movies are playing. Live shows such as a circus or seasonal parties and celebrations can be found year-round. Celebrate Father’s Day or the 4th of July at 5 Star!

Other fun activities such as having your picture taken in a photo booth, attending a special sidewalk sale or even getting your hair cut can be found here. As you can see, there is something for every member of the family at Five Star.  A day at 5 Star Indoor Swap Mart is so much more than a shopping trip. It is a place to spend the entire day with your family. So the next time you are searching for something new to do head to 5 Star. The mart is conveniently located right off of I-290, on North Avenue. For more information give them a call today at 630.835.2800 or check out their website.

With the end of the year quickly approaching, people will soon be thinking of the holiday season. For many, this is a very busy time with many obligations and places to go. It is also a great opportunity to let go of stress and celebrate with friends and family. In the Chicago area, there are literally hundreds of places to go and events to attend. There is never a lack of ways to commemorate the end of the year.

Try a New Type of Venue for Holiday Parties

Parties are a frequent happening, whether with family, friends or with colleagues. The typical venue for these type of events is a restaurant, someone’s home or even the office. However, if you want another way to soak up the spirit of the holidays, how about trying something different? It is fun to think outside the box and have an enjoyable experience at a different kind of venue. A perfect place to do this is at Five Star Indoor Swap Mart in Villa Park.

Five Star has been open hosting holiday events for years. Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations are a regular part of the holiday schedule. They offer fun for the entire family with contests, games, crafts, music and other entertainment. You can also count on festive decorations, delicious food, great bargains and a very cheerful atmosphere. And since Five Star is a swap mart, you can also complete some of your shopping for the season.

Five Star is a unique and exciting place to enjoy a day out any time of the year. This is especially true during the holiday season.  It is a wonderful alternative to the typical holiday settings. Try something a little different this year and spend some time with family and friends at Five Star. The mart is conveniently located right off I-290, on North Avenue. For more information give them a call today at 630.835.2800 or check out their website for a one of a kind holiday experience.

Flea markets are an extremely popular place to browse and purchase items in the US. They can be found in every state, in major cities as well as small towns. Many markets boast their own special aura and unique atmosphere. A day at a flea market can be quite a fun-filled experience. With all this in mind, it is interesting to delve into the origin of this shopping alternative.

History Goes Back to the 1800s

It has been assumed the flea market concept began somewhere in the 1800’s. Some say the first time the term “Flea Market” was used was about a site in Paris around 1860.  The term “Flea Market” is translated from the French marche aux puces, which literally means “outdoor bazaar”.  Apparently, sales of goods out of doors was very commonplace in France during the nineteenth century.

An American Tradition

The first American flea market is thought to have opened for business sometime around 1873. Although the exact location is unknown, it is widely assumed it was somewhere in Texas. The concept caught on like wildfire and today it is estimated there are 5,000 flea markets in the United States.  These venues serve over one million vendors and 100 million shoppers each year.

The flea market is perhaps the purest form of small or medium commerce in America. Vendors without large inventories can amass a collection of items and display them for purchase. Sellers are always looking for improved merchandise and a more efficient way to sell. This also benefits shoppers since they will often have exposure to newer and better products.

In the Chicago suburb of Villa Park, an outstanding place to sell or buy is at 5 Star Indoor Swap Mart . This venue is always busy, filled with people looking for the very best deals. The mart is conveniently located right off I-290, on North Avenue. For more information give them a call today at 630.835.2800 or check out their website.

Are you a vendor of unique or popular goods? Are you considering different ways to put your items up for sale? These days you have many choices. Of course, one option is to offer your product on hundreds of different websites. Social media has completely altered the ways of marketing. But if you prefer face to face contact with the consumer, selling at flea markets is a good choice.

Flea Markets Sell Items in Many Categories

Just about anything you can imagine can be sold at a flea market. There are so many different categories of goods that it can be mind boggling. Handmade items, jewelry, clothing, stuffed animals, coins, collectibles and electronics are some of the items you can expect to find at a market. A lot of the selection and price is dependent on the location of the venue.

You should consider before deciding where to sell if you plan to specialize in one area or sell an assortment of wares. Both strategies have their merits, but most vendors seem to prefer a larger variety. This way the seller does not need to invest too much money in any one category.

Also remember that not all flea markets are alike. Some specialize in one area like antiques. Some are outside and seasonal, while others are year-round and inside. And some may be combined with another type, such as a farmer’s market.

In terms of conducting business there are two main types: long-term and classic. Long-term markets are usually indoors in a permanent structure.  They generally rent spaces for longer periods of time and require merchants to sign a lease. Classic markets are usually sellers of less expensive goods and allow vendors to move easily to different venues.

In suburban Villa Park, a superb place to sell is at 5 Star Indoor Swap Mart . This venue is filled with people looking for the very best deals.  5 Star. The mart is conveniently located right off I-290, on North Avenue. For more information give them a call today at 630.835.2800 or check out their website.