Community Shout Out

In the late 1800s, secondhand vendors in Paris were pushed to the outskirts of the city, where they established what would eventually become known as flea markets. The idea caught on and spread throughout Europe before making its way to the United States, where it continued to grow throughout the 20th century.

Today, flea markets remain places where vendors can offer everything from antiques and collectibles to handmade goods and everyday necessities. But beyond buying and selling, flea markets have long served another purpose: giving new life to useful items. For well over a century, they have helped people reuse, repurpose, resell, and revitalize goods that might otherwise have been discarded, reducing waste while creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Now, more than a century later, flea markets continue to provide opportunities for entrepreneurs, artists, collectors, and craftspeople to share their talents with the public. One such market can be found on Jefferson Avenue in Newport News. While there are many talented artisans, collectors, and small business owners who participate in the flea market each week, one shop in particular caught my attention.

The shop I would like to spotlight is Five Hit Wander, a mother-and-daughter business that has established its own shop within the flea market.

If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if a garage sale, art studio, jewelry shop, and gift store all decided to walk into a room together, Five Hit Wander may be your answer. This unique shop offers an eclectic mix of handmade resin creations, jewelry, artwork, prints, unique gifts, snacks, and unexpected treasures. Part shopping destination and part treasure hunt, every visit offers the chance to discover something new.

What makes Five Hit Wander special isn’t just the variety of items they offer—it’s the care that goes into them. The mother-and-daughter team takes pride in their work and strives to make every customer feel welcome. In some cases, they have even worked with customers to create personalized resin pieces and custom gifts, turning a simple purchase into something truly meaningful. Their shop reflects not only creativity but also a genuine desire to help people find exactly what they’re looking for.

While flea markets are often associated with bargain hunting, it’s important to remember that handmade items represent time, skill, materials, and creativity. The resin creations, jewelry, artwork, and gifts found at Five Hit Wander are priced with care and remain surprisingly affordable for the quality and craftsmanship they provide.

Whether you’re looking for a special gift, a piece of artwork, a handcrafted item, or simply enjoy browsing for interesting finds, Five Hit Wander is well worth a visit. Stop by the Jefferson Flea Market on Jefferson Avenue in Newport News and take a look for yourself. You may walk in just to browse, but there is a good chance you will leave with something unique.

Five-Hit Wander reflects the creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and sense of community that have made flea markets a lasting tradition for generations.