Last weekend I finally got to sell the mountain of clothes that I love but just never wear. Out of the blue, a friend called me up and said I could share a stand with her on Sunday at Adelita Market, a second-hand market that takes place every month in a cultural center in Malasaña, called Espiritu 23 (named after its address), with lots of events and collaborative projects going on all the time.
I had shopped at Adelita Market many times, because I have a thing for second-hand clothes (it’s love, really). After digging through baskets and racks, I’ve always been able to find great items there, especially one time where I really hit the jackpot–a girl who was a fashion designer was emptying out her wardrobe and she was my size. I paid 20E for a bag full of clothes that I could now not live without.
Anyone can purchase a stand at Adelita Market, either for two days (60E) or for one day (35E), and you’re welcome to share the stand with a friend to split the cost. So if you have a bunch of clothes you’re looking to pass on, this is the place to do it. It’s also one of the best places to shop for second-hand clothes in Madrid. Unlike cities such as New York and London, good quality and cheap thrift shops are hard to come by here.
Since I’d always been the one buying and not selling, here’s what my first experience on the other side of Adelita Market was like:
I arrived on Sunday at 10am with three suitcases, and two huge bags overflowing with stuff. I set up the stand in the basement with my friend, Sol, who also had loads to offer. She brought the clothing racks, hangers and baskets (the center doesn’t provide you with anything but the space). She also bought a folding screen so that people could try on clothes behind it.
As soon as the market opened to the public at 11am, it was non-stop selling and bargaining all day long. It was actually really fun and exciting, and even nerve-racking. We had no idea if we were going to sell anything or not. Not to mention, price-wise, it’s not so easy to know what people will pay for used clothing items.
Fortunately, our stand was really successful, partly because of our portable dressing room, and partly because we engaged with every person we caught peering through our items. We held up our best dresses and leather boots, showed them off, and told people they looked great in them. It worked!
We didn’t get out of there until 9pm. Good thing for the stand selling quiche and coffee. And I must say, it felt like I had only been there an hour. The time just flew.
Whether or not you want to get a stand, or just browse through second-hand goods, Adelita Market is great. Some of the vendors are rookies, like me, and some have been doing this for years and have racked up great collections. You’re bound to find something amidst the labyrinth of stands, and even if you don’t, you’ll be in Malasaña so you can grab a beer right afterwards.
In the photo below, the lady standing on the left is wearing the Swedish Hasbeens boots that I sold her for 10E!
Check out their Facebook page where they announce the dates.
Hours: 12am-9pm
When: one weekend per month (usually both Sat and Sun, but it’s best to check out their Facebook page for specific times and dates)
Address: c/ Espiritu Santo, 23
Metro: Noviciado/Tribunal
*They’ve also started to hold Adelita Market in Majadahonda. See dates on FB page.
