A bustling flea market thrives at the final stop of Novosibirsk’s tram number 13, offering a mix of goods and a glimpse into the lives of its vendors and customers. The market, a relic of the 1990s, operates despite signs prohibiting trade in the area.

Many of the sellers are elderly women, often grandmothers, who rely on the market to supplement their pensions. Anfisa Danilovna, an 80-year-old vendor, sells belongings left by her daughter and son-in-law, finding both financial assistance and social interaction through her sales. She laments the high cost of medicine and utilities, highlighting the struggles faced by pensioners.

The market attracts a diverse clientele, including migrants seeking affordable clothing and pensioners looking for bargains. Some buyers seek cheap clothes, while others search for unique items and a sense of community.

Despite its popularity, the market faces challenges, including police crackdowns and competition for space. Sellers express a desire for a designated trading area that is clean and organized, suggesting they would be willing to pay small fees for such a space.

The “big flea market,” located behind a high fence, offers a wider array of goods, including tools, dishes, clothing, and even food. Olga Mikhailovna, another pensioner, sells items she doesn’t want to throw away, noting a recent decline in migrant customers.

Locals have mixed feelings about the market, with some viewing it as a “Field of Miracles” that has relocated over time. While some avoid the area, others remember its past and its role in providing goods that were once scarce.