Pensioners in Novosibirsk are turning to spontaneous flea markets to sell unwanted items and supplement their meager incomes. These makeshift markets, often found in central squares and streets, offer a variety of goods, from used toys and books to potted plants and homemade items.

Many of the sellers are elderly individuals struggling to make ends meet on their pensions. They see these markets as a way to not only earn extra money but also to socialize and declutter their homes.

One woman, who wished to remain anonymous, explained that she was selling her grandchildren’s old toys and school supplies. Her grandchildren had grown up and no longer needed the items, and she preferred to sell them rather than throw them away. She allowed buyers to determine the price of her goods.

Antonina Viktorovna, another seller, was found in front of the Central Market, selling Soviet coins, novels, dried wormwood, and handkerchiefs. She explained that her small pension and the need to buy food and medicine forced her to trade. She sold her items for as little as 25 rubles.

Flowers and plants are also common items at these flea markets. One woman, who did not want to be identified, sold indoor plants from her extensive collection, ranging in price from 50 to 200 rubles. She mentioned that she was aware that trading in that location was illegal but still wanted to participate.

The spontaneous flea markets in Novosibirsk provide a glimpse into the struggles of pensioners and their resourcefulness in finding ways to cope with financial hardship. While the city government has been trying to regulate non-stationary retail facilities, these informal markets continue to exist as a vital source of income and community for many elderly residents.