By HAYLEY HARMON
6 News Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) - Since Turkey Creek Public Market is closing its doors in West Knox County, vendors who rent booths are getting help to find new locations.
The market, located on Outlet Drive, announced to staff and vendors Sunday that it will close next week. Sunday, July 29 is the last day it's open.
Many of the vendors say that when they found out the place they've been selling their products for nearly a year would close, they were worried about what to do next.
However, it turns out the owners of the market have already helped many of them scout out possible new locations.
"We were just lucky to be there for a year and do well," said one vendor, Charline Pratt.
"You're in this sort of business, like the flea market or public market, you're sort of used to relocating," she added.
Pratt says the management of the market has been instrumental in helping the nearly 200 other vendors find new homes. "They're really concerned about us and what we're going to do because they know their decision affects us," she said.
It's help Pratt says she can't do without. "It's unmeasurable and quite honestly, if the owners of Turkey Creek had not helped all of us, we would be in a bind," she said.
The market posted on its Facebook page Sunday afternoon telling vendors how to contact the Great Smokies Flea Market near Sevierville to rent a booth there.
That's where Pratt was Monday, securing her spot. She says a lot of other vendors will go there, too.
Vendors who are interested in spots at Great Smokies should call Linda at 865-932-3532.
Pratt has also heard talk about some of the vendors starting their own market. "This is not a bad deal. We can do this. We can do that. We're going to hate leaving the market," she said.
She says saying goodbye is the hardest part. "You know I'm going to miss my customers something fierce. I hope they come up here," she said.
According to the notice delivered to vendors, the booths have to be cleared out no later than August 5.
"You know I'm going to miss my customers something fierce. I hope they come up here," Charline Pratt said.
