A Fontana swap meet has announced its plan to shut down next month after more than three decades, forcing dozens of businessowners to pack up and move out in a month.
Several vendors inside the Fontana Indoor Swap Meet said that they were notified on Wednesday that the location will close after 32 years.
“Upset, frustrated — I couldn’t eat or sleep,” said Heidie Kim, who owns JJ Hosiery inside the swap meet. “There are 70 vendors and a lot of workers.”
Kim said her retail shop and many other businesses are being pushed out after the owner of the swap meet sold the property.
“We were shocked because we prepared for Christmas with a lot of items,” Kim said. “Some people bought t$60,000 worth (of merchandise). I don’t know what to do.”
The vendors have about a month to prepare, Kim said, because their move-out notice said Jan. 19, 2026 will be the last business day for the swap meet.
Some vendors, like Jun Jeong who owns 77 Portrait Studio, had no words on how or where they will continue to do business.
“I have no idea (where I’ll be going),” Jeong said.
And because many of the vendors are in their 60s and 70s, moving businesses out at their age is a challenge on its own, they said.
The Fontana Indoor Swap Meet also announced on social media its plans for closure without providing any reason for the decision.
“It’s kind of sad to see a community closing up that we were fond of,” said Lydia Elizondo, a customer. “Their bargains are great, and the people are great.”
Another customer expressed disappointment as her family has been frequenting the swap meet for years.
“I have a necklace from my grandma from one of the stores,” Luz Perez said. “We have been coming here for years. It’s sad to see this situation happen.”
The vendors said they were hoping to get more answers about what happens next when years of hard work and becoming embedded in the Inland Empire community disappear.
“If the owner wants to sell, it’s OK. It’s their choice, but why didn’t they let us know before Christmas season?” Kim asked.
The Fontana Indoor Swap Meet declined to speak with NBC Los Angeles.