I'm going to start off this review with full disclosure - I have been a vendor at Dr Fleas for the last three years, most currently as the owner of Bella Cucina Pizza in the Food Court. That being said, this is not a biased review but an honest one. As in life, no business is perfect. There are highs and lows, good things and bad. I believe that a review should reflect this to give potential customers a true picture of a business. I don't want customers to be disappointed with their experience at a business simply because the reality of their visit did not match the glowing reviews they read online. On the flipside, I don't want them to choose to avoid a business based on overly negative reviews that deny the positives that can be found in any business, and miss a potentially great experience there.
In General, Dr Flea's is one of the brighter and cleaner Flea Markets around. I don't notice any particularily offensive odors, nor any dirty or filthy areas. There are numerous garbage cans around the market, which the staff diligently empty as needed. Any trash on the floor due to patrons not using the garbage cans is quickly disposed of when seen by staff. The staff are friendly, and very approachable. They will let you know where to find what you are looking for, and will even take a few minutes to chat if you want.
There is a lot of repetition - Mutiple Cell Phone booths, perfume booths, clothing booths, etc. But remember, a typical flea market booth is about 10' x 7' - definitely not the same size as most retail stores. So, even though there might be several booths selling the same TYPE of item, they aren't all selling the SAME items, or at the same price. For example, when you go to a mall, there are also several cell phone stores, but it's not like they are all BELL, or all ROGERS. To state that the flea market has several cell phone booths all selling the SAME thing is disingenous, and does not recognize the inherent variety contained in their offerings. So yes, there are multiple booths selling SIMILAR items, but each one is unique in what it offers. On the other hand, there are many booths that are unique in their offerings that get glossed over by many reviews. At times there may be an overabundance of booths selling particular items, but in my opinion that is better than having fewer choices with more empty booths. You might miss out on that one item you've been looking for because you don't bother dropping by.
There are various restaurants, not only in the food court, but at the North End of the market, and outside in the courtyard. Everybody has different taste when it comes to what kind of food they enjoy, so not everybody is going to appreciate or like all the food that is being offered, but there is something for everyone. And just because it is offered in a flea market does not mean it is dirty or unsafe. All the restaurants are subject to the same Dine Safe Health inspections required by any restaurant in Toronto.
There is a large farmers market in the greenhouse out in the courtyard. While it is true that on any given week-end some of the vegetables and fruits look like they have seen better days, many of them look and feel just fine. They provide a really good deal, especially considering the low prices you pay. Buy what you like, leave what you don't, and you will still come out on top in the value department.
Go to Dr Fleas and take a look around, it won't cost you anything to visit. If you see something you don't like, go up to the office and let them know - they want you to have a good experience so you will be a returning customer. Don't let bad reviews turn you off from visiting Dr Fleas, give it a chance at least once, then make up your own mind. Remember, the only bad experience is the one you let someone else talk you out of. read more