South Trading Post: How Three Young Entrepreneurs Grew the Popular Flea Market in Metro Manila
On their ‘Southversary,’ the trio behind South Trading Post celebrate a year of growth and look back on their incredible journey of building a community
There’s always some kind of connection formed between business and their clients—whether it’s a partnership, loyalty, or a sense of community. But for three men in their twenties, they didn’t just start a business—they built a family. South Trading Post (STP) has grown to be a go-to weekend destination in the metro, fueled by the founders’ penchant for community-building and their shared appreciation for fashion, art, and local culture. Like any great flea market, STP is all about the buy-and-sell hustle with an exciting mix of local apparel and vintage finds. Yet, what truly keeps STP alive is the sense of belonging it creates, ensuring shoppers leave with more than just their bags full of purchases—but a reason to keep coming back for more.
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The ‘Southversary’
Over a year ago, South Trading Post was merely an idea waiting to take shape, inspired by co-founder Justin Francisco’s passion for the market. Having spent time in the US, home to a lively and prevalent flea market culture, he was motivated to replicate that same concept back home but with a focus on what truly resonated with the tastes and preferences of the Filipino community. “We wanted to bring that experience here, especially to the South where we’re from and where all three of us are actually born and raised,” Francisco shared, referencing his two other partners, John Reyes and Dime Ocampo, in their three-man team. Fast forward to today, where STP has evolved into a hub for creativity and community, hosting a year’s worth of events that patrons all over the metro eagerly attend.
A year later, they celebrate their first anniversary—a ‘Southversary’ as they call it—with their largest flea market yet held at the Alabang Town Center. Packed with all-day flea market activities that spanned three full days, the event attracted an even larger crowd than previous markets, proving that the STP community is more alive than ever. Shoppers from different parts of the metro flocked to support local brands such as Miu The Label and Homura, alongside vintage gems like Love, Dianna and Clockwork Vintage.
Home Sweet South
At the heart of South Trading Post lies its growing community, a place where every visit feels less like yet another shopping trip and more like a reunion. “The community is everything,” co-founder John Reyes shared. This almost familial bond transcends the shoppers; it includes merchants who have become friends over time, many of whom have been with STP since their very first event. “We realized that there’s this strong community where everyone feels like they belong, and I feel like it’s a common sentiment among the merchants as well; they feel like they’re bigger than just a market,” Reyes adds. “Yes, it’s a market, but what it truly strives to be is a community-centered organization.”
Despite what its name suggests, South Trading Post isn’t a Southern secret; it has a certain pull that draws patrons from all corners of the metro, braving through traffic just to bag their next vintage or local find of the month. During the Southversary, shoppers took home stories to tell, tangible pieces of memories, and even a fresh new tattoo, thanks to the photobooths and mobile tattoo parlor present during the occasion.
The Power of Three
Running this business as a trio is no small feat, but with a shared vision and plenty of camaraderie, Justin, John, and Dime make running STP look as easy as pie—albeit a very busy pie. Marketing Head Dime Ocampo revealed how they managed to pull off nearly 20 events in just over a year. “I’d say we complement each other really well because we divide our parts very equally,” Ocampo shared. “We like to complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and honestly, the way our ideas bounce off each other really come together to make events possible.”
For two weeks before the Southversary, they practically took up residence at the Alabang Town Center, making daily trips to ensure that every detail was spot on. “We’ve been crashing at each other’s houses to make sure everything gets done on time,” Dime laughed. Looking ahead, they share that expanding the team is definitely in the cards, but for now, they’re proving that, sometimes, all you need is a strong bond with your team and a whole lot of hustle and hard work to get the job done.
Featured Image and Photos: SOUTH TRADING POST and ALABANG TOWN CENTER (via Instagram)
The post South Trading Post: How Three Young Entrepreneurs Grew the Popular Flea Market in Metro Manila appeared first on MEGA.South Trading Post: How Three Young Entrepreneurs Grew the Popular Flea Market in Metro Manila
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