Ep 8. Antiquing in Canton, TX (Part 1)
- October 15, 2012
In Market Warriors Season 1 Episode 8, titled "Antiquing in Canton, TX (Part 1)," the warriors travel to the small town of Canton, Texas, for one of the largest outdoor flea markets in the world. The episode follows four expert antique pickers as they scour the market for valuable finds, competing against each other in a bid to make the most profit.
The warriors are introduced to Canton by host Mark L. Walberg, who explains that the market is open only four days a month and lures in thousands of vendors and shoppers. As the warriors spread out to search for treasures, they must work against the challenges of uncooperative vendors, fickle customers, and the unpredictable Texas weather.
The first picker we meet is Bob Richter, a designer and dealer from New York City. Bob has a keen eye for vintage clothing and home decor, and he wastes no time diving into the endless racks of clothing and piles of tchotchkes. He finds a few promising items right off the bat, including a set of mid-century modern glasses and a vintage quilt, but struggles to negotiate with the vendors.
Next up is Miller Gaffney, an art consultant from South Carolina. Miller has a background in appraising and authenticating artwork, and she hopes to find a valuable piece to add to her collection. She spots a painting in a booth and immediately recognizes it as the work of a famous artist, but the price is high. Will she be able to haggle down the price and make a profit?
The third picker is Kevin Bruneau, an auctioneer from Rhode Island. Kevin has a talent for spotting high-end antiques and collectibles, and he sets his sights on a booth full of antique dolls. He quickly realizes that the vendor has overpriced most of the dolls, but he does manage to snipe a rare German bisque doll for a steal. Will it be enough to give him the edge in the competition?
Last but not least is John Bruno, a picker from Connecticut who specializes in industrial and architectural salvage. John has a unique approach to sourcing his items, often looking for discarded objects in junkyards and abandoned buildings. At Canton, he finds a booth with a variety of architectural pieces and manages to snag a set of antique porch columns. Will his unconventional method pay off in the end?
The episode ends on a cliffhanger, with the warriors tallying up their profits and anxiously awaiting the results. Who will come out on top and be crowned the Market Warrior of Canton? Tune in to Part 2 to find out!