T-L Photo/CARRI GRAHAM Hershel Dutton stands inside his new business, Martins Ferry Swap Meet and Flea Market, located at 413 Locust St. The shop is now open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday.

MARTINS FERRY — A new business has opened its doors in the city — Martins Ferry Swap Meet and Flea Market is helping to fill a void in the area, according to owner Hershel Dutton.

Dutton, who is an auctioneer by trade, opened the shop up in mid-October on the side of the Fourth Street Plaza. He initially rented the space for storage; however, not long after he did that he was loading up some of the items and people walking by began to ask him if they were for sale. This sparked the idea to open up the shop. He said he wanted to begin selling the treasurers, and allow others to do the same.

The market carries a variety of new, used and antique items.

“I’ve got tools, toys, yard equipment. We have a little bit of everything. I have a consignor coming in who makes her own crafts. I’ve got another guy who is bringing Christmas decorations. … Basically you name it, we have it,” he said.

Dutton said the shop is unique to the city.

“There’s nothing like this in Ferry, that I’m aware of. The public has been really open to it and said, ‘We really need something like this,'” he said.

“In the winter we’ll be inside and in the spring we’ll have people set up outside with their tables. We want to start an old-fashioned flea market. You can walk in here and buy something brand new for Christmas or you can buy an antique for someone who likes antiques. It’s everything in one place.”

Dutton said he is a member of the Ohio Valley Street Survivors Car Club and enjoys giving back to those in need. One day, he took all the proceeds from his sales for the day, purchased toys and donated them to the House of the Carpenter in Wheeling.

“It was a pretty good haul of toys. … We do it every year. We purchase toys to give out for Christmas. That’s what we strive for all year,” he said.

Martins Ferry Swap Meet and Flea Market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday at 413 Locust St., though Dutton said he occasionally stays longer depending on how long the vendors and customers want to be in the store.

Dutton said he is looking for additional vendors who would like to set up inside the store to sell their goods. Those interested can call him at 740-671-5559.