Junkin’ with Heart: Join us for a Conversation with The Great Junk Hunt’s Linda Albers
We’re thrilled to share a recent interview featured in the Dallas Morning News Home Section, where journalist Raya Rockwood interviewed our founder, Linda Albers. In this Q&A-style conversation, Linda shares the inspiration behind The Great Junk Hunt, what makes each event special, and why she believes in the power of vintage to transform any space. Whether you're a longtime junker or new to the thrill of the hunt, this interview offers a behind-the-scenes look at the passion and purpose driving one of the country’s favorite vintage markets.
Raya: I love that you started this adventure with your sister. I’m close with my sister, so this was a delightful thing to read on the site. Is this still a sister act?
Linda: I kicked off this adventure with my sister, but as the years went by, we started to head in different directions. She was drawn to the idea of a brick-and-mortar shop, especially with little ones at home, while I was all about expanding the market scene, craving more freedom and exciting new possibilities.
Raya: I imagine it has evolved a lot over the years.
Linda: My son JT has now joined me on this adventure, bringing a burst of youthful energy and enthusiasm to the team. With plenty of marketing experience, he’s been a fantastic addition, taking our events to the next level with fresh ideas and innovative strategies.
Raya: I see there are nine total markets.
Linda: In 2025, we’re excited to host 16 markets, traveling up and down the West Coast and expanding to Texas and Tennessee. It’s going to be an amazing year, bringing our one-of-a-kind event to new places and welcoming even more vendors and shoppers!
Raya: How and why did Dallas make the lineup?
Linda: Dallas is a perfect fit for The Great Junk Hunt for several reasons! The city has a vibrant and eclectic vibe, with a love for unique, vintage, and one-of-a-kind finds. The city’s flair for creativity makes it the ideal place for an event that celebrates the thrill of the hunt and the joy of discovering hidden gems!
Raya: What about Dallas made it a good fit?
Linda: Dallas is a central hub in Texas, attracting a lot of foot traffic and visitors looking for something special. The city also has a rich history of shopping events, so locals are used to supporting local markets, making it a great environment for The Great Junk Hunt to thrive!
Raya: Do you travel with your own finds and treasures and then incorporate local vendors from each town?
Linda: Yes, we travel with our own curated items and also incorporate talented local vendors at each stop. Along with them, we’re lucky to have a handful of vendors who follow us from show to show, bringing their incredible finds and adding even more variety to each market!
Raya: Any particular challenges bringing a flea market to multiple cities?
Linda: Bringing a flea market to new cities definitely comes with its fair share of exciting challenges. For one, navigating local rules and permits can feel like a game of "find the treasure" (but with paperwork!). Securing the perfect venue is a bit like hunting for the perfect spot to showcase all the amazing finds—it's all about the right space for vendors, parking, and that perfect vibe. Building excitement and engaging with the local community is like making new friends—there’s nothing better than seeing people get excited about The Great Junk Hunt. But in the end, overcoming all these little hurdles makes our show even more rewarding, and we wouldn’t have it any other way!
Raya: If you have any quick stories about a crisis or a funny tale, I’d love to hear it.
Linda: Oh, we've had some wild moments! One time, during a downpour, our venue flooded overnight. Our entire staff was up all night—bagging sand into sandbags, sweeping out water, and doing everything we could to protect our vendors' treasures. It was like we were on a mission, working together to save the day! Despite the chaos, we managed to pull it off and keep everything safe. It's one of those stories we laugh about now, but at the time, it was all hands on deck to make sure the show went on!
Raya: How would you summarize the style and types of things Dallasites will find at their local market?
Linda: In Dallas, watch for a rustic cowboy flair, adding a touch of Western charm to the market with unique, locally inspired finds.
Raya: In scouting for things around the country over the years, are there any things that delight you from Texas or particular things you enjoy discovering in Texas versus other states?
Linda: Texas is a goldmine when it comes to vintage treasures! You can find everything from vintage cowboy boots, saddles, and Native American rugs to farmhouse furniture, old signs, and vintage jewelry. It's kind of like Southern charm meets Tex-Mex flair
Raya: If someone is new to purchasing an antique or vintage treasure to incorporate in their home, how would you recommend they start? Any particular objects or methods?
Linda: I’d probably begin with something small like a vintage sign or a piece of retro jewelry. Vintage signs have great character, telling a story about a place or era, and they’re easy to display at home. Retro jewelry is timeless and adds a touch of uniqueness to any outfit. Starting small allows you to get a feel for the hunt while also picking up something that will always have a special place in your home.
Raya: Linda, do you have any favorite or special things you are always on the lookout for?
Linda: I collect vintage radios and have a wall full of them displayed in my home. My collection spans different styles, colors, and eras, each with its own special story. It’s particularly meaningful to me because my dad was a radio DJ and owned a radio station, so these radios connect me to my dad in a really personal way.