Hoffman's Gore St. Flea Market

147 Gore Street E

Meet Eli Hoffman. Eli is continuing the family business started by his father David Hoffman on May 28, 1928. David and his wife Rebecca set up their first dry goods store at 155 Gore St. East, about 1/2 block south of the current location. The business started under then named M K & Son, a partnership between David and his father-in-law.

The Depression years struck and family members pitched in to keep the business running. Rebecca took on duties as a sales clerk as well as being a housewife. Israel, their son helped in the store while attending Perth Collegiate.

The business moved to its current location in 1942 where they acquired the Glidden Paint agency. Although paint would become a significant portion of their sales over the years, yardgoods, footwear, work clothes, ladies wear and small wears were the mainstay of the store in the 40's. The first world war would interrupt the family business as son's Israel and Joe joined the RCAF. After the war, Joe returned to the business while Israel went off to University

In 1947, David formed a partnership with his son Joe, and the store name changed to David D. Hoffman and Son. In October, 1956, David's sudden death meant the business would be carried on by his wife Rebecca and two sons Joe and Eli. Eli worked part time in the business until he graduated from secondary school, when he joined the business full time.

The floor covering business slowly took over the bigger part of the bsuiness. This meant that a 3000 sq. ft. Butler Building addition was erected at the rear of the store in 1970, and a further 2000 sq. ft. was added in the summer of 1975. In 1978, the business celebrated it 50th anniversary.

Fast forward to 2004, and the store with over 6000 square feet of indoor space has been transformed into a collaborative flea market with over 40 participating vendors. Multiple vendors rent space inside and outside the building.

Hoffman's has now added a loft area with 850 sq. ft. and plan to introduce the 1200 sq. ft. driveway area for a daily presence for some of the merchants from the Perth Farmers' Market .

Be sure to look for the information center brochure rack for information about other Perth Businesses you should visit.

Visit the website for Hoffman's Gore Street Flea Market for more information.

The basement, pictured at right is interesting, if only for the massive trees that make up the main joists of the buildings construction.

See "Gore Street East - North Side" on 'Your Quick Guide to the Downtown Merchants of Perth'