The History of Ceasars Bay Bazzarr

Hey everyone, welcome back to *Brooklyn Echoes*, the podcast that keeps the borough’s legends and memories alive. I’m your host, Robert Henriksen.

# The History of Ceasar’s Bay Bazaar: Brooklyn’s Flea Market Phenomenon

Nestled along the waterfront in Brooklyn’s Bensonhurst neighborhood, Ceasar’s Bay Bazaar stands as a testament to the borough’s evolving retail landscape. What began as a bustling indoor marketplace in the 1980s has transformed into a modern shopping center, but its origins and impact on local culture remain a cherished part of Southern Brooklyn’s history. Often misspelled as “Caesar’s,” the name honors its co-founder, Ceasar Salama, and evokes memories of weekend bargains, independent vendors, and community vibrancy.

## Roots in Retail: The E.J. Korvettes Era

The story of Ceasar’s Bay Bazaar begins with the site it occupied—a former E.J. Korvettes department store. Korvettes, a discount chain founded by Eugene Ferkauf, opened its Bensonhurst location around 1967 near Bay and Shore Parkways. This marked one of the first major retail developments in the area, which previously featured warehouses, docks, piers, beaches, and residential homes. The store was part of a chain known for slashing prices on appliances and other goods, even landing Ferkauf on the cover of Time magazine in 1962.

However, Korvettes declared bankruptcy in 1980, leaving the massive Bay Parkway site vacant. By 1981, negotiations were underway to repurpose the space. Enter Ceasar Salama, a tablecloth businessman, and his partner Joseph Gindi. They envisioned transforming the 100,000-square-foot building into a vibrant bazaar, capitalizing on the entrepreneurial spirit of local vendors. Salama, whose family had experience in wholesale, saw potential in creating a space where merchants could sell directly to consumers at discounted prices.

## Grand Opening and Heyday: A “Department Store Gone Crazy”

On June 4, 1982, Ceasar’s Bay Bazaar officially opened its doors, boasting 2,000 parking spaces and a weekends-only operation. It housed hundreds of independent vendors—over 500 at its peak—offering everything from clothing and jewelry to home goods and electronics. Described by Salama as “like a department store gone crazy,” the bazaar emphasized quality merchandise without the trappings of a traditional flea market: no used items, inferior goods, or tax evasions. Vendors adhered to strict rules, including a seven-day refund policy, and the space quickly became a weekend institution for Brooklynites seeking bargains.

The bazaar shared the building with a Toys “R” Us that opened in September 1982, adding to the family-friendly appeal. Its location adjacent to the Belt Parkway and on landfill overlooking Gravesend Bay made it a convenient destination, drawing crowds from across the borough. For many, it was more than a shopping spot; it was a cultural hub where entrepreneurs thrived and shoppers haggled for deals.

## Decline, Closure, and Rebirth

Despite its popularity, Ceasar’s Bay Bazaar operated for just 13 years, closing in 1995. The closure wasn’t due to failure but rather an irresistible offer from Kmart, which took over the space. This marked the end of the bazaar’s unique vendor-driven model, as the site shifted toward big-box retail. After an unsuccessful search for a new Brooklyn location, the operators attempted a revival on Staten Island in 2002, but it was short-lived.

The original site evolved into the modern Ceasar’s Bay Shopping Center, now owned by G City and featuring national chains like Kohl’s (which replaced Kmart), Toys “R” Us, Babies “R” Us, Modell’s, Best Buy, and others. The area faced challenges, including damage from Superstorm Sandy in 2012, but has rebounded as a community hub. Some locals express concerns about gentrification, as new stores potentially draw business away from nearby strips like 86th Street.

## Legacy: From Bargain Haven to Waterfront Retail

Today, Ceasar’s Bay Shopping Center continues to serve Brooklyn’s residents, blending its historical roots with contemporary convenience. The bazaar’s legacy lives on in nostalgic stories from “Southern Brooklynites of a certain age,” who recall the excitement of its cavernous halls and entrepreneurial energy. What started as a bold experiment on a bankrupt department store site has endured as a symbol of Brooklyn’s adaptability, turning a bayside landfill into a lasting retail destination.

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