What Is a Collective Store?
A collective store is more than just a place to shop—it’s a community-powered retail space where multiple small businesses, artists, or makers come together to sell their products under one roof. Unlike traditional retail, where one business owns and operates the entire store, a collective store is shared and often cooperatively managed by its participants.
🤝 How It Works
Each vendor or maker pays a small fee to rent shelf or booth space, and in return, they get to showcase and sell their goods in a physical location—often without having to staff it themselves. Some collectives are juried, meaning vendors are selected based on quality or fit, while others are more open and inclusive.
🌿 Why It Matters
Collective stores are a win-win for both shoppers and makers:
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For shoppers: They offer a one-of-a-kind shopping experience filled with handmade, local, and small-batch items you won’t find in big box stores.
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For makers: They provide visibility, reduce overhead costs, and foster community with other creatives.
🛍️ What You’ll Find
Collective stores often feature a mix of:
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Handmade soap and skincare
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Artisan jewelry and home goods
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Local art and photography
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Upcycled fashion and sustainable products
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Specialty foods and gifts
There’s no official count that specifically tallies all “collective stores” in the U.S.—these are niche, often locally-run shared retail spaces. However, here’s what we do know:
📊 Broader Retail Landscape
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As of 2023, there were about 1.07 million brick-and‑mortar retail establishments across the country. (Resource link)
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Within that immense number, only a small fraction are cooperatives, shared retail collectives, or other collaborative retail spaces.
🐻 Across Northern California—including grocery co‑ops, food/bakery collectives, artist/maker spaces—we’re looking at around 20–25 collective stores and enterprises. Keep in mind this doesn’t cover smaller pop-ups, seasonal markets, or informal vendor-sharing shops.
Why Are Retail Collectives Important? Retail collectives give small businesses a chance to grow without the high cost of a solo storefront. They create space for creativity, community, and collaboration—empowering makers, artists, and entrepreneurs to thrive. When you shop at a collective, you’re not just buying a product—you’re supporting local dreams, sustainability, and a more connected way to shop.
That Sage Life currently offers its full product line at two collective retail locations:
1️⃣ The Northside Collective, 356 Merchant Street Vacaville
As Vacaville's first-ever Collective store owner, TNC takes immense pride in supporting and showcasing the talents of our local and non local community. The goal is to create a welcoming space where creativity thrives, and connections are made.
2️⃣ The Wild Grove Collective, 510 Main Street, Woodland
Wild Grove Collective is a curated marketplace in Woodland, CA featuring over 30 local makers, artists, and small businesses all under one roof. From handmade jewelry and candles to natural skincare, home goods, clothing, and unique gifts—you’ll find something truly special every time you visit. This is more than just a shop—it’s a community.