Do you love the idea of buying local, but lack the time to traipse all over town to find the perfect item?
Simple solution: Eclectic CO.
What Is It?
Well, a bit of everything.
Launched in 2018, Eclectic showcases a gorgeous selection of handcrafted items and services from local artisans and makers. This collective, owned by Peri Bolts and Ani Barrington, comprises two unique shops – one downtown; another in Old Colorado City.
The merchandise? Leather. Candles. Artwork. Jewelry. Vintage. Cards. Clothing. In other words, if you’re searching for that special something for your house, for your wedding or for a gift, Eclectic should be among your first stops.
They even have a florist in house.
“We have somebody who is working on her own farm,” Peri says. “She brings us everything from dried flowers in the winter to fresh flowers in the summer. And she has beautiful arrangements and other fun, floral-themed gifts.”
Can’t decide? How about a gift card good on thousands of handmade, one-of-a-kind and vintage items from 80 vendors?
Cooperative
A few years ago, Peri attended a pop-up market. The quality of the goods impressed her, but when she asked the vendors where she could find them in the future, they gave three options: farmer’s markets, pop ups and Etsy.
“That model can’t work for makers,” Peri says. “It’s exhausting to live this pop-up life of hauling your things around. And also as a consumer, I want somewhere reliable, 7 days a week, where I can go and get a local gift.”
So, in 2018, she opened Eclectic as a permanent home for artisans and makers in Colorado Springs. And she decided to zag on the business model. Instead of requiring vendors to pay high commissions to the shop based on their sales, she asked them to instead pay a reasonable rent, a low commission and volunteer a few hours each month to work in the shop.
“The model has just really worked like a dream,” Peri says.
Bonus: When you walk into the store, you’re likely to meet one of the owners and one or more of the artisans. Where else does that happen?
And these folks are lovely. A community. Peri and Ani vet their vendors thoroughly to ensure they are a good fit within the Eclectic culture and sell unique, high-quality products not already represented at the store.
“We’re in a place now where somebody’s hobby is awesome, but really we’re looking for someone who has a business plan and a level of seriousness about their small business,” Ani says.
About 80 vendors from across Colorado’s Front Range rent space at the two Eclectic shops. Retirees. Working moms. People with another 9-5 job. And some fortunate artists, who have transitioned their small businesses to their full-time jobs.
“That’s really the sweet spot for us,” Peri says. “How can we get them to a place that their small business is profitable enough for them to really pour their all into it?”
Second Shop + Big Dreams
A little secret: The two Eclectic stores are different. They have different vendors, different merchandise and a different feel.
“There are a few items that overlap, but most everything is going to be one-of-a-kind,” Ani says. “Even the ones that overlap may be doing entirely different things in each store.”
In other words, visit both shops. And perhaps in the future, you’ll be able to visit Eclectic shops when you’re traveling, too. Ani and Peri have big dreams.
“The sky’s the limit,” Peri says. “We have seen this model work so well and been able to replicate it really beautifully in our city. We really believe that this can work anywhere there is someone to shepherd the vision.”
They are visiting with beloved former vendors who have moved elsewhere about the possibility of opening Eclectic shops in their new cities.
And closer to home? They’re raising awareness about the value of shopping local in Colorado Springs.
“Anybody who is deciding to do the Target thing over us, we want them to at least give us a shot so that we can try to prove to them that they can find what they need here, as well,” Ani says.
Colorado Springs Community
The past year has been tough for businesses. But Eclectic has shifted, adapted and grown – due in large part to the residents of Colorado Springs.
“I’m really proud of our community and the way they have rallied around small businesses,” Ani says. “It’s just been incredible to watch in the midst of such a difficult year how much support we’ve gotten from top to bottom.”
Peri agrees. “Colorado Springs really sprung into action to help protect their small businesses. We’re just so fortunate to have already existed in this city, so much so that we opened a second store during a pandemic. I don’t know anywhere else that that would have worked.”
Website: https://shopeclecticco.com/
Facebook: @eclecticcolorado
Instagram: @eclecticco._
Weddings are an Eclectic specialty.
“You’re getting something that no one else is going to have for your special day,” Peri says.
Think vintage jewelry. Reception hall decorations. Candles with custom labels. One-of-a-kind woodworking or photography pieces. Unique bridesmaid gifts. Leather goods or candles in repurposed beer cans or bottles for the groomsmen.
