As an “ever-evolving collective that develops and markets curated products, services, and experiences,” Free Market is a beautiful new addition to Denver's retail landscape. Bringing doses of style and services from both Los Angeles and New York, this mixed-discipline “bazaar style” shopping experience has put down roots within Denver’s eclectic micro-district, Dairy Block.
Raan and Lindsay Parton, the husband-and-wife team that makes up two-thirds of the brainpower behind Free Market, have extensive history in retail, having created two brands of their own, Alchemy Works, a California-based retail, gallery, and event space concept, and Apolis, a globally-sourced men’s clothing and accessories brand.
After a Warby Parker pop-up was such a hit that it became a permanent shop-within-a-shop at both Alchemy Works locations, the Partons were inspired to create a collective-style retail experience.
This success was the foundation on which Free Market was built, as the Parton’s embraced and enhanced the idea that compatible brands could come together in a shared space for the benefit of both the seller and the shopper. The couple took their idea one step further, rolling service and hospitality into their retail concept to round out the consumer experience.
Free Market functions as a collective of complimentary shops, restaurants, and services, including Westerlind, Beauty Counter, Ayr, Aesop, LA-based knitwear and interiors brand Jenni Kayne; French-California inspired leather goods brand Clare V., and the Partons’ own Alchemy Works, which offers modern homewares, jewelry, and contemporary apparel brands.
For food and drink, Free Market has harnessed the gastronomic skills of James Beard Award-nominated Chef Kelly Whitaker in the form of open-concept restaurant and bar BRUTØ. The cherry on top of the Free Market experience is Rosemont Barber & Supply, an intimate four-chair barbershop.
In addition to its permanent vendors, Free Market also hosts monthly pop-up shops and activations. Starting in mid-September, shoppers can explore a curated collection of sustainable and non-toxic products from The Conscious Merchant while enjoying a photo installation courtesy of Artifact Uprising. Additionally, as a way to encourage meaningful interaction between Free Market and the larger Denver community, weekly aperitivos take place every Thursday from 5-7 p.m., featuring free wine, appetizers and a selection of discounts and deals from each shop.
In creating a space that combines food, drink, gorgeous product, and local services, Free Market is a welcomed new addition to the energy, excitement, and innovation already present and thriving within the Denver community.
Free Market Fall Inspiration:
Alchemy Works: Denver Apolis Market Bag ($68)
AYR: The Robe in Camel ($595)
Beauty Counter: Holiday Set
Bruto: Masa yuzu oyster ($5) with hearth fired piada bread ($8)
Clare V: Camel Simple Tote ($495)
Jenni Kayne: Cashmere Fisherman Sweater in Oatmeal ($395)
Rosemont: Holiday collection:
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Crown Shaving Co. “The Shave Kit” ($77)
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Supreme Glide Shave Gel ($25)
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Shave Cream ($19)
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Aftershave Lotion ($20)
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Aftershave Tonic ($24)
Westerlind: Men’s Power Houdi ($250) & Women’s Power Houdi ($150)
FreeMrkt.co @freemarket.co