New collaborative retail marketplace offers curated mix of clothing, accessories, home items, art and gifts by locally-owned and independent retailers
(SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ.)- A new kind of shopping experience is coming to Scottsdale this Fall. The Merchantile of Scottsdale (3965 N. Brown Ave. in Scottsdale) is a new 5,400 sq. ft. boutique marketplace featuring a curated mix of locally-owned and independent merchants including clothing, accessories, home decor, art and one-of-a-kind gifts. The new type of retail startup allows small companies to share space — and foot traffic — in brick-and-mortar stores.
"The vision behind The Merchantile's co-retail concept is to help small local businesses grow by offering a trendsetting destination retail space with an ever-changing mix of hip products cultivated by Arizona tastemakers and artisans," said Founder Kimberly Pak.
In recent years the Valley has seen a rise in startup tech hubs and business incubators, but fewer opportunities exist for small retailers to find their footing in the crowded commercial real estate space. Founders Kimberly and Eugene Pak spearheaded the co-retail initiative to address the need for a collaborative small business incubator specifically for retailers and creatives in Scottsdale.
For the first time in Arizona, independent brands will have the opportunity to have a brick-and-mortar storefront within a bustling retail destination in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale without the overhead costs of operating an independent location.
Eugene Pak, Co-Founder, The Merchantile of Scottsdale
Aliging with global retail trends creatively adapting traditional to evolving market trends, The Merchantile of Scottsdale is a beautifully curated concept store where locals and visitors alike can gather, shop an array of high-quality goods and meet the craftspeople, designers and artisans fueling the next generation of retail small business in Arizona. The Merchantile will also function as an event space by partnering with community organizations and brands looking to host public and private functions and pop-up events.
Located in the historic building that was home to the iconic Saba's Western Store for over 60 years, The Merchantile of Scottsdale offers a sleekly designed boutique shopping experience with a chic desert-modern aesthetic that celebrates the essence of Old Town Scottsdale. The airy, indoor marketplace is fully air-conditioned and will be open year-round on Tuesday through Sunday.
At The Mercantile of Scottsdale, visitors can:
- Shop an array of clothing, accessories, home decor, art and gifts from local vendors, craftsmen and small businesses
- Learn from local artists and craftspeople
- Create your own in the DIY area
- Attend a variety of shopping, creative and social events
- Snap photos in an Instagram-worthy space
- Sip ice cold beverages and artisan coffee from an onsite vendor
- Relax and enjoy our indoor seating area and modern desert aesthetic
Designed to be a turn-key retail opportunity for established brands, The Merchantile of Scottsdale hopes to bridge the gap between online retail and the traditional retail shopping experience. “Opening an independent retail location is a dream come true for any small business owner, but overhead expenses and the challenge of generating traffic are big concerns that keep many small business owners from taking the next step, Pak said. The Merchantile of Scottsdale is designed to take the operational burden off the shoulders of up-and-coming brands by providing everything a brand would need to open a retail location without the overhead costs. "When a brand joins The Merchantile, they become part of a community of like-minded small businesses and brands looking to grow their businesses together," she said.
The Merchantile of Scottsdale launched its search for vendors earlier this year, amassing a wait-list of over 100 brands. The retail complex is currently accepting vendor applications from brands offering a variety of inventory including clothing, accessories, home goods, art and more. The Merchantile of Scottsdale will host an informational Open House for interested vendors on August 13th at 6pm For more information about The Merchantile or to apply to become a vendor visit www.themerchantile.com.
"We are actively looking for brands looking to join The Merchantile's exciting and diverse product mix. Curating a unique mix of products and vendors is key to creating a one-of-a-kind shopping experience so we are always on the lookout for new and exciting vendors to join the mix. It will be an exciting place to support local."
Kimberly Pak, Co-Founder, The Merchantile of Scottsdale
The Merchantile of Scottsdale is anticipated to open in October 2019.
For more information about The Merchantile or to apply to become a vendor visit www.themerchantile.com. For additional images or to schedule an interview contact Melissa Lively, The Brand Consortium PR.
Artist renderings of The Merchantile of Scottsdale by Ryan Tempest ART
