Talking Business: Small Modern Market Offers Thrifty Local Finds in Castle Rock | Local business

Erica Schwartz has been the co-owner of Little Modern Market in Castle Rock since December 2020. It was a quick process, she said, as the store opened “in the dead of the pandemic” and has grown tremendously since then. A waiting list for potential suppliers.

The vendors are small business owners and everyday residents who have crafts, candles, vintage items and even skin care they want to sell.

“It’s always changing,” Schwartz said. “There’s always something new to see.”

Schwartz and her husband go out of their way to select unique and locally sourced items, she said. Business owners are encouraged to not only rent a booth in the store, but to work shifts in the store to see which items are doing well and get to know their customers.

The clothing and furniture tend toward the bohemian and vintage style Schwartz has recently gained popularity for. She says their commitment to that aesthetic is the reason they’ve seen a jump in customers recently.

In the two years since opening their doors, Schwartz said they still sometimes see longtime Castle Rock residents who didn’t know there was a small modern market. That, combined with the recent relaxation of pandemic restrictions, has allowed the market to grow, host pop-ups at community events and become mainstream staples, she said.

Schwartz grew up in the trucking world. As a child, her mother owned a consignment shop, and Schwartz said she liked the idea of ​​finding unique items at discounted prices.

In December 2019, Schwartz moved to Winlock. Months later, even in the midst of a global pandemic, she and the market’s co-owner were able to find a location and secure it in August 2020. In December 2020, they were able to open their doors.

“The stuff we carry, it’s not stuff you find at Target or Wal-Mart…it’s one-of-a-kind finds,” Schwartz said. “We avoid acquisitions from large corporations.”

You’ll also get requests from various community members, especially home decor and baby clothes. Schwartz said she believes they will fill a void in Castle Rock’s offerings for children because there aren’t many options for new families in town.

Little Modern Market hosts sales on the first Friday of every month, where customers get 20% off their purchases. Seasonally, like back to school and during the holidays, they also offer discounts to customers.

People who have vendors in the store and decide to work a shift will get a discount on booth prices, Schwartz said.