OLD MADE NEW: Refurbished Funky Wares Ready for Your Home
Collective Charm Antiques, Studio 111 owners craft and curate some of the coolest vintage pieces in the area
With a brand-new exterior, Johna and Aaron Stern are keeping all things that make Collective Charm in downtown Chippewa Falls unique after purchasing the business in July 2022. Home to 65-plus unique merchants, guests can find paintings, posters, sculptures, collectible trinkets, comics, records, vintage clothing, and unique vintage and antique items around every corner. “Charming” is the perfect way to describe the shopping experience.
The owners’ passion for vintage and antique wares stemmed from their furniture refinishing business, named Studio 111, which has called Banbury Place “home” In Eau Claire for the past three years. “This business really put my passion for vintage and antiques into overdrive,” Johna explained. “I became obsessed with restoring vintage furniture and making pieces that were ultimately going to the dump look new and trendy again.” With some commissioned pieces, some of the furniture makes its way to the floor at Collective Charm for purchase.
Wanting to extend their passion for small businesses, Johna and Aaron hoped to provide opportunities to entrepreneurs of all ages. Vendors have many opportunities for success at Collective Charm, from small “incubator” booths to booths rented by the square foot. Interested folks will find that the only requirement is being passionate about vintage, sustainability, and collectibles (and to possess a little bit of courage)!
“During the first year of operating this business we have become vividly aware of not only our fantastic local customer base from the Chippewa Valley and surrounding communities, but also wonderful out-of-town new and repeat visitors that stop in to explore our aisles,” Johna explained. “We love hearing the stories of nostalgia when our guests find items from their past.”
The Sterns look forward to working with other local vintage and antique businesses and expanding their “Charm School” experience. Charm School provides the Valley with group experiences where guests are able to learn new skills or crafts from local instructors. Folks can also expect to see a new “grand opening” at their Chippewa Falls location, with dates coming soon.
With merchandise changing daily, you’ll want to stop by often as there is always something new to see!
Learn more about changes at Collective Charm Antiques online or visit 16 W. Columbia St., Chippewa Falls, and Studio 111 online or visit 930 Galloway St., Banbury Place Building 13. Collective Charm was voted No. 1 in this year’s Best Of the Chippewa Valley Reader Poll for Best Antiques/Old Stuff Shop.
