Eclectic OCC.

For Colorado Springs residents who cherish local craftsmanship, sustainable living, and finding truly unique items, Eclectic OCC (Old Colorado City) is a captivating destination. This isn't your typical retail store; it's a vibrant collective comprised of over 70 local, small businesses, all under one roof. Situated in the charming and historic Old Colorado City, Eclectic OCC offers a thoughtfully curated collection of handmade goods, vintage finds, and one-of-a-kind pieces that truly reflect the creative spirit of our community. Whether you're searching for the perfect gift that tells a story, or simply want to treat yourself to something special and meaningful, Eclectic OCC promises a shopping experience unlike any other in Colorado Springs.

This article is designed to be your comprehensive guide to Eclectic OCC, highlighting what makes this collective a suitable and exciting point of interest for locals. We'll explore its unique business model, the diverse range of products you can discover, and the overall atmosphere that sets it apart. Understanding the ethos behind Eclectic OCC – supporting local artisans and sustainable practices – can enrich your visit and deepen your appreciation for the talent right here in Colorado. From charming handmade keychains and luxurious soaps to stylish clothing and exquisite jewelry, Eclectic OCC embodies the essence of local pride and creativity.

The concept behind Eclectic OCC, and its sister store Eclectic CO. downtown, is to provide a permanent home for artisans and makers who might otherwise struggle to find consistent retail space. By operating on a model where vendors pay a reasonable rent and a low commission, and often contribute hours working in the shop, it fosters a supportive community where customers can directly connect with the creators behind the products. This collaborative spirit is a significant part of what makes Eclectic OCC a special place in our Colorado Springs landscape. Let’s dive into the specifics of this unique establishment.

Eclectic OCC is conveniently located at 2518 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, USA. This address places it squarely in the heart of Old Colorado City, a historic district renowned for its charming Victorian architecture, unique boutiques, art galleries, and diverse dining options. The vibrant atmosphere of Old Colorado City itself makes Eclectic OCC an integral part of a larger, enjoyable outing.

Accessibility to Eclectic OCC is generally good for Colorado Springs residents. Old Colorado City is a very walkable area, encouraging leisurely strolls between shops and restaurants. Parking can be found along West Colorado Avenue, which includes both metered street parking and various public surface lots nearby. While street parking can be busy during peak hours, especially on weekends or during special events in Old Colorado City, there are several paid parking lots available throughout the district. For instance, the City of Colorado Springs operates surface lots with hourly rates, and free parking is often available on Sundays in city-operated garages and lots. For those utilizing public transportation, Mountain Metropolitan Transit bus routes serve the Old Colorado City area, making it accessible via bus. Visitors can consult the transit authority's website for the most up-to-date schedules and stop locations. The store's position on West Colorado Avenue, a central thoroughfare, makes it easy to spot and integrate into a broader exploration of Old Colorado City.

Eclectic OCC functions as a collective showcasing the work of numerous local artisans. This means its "services" are primarily focused on offering a diverse retail experience, but also include support for the makers themselves. Here's a breakdown:

• Curated Retail Collection: The primary service is providing a retail space filled with handmade, unique, and often sustainable goods from over 70 local small businesses. This includes:
  • Handmade Keychains and Soaps: Unique, crafted accessories and personal care items.
  • Clothing and Jewelry: Apparel options and a wide array of handcrafted jewelry, including spoon rings and wire-wrapped pieces.
  • Pottery and Woodworking: Artistic and functional pieces for home decor.
  • Vintage Items: Carefully selected vintage clothing, accessories, and other treasures, often sourced from local purveyors.
  • Art Prints & Photography: Works from local artists, including unique cyanotype prints.
  • Candles: Hand-poured candles with various scents and unique packaging, including wood wick options.
  • Bath Products: Handcrafted bath bombs and other luxury bath items.
  • Leather Goods: Including keychains and other small leather items.
  • Greeting Cards & Stickers: Often featuring Colorado themes or unique designs.
  • Floral Arrangements: Featuring fresh and dried flowers from a local farm.
  • Self-Care Products: Items like non-toxic, sustainably sourced skincare.
  • Totes & Upcycled Items: Handmade sustainable totes and upcycled soft toys.
• Support for Local Artisans: By offering a collaborative retail model (reasonable rent, low commission, and volunteer hours), Eclectic OCC supports local artists and makers, allowing them to showcase and sell their creations without the overhead of their own storefronts.
• Personalized Shopping Assistance: Often, the individuals working in the store are either the owners or the artisans themselves, providing a unique opportunity for customers to meet the creators and learn directly about the products. This can lead to highly personalized recommendations.
• Gift-Buying Destination: The wide variety of unique, one-of-a-kind items makes it an ideal spot for finding thoughtful gifts for any occasion. They also offer gift cards.

Eclectic OCC stands out in the Colorado Springs retail landscape due to several distinctive features and highlights:

• Collective of Local Small Businesses: A primary highlight is its unique co-op model, bringing together over 70 independent Colorado artisans and makers under one roof. This fosters a true sense of community and provides unparalleled variety.
• "One Stop Shop" for Handmade & Unique Goods: As described, it's the "perfect place to buy a gift or shop for yourself" due to its diverse collection of handmade keychains, soaps, clothing, jewelry, pottery, woodworking, and vintage items. Every visit can feel like a treasure hunt.
• Emphasis on Local & Sustainable Products: Eclectic OCC is committed to offering "local, sustainable and handmade goods." This appeals to environmentally conscious shoppers and those who wish to support the local economy directly.
• Opportunity to Meet the Makers: Because vendors contribute hours working in the shop, there's a higher chance for customers to interact directly with the artisans who created the products, offering a more personal and engaging shopping experience.
• Constantly Evolving Inventory: With so many individual vendors, the merchandise is continually changing and being updated, ensuring that there's always something new to discover with each visit. Many items are truly "one-of-a-kind."
• Located in Historic Old Colorado City: The store's setting within the charming and historic Old Colorado City district enhances the overall appeal, providing a unique backdrop for discovery and making it part of a larger, enjoyable outing.
• Focus on Quality and Craftsmanship: Vendors are vetted to ensure they are a good fit within the Eclectic culture and sell "unique, high-quality products."
• Ideal for Gifting and Special Occasions: Given the unique nature of the items, it's an excellent spot for finding distinctive wedding gifts, bridesmaid gifts, or items for other special occasions.

While a past customer experience noted an issue with product display and handling of a broken item, the overarching mission of Eclectic OCC remains its dedication to showcasing local talent and unique finds.

Eclectic OCC, as a collective of small businesses, focuses on providing fair pricing for its unique, handmade, and often one-of-a-kind items rather than traditional, large-scale promotions or sales events. The "promotion" lies in the inherent value of supporting local artisans and acquiring truly unique goods that often carry a story.

• Inherent Value of Handmade Goods: The pricing reflects the craftsmanship, time, and materials invested by local artisans, offering authentic pieces that often cannot be replicated by mass-produced items.
• Support Local Economy: Every purchase directly supports individual small businesses and makers within the Colorado community, which can be seen as a form of "promotion" for conscious consumers.
• Gift Cards: They offer gift cards, which are a flexible "promotion" for gift-givers, allowing recipients to choose from thousands of unique items from various vendors.
• Possible Vendor-Specific Offers: While not a store-wide policy, individual vendors within the collective might occasionally offer their own promotions or discounts, which would be specific to their products. It's always worth checking with the individual artist if you are interested in a specific product.

Given the nature of the business, Colorado Springs locals should approach Eclectic OCC not with the expectation of deep, department-store-style discounts, but rather with an appreciation for the intrinsic value and unique stories behind each artisan-made product. The focus is on quality and originality, rather than aggressive promotional pricing.

For direct inquiries or to learn more about the unique offerings at Eclectic OCC, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 2518 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, USA

Phone: (719) 633-5803

Mobile Phone: +1 719-633-5803

You can also find more information about Eclectic OCC and its vendors through their website, shopeclecticco.com, and their social media channels, including Instagram (@eclecticocc.). These platforms often showcase new arrivals, featured artisans, and insights into the collective's work, providing an excellent way for Colorado Springs residents to stay connected.

For Colorado Springs locals, Eclectic OCC is an exceptionally suitable and enriching point of interest, particularly for those who champion local businesses and appreciate unique, handcrafted goods. Its location in the charming and walkable Old Colorado City makes a visit not just a shopping trip, but an enjoyable outing that can be combined with exploring other local shops, galleries, and eateries in a historic setting.

The core strength of Eclectic OCC lies in its innovative co-operative model, which directly supports a large community of over 70 Colorado-based small businesses and artisans. This means that every purchase made at Eclectic OCC directly contributes to the local economy and helps sustain the livelihoods of talented individuals right here in our state. For residents who are passionate about "shopping local" and finding gifts that truly stand out, this is the ideal destination.

The constantly rotating inventory, featuring everything from handmade keychains and soaps to clothing, jewelry, pottery, and vintage items, ensures that no two visits are exactly alike. This makes Eclectic OCC a perpetual "treasure hunt" for one-of-a-kind items that you simply won't find in larger chain stores. While a past customer experience highlighted an isolated issue with product handling, the overarching feedback points to a store filled with delightful discoveries and a commitment to showcasing local creativity. For those seeking authentic, meaningful, and sustainably-minded products, Eclectic OCC offers a truly distinctive and valuable shopping experience right here in Colorado Springs.