CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- On Saturday, a multi-vendor retail space officially opened in Plaza Midwood.

• Charlotte Collective, an alternative retail shop, features 17 businesses selling products ranging from candles to jewelry in one location. 
• Vendors are sharing the costs and the work of having a brick and mortar store. 
• The Charlotte Collective will remain at its location in 1222 Central Avenue through August.

As part of their grand opening event of the Charlotte Collective, a local baker and a DJ were at the store, which helped draw a large crowd even before the store opened. 

Rachelle Campbell who owns L.A. Suds, a business with handcrafted bath and cosmetic goods, said before she joined the Collective, she was having a hard time finding an affordable retail space. 

“We all wanted a retail location. Some of us didn’t want to financially jump out there for a brick and mortar. We thought it would be a great collaborative effort to come under one roof," Campbell said. 

The vendors are sharing the costs and the work of having a brick and mortar store. 

Shani Amara who sells jewelry at the multi-vendor store said having different products at one location can also be beneficial to all vendors.

“It draws a bigger crowd to have more than just one business because you attract so many people with a variety of products so it’s easier to come together. We all take turns working the store and just donating time and doing social media and everything. It’s just one big group, one big group effort," Amara said. 

The Charlotte Collective will remain at its location in 1222 Central Avenue through August. However, there is the possibility it will be there longer.