Kei Collective is relocating its Phoenix shop to Chandler Fashion Center at 3111 W. Chandler Blvd. The new store, located on Level 2 near Dillard’s, will open on October 15. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 1 p.m. that day.
The current location at 2303 N. 44th St., Suite 11, will remain open until December 15. Both stores will operate during that two-month transition period.
Co-owner Stella told What Now Phoenix that the current layout influenced how the team planned the Chandler store.
“Currently, our unit is bisected because it’s a combination of two existing units. But now everything will be in one room, and we’ll also have complete creative control over how the unit is designed. We’re very excited to show that off,” Stella said.
Kei Collective currently carries work from more than 100 artists, along with products from several independently owned brands. The additional space in Chandler will give the team room to add more vendors.
The mall’s small-business program was one reason the owners chose Chandler Fashion Center. Stella also noted that many Kei Collective customers already visit the area for businesses connected to Japanese pop culture.
Kei Collective opened in 2019 and sells alternative clothing, footwear, accessories, art, jewelry, stationery, and home goods. Its owners, Andrea, Stella, and Skylar, met on the local convention circuit after spending years running independent brands.
Before opening the store, the three owners organized themed fashion meetups in public places. The gatherings gave people a chance to share their personal styles and meet others from the local alternative-fashion community.
“From there, the need became increasingly obvious to us. People want a place where they can gather, indulge in this interest, and connect with other people who share the same interest,” Stella said.
That goal still guides the business.
“We really wanted a central community hub for the folks who create and consume in these fashion realms. We also really wanted this to be a safe space for people who maybe are a little bit shy or in some way marginalized and discouraged socially from trying the fashion that they want to try.”
For opening day, Stella said the store will hold hourly giveaways and give deluxe goodie bags to the first 100 customers who spend at least $100. Every customer who makes a purchase will receive a smaller free item.
The celebration will continue through the weekend, with discounts for select brands. Kei Collective will also continue hosting events at both stores until the Phoenix location closes.
In the meantime, follow Kei Collective on Instagram for opening updates.
