Barge North Company is opening at 2924 College Ave. in Berkeley. This will be the third brick and mortar location for the family-owned business, founded by Kristen Young and Ford Norris. Young confirms that they aim to open later this year in time for the holiday season.
Barge North Company sells a consciously curated selection of clothes, homewares, apothecary items, jewelry, and wall art. Inspired by the slow fashion movement, their clothing collections for men, women, and children are sourced from ethically made and sustainable brands. Other goods that they have for sale are handcrafted by small, independent business owners based in the U.S.
Young and Norris opened their first store in Mendocino in the Spring of 2017. Two years later, they expanded to the eco-friendly Barlow Market in Sebastopol. Their passion for conscious shopping is now expanding to Berkeley.
The shop will be taking over a 900 square-foot retail space that previously used to be greeting card chain, Papyrus. Young says that on top of pending zoning clearances and business license approvals, preparations for the store are still underway, including building their own tables and displays. Until Barge North Company officially opens, Berkeley locals can shop online at www.bargenorthcompany.com.
