Narrative Oakland, we have two words: Thank you! Vanessa! Yes, thank you for having the entrepreneurial spirit, vision and determination to open your modern vintage collective in Jack London Square. And there’s even Artist’s studios in the back!
It was love at first sight as we walked through the door and were welcomed by your canine store greeter. Then, as we all glanced around and surveyed your emporium, it became immediately clear that you have given Oakland a special piece of shop local heaven. We always say that shopping Oakland sparks joy and you are proof of that several times over.
It’s a delight to browse the various sections of the shop to peruse mid-century modern, antiques, 80s, and vintage stock. You have it all: furniture, art, and home decor. What a joy to flip through the old albums, examine the 60s glassware, and check out the varied artwork collection. We imagined what a countless number of furniture pieces might look like in our homes.
We are in awe of the eclectic and endless selection. And, amazingly, all of it looks lovingly cared for, or restored, like new. Like really new. In fact, we have to wonder if you have a secret time machine that takes you and the other dealers back to anywhere in the 1950s to the late 1980s and beyond. Obviously, you use time travel to bring us back all of these priceless-but-reasonably-priced treasures, right?
A Reason to Shop Local in Oakland
You’re a great example of why we think it’s so important to shop local and #keepitoakland. This is the magic of Oakland: Our independent merchants like you. Each one of you brings something different to the new, or mid-century, vintage, or antiques, or second hand, upcycled, or Oakland and Bay Area made table. And it’s not just what’s in your shops that’s so special. You’re all so talented and devoted to your enterprise. You have an impressive depth of knowledge about your products. You’re warm, welcoming, and helpful. And, you care about our community. No ecommerce behemoths could ever replicate you with algorithms or bots. You’re all Oakland originals.
More About Narrative
Vanessa conceived of and founded Narrative. She carefully selected the other dealers who share the space–except Dan who freely admits that he begged to be brought into the Narrative family to sell his “junk”. We met Rebecca from Honey Vintage and Dan the day we took pictures.
What they carry: Furniture, home decor, posters, paintings, art, records, home goods, curios, Dan’s junk, and other stuff
