Atlas offers a voice to impartial and sustainable manufacturers in Los Angeles

On February 1, the UC Berkeley graduate, Andrew Buxton, opened a brand new conceptual retailer on the Westfield Century Mall, devoted to sustainable and artisanal merchandise of impartial vogue and sweetness manufacturers, about half of that are native Angels

“Initially, we found new manufacturers by way of social networks and personally we contact each as soon as,” mentioned Buxton. “As soon as we launched our Instagram account and had extra presence in social networks, the dynamic modified manufacturers started to speak with us! Whereas our choice primarily presents US manufacturers, we additionally carry some excellent worldwide labels. We search our manufacturers that prioritize sustainability and moral practices, but in addition have convincing missions and pushed by the aim. Our strategy is in designers and producers passionate a few constructive affect by way of their commerce. “

Occupying an area of three,100 sq. ft beforehand held by Lululemon, the collection of Atlas has about 120 sustainable manufacturers in a variety of value.

“Our first Atlas retailer is designed with a timeless coastal aesthetic to be heat and comfortable, creating an area the place clients really feel welcome and impressed to find new manufacturers,” Buxton defined. “A key factor of our design are the devoted plates for every of our manufacturers, which affords a quick however important imaginative and prescient of its mission and historical past. We imagine that this private contact encourages a deeper connection between clients and the impartial manufacturers that we defend, a lot of that are experiencing a standard retail commerce for the primary time. “

From day by day and the event, the surf Journey Suply and Aisol, to the viral magnificence merchandise of Kikiz Cosmeticz and the artisanal candles of Soleia Lane, Atlas affords one thing for everybody. Amongst them is Lalela’s scarf, a model that donates 100% of its income to Lalela, a non -profit group that provides creative schooling to younger folks in South African communities with little sources. The designs are created utilizing the unique artistic endeavors of the scholars of Lalela, which makes a sustainable artwork cycle that modifications life.

On the jewellery facet, Sky Metals Gallery was based by a mom of a kid with particular wants. On the lookout for an exit to specific their creativity, he resorted to elaborate delicate and on a regular basis items that additionally enable him to return. With every buy, Sky Metals Gallery donates a part of their income to the Hydrochalus affiliation, an in depth and beloved group for the guts of the founder Caitlin Campbell.

For many who search to find a brand new cult of worship, Nhobias, a model of luxurious clothes primarily based in New York is devoted to contributing steadiness and unity to a world filled with extremes. From on a regular basis Athleisure to an sudden flip in traditional kinds, Nhobias has the mission of elevating the bar, selling concepts that foster important pondering, dialogue and development.

Atlas, which doesn’t talk with its remuneration technique with the compromised manufacturers, hopes to reinvent trendy retail commerce by bringing shoppers again to brick and mortar shops.

“Every of our manufacturers has its personal on-line presence, so by offering them with the bodily area to point out their unimaginable items and tales in excessive -traffic purchasing locations,” Buxton added. “They’re able to join with shoppers in a very new method that might by no means have been obtainable for them. Over the past decade, retail commerce has turn out to be extra aggressive and particularly difficult for small promising manufacturers. Atlas was created to be a springboard for our manufacturers, permitting them to develop, acquire worthwhile concepts and obtain the success they deserve. “

Buxten, who grew up in Los Angeles, noticed Westfield Century Metropolis Mall as the right place for his or her idea: “Los Angeles is a perfect metropolis for the launch and development of Atlas. One of many world leaders in vogue and way of life traits, Los Angeles has such a wealthy community of small manufacturers, creatives and patrons on the lookout for new and revolutionary retail experiences. With an emphasis on sustainability and acutely aware consumerism, we’re bringing greater than 100 small, numerous manufacturers ethically made to excessive -traffic locations. Atlas affords a retail mannequin that not solely complies, however raises the expectations of the patrons of Los Angeles, “added the founder.

With the help of a number of famend buyers, the ATLAS undertaking received for the primary time in regards to the entrepreneurship professor Umair Khan. “As a founding companion in Mentors Fund, [Khan] He determined to help Atlas and have become our first investor, “Buxton mentioned. The undertaking obtained the help of one other Berkeley professor and guitar hero, Charles Huang, in addition to a visitor speaker and co -founder of Lime, Brad Bao.

With solely 19 years, Buxton admits that his younger age was not an issue. “Age doesn’t should be an obstacle,” Buxten mentioned. “The truth is, I see it as a bonus. Nonetheless, I acknowledge that, to succeed, I’ve to point out myself and be keen to be taught and belief those that have extra expertise within the trade. Whereas working with Umair, I found that I’m the primary scholar wherein he has risked and invested. He acknowledged that I’m younger and that individuals will ask him: “Can a 19 yr outdated obtain this?” Questions like these shouldn’t have to be seen as expressions of doubt or hesitation. I see them as motivators to beat the bounds of what may be anticipated from a younger entrepreneur. ”

After the opening of Atlas in Los Angeles, Buxton is already pondering of extending the idea to different necessary cities corresponding to San Diego and San José, earlier than taking Atlas to different key markets in america shortly after.

“A central a part of our mission is to make sure that as Atlas grows, lots of the manufacturers we defend develop with us,” Buxton added. “Every new location affords our impartial manufacturers the chance to succeed in new audiences, serving to them to climb in a method that feels natural, sustainable and supplies important info in several markets. We’re enthusiastic about the way forward for Atlas and proceed supporting rising manufacturers on their journey. “