Monthly vintage market returns to downtown Atascadero
Organizers aim to increase Sunday foot traffic in downtown area
– Traffic Jam Vintage & Handmade Market will return to downtown Atascadero for its second season, with events scheduled for the third Sunday of each month beginning April 19.
The market, hosted by local vintage sellers Jen Pedersen and Amy Beams, features more than 25 vintage dealers, artists, and handmade vendors. It is held in the back parking lot behind Golden State Goods on Traffic Way, alongside nearby businesses including Wendy White’s Bakery, Decades, and Gordon’s Good Games.
Pedersen and Beams began as pop-up vendors, traveling to markets across the Central Coast and throughout California. After identifying a lack of markets in North County, they started their own event in downtown Atascadero.
“Now there are a ton of markets,” Beams said. “We love all the markets, and it allows us to curate a little more than we did last year.”
Beams said the increase in markets presents a challenge rather than competition.
“I literally had someone in my shop telling me there are too many markets now, which I actually think is a good challenge for all of us,” she said. “It makes me want to really differentiate our market from the rest and give shoppers a reason to come — and not see the same things month after month. That’s not a good business model.”
The market focuses on curated vintage clothing, handmade goods, art, and small makers, with a rotating group of vendors each month. Beams said the vendor entry fee increased from $25 to $40 to support marketing efforts.
“We raised our fee from $25 to $40 so that we can put more money into marketing. It’s still a very low entry fee,” Beams said.
Organizers said hosting a monthly outdoor market in a parking lot presents logistical challenges, particularly during summer months.
“We made it through July and August last year,” Beams said. “The sellers get creative. We don’t have electricity, but one vendor brought two fans hooked up to her tool battery. Genius.”
Beams owns Golden State Goods in downtown Atascadero and is also a partner in Fieldwork, a community art and workshop space. She said Sundays are typically slower in the downtown area, and the market was created to increase foot traffic.
Pedersen said the goal is to support vintage and handmade sellers while encouraging visitors to explore downtown Atascadero on Sundays.
The Traffic Jam Vintage & Handmade Market takes place monthly in downtown Atascadero. Handmade and vintage vendors can apply through the market’s website.
