Beehive Co-op opened in Atlanta in 2004 to rave reviews. Atlanta Magazine reported, "It's a simple concept, brilliantly executed: Gather the cream of Atlanta's artisan crop and rent them booths in a former gallery space for a small fee plus four hours of work in the store per week.
The result. A well-edited collection of affordable, locally produced goods in an atmosphere with the thrill of a bazaar but the tidy merchandising and "cool quotient" of your favorite boutique".
Beehive focuses on products designed and produced by local artists and emerging designers. The boutiques within a Beehive Co-op offer a wide array of items including jewelry, clothing, handbags, stationery, kids items, home accessories and furniture all with a modern sensibility.
Beehive co-op was conceived of by Petra Geiger, a graphic designer by training, who personally struggled to find an appropriate outlet for her handmade handbags and stationery line.
After meeting many other local artisans in the same predicament, and with the image of antique malls in her head, Petra sensed that setting up a co-op of dedicated designers was a perfect solution for both the designers and for customers who are craving unique items in an age of mass production.
Designers benefit from having a permanent boutique space to test new products and develop merchandising and branding for their products as well as being a part of a supportive community that shares advice and resources. Customers get a great place to shop that breathes some life into the otherwise ordinary shopping experience.
