Gold Star Vintage is Richmond, Virginia’s first worker-owned cooperative for vintage and maker goods.
Founded by Olivia Friedrichs (Together Vintage) and James J. Rich (Bird Like Dog).
The members met at pop‑up markets around Richmond, VA doing what they love. Each of them had long dreamed of having a space to call their own and to bring community together. By coming together as a collective and a cooperative, they are able to support one another and turn those shared dreams into reality.
The cooperative currently hosts pop-up events throughout Richmond and plans to open a brick-and-mortar location in Brookland Park, in early 2027!
Beyond retail, Gold Star Vintage will host educational workshops, neighborhood events, community markets, donation drives, and programming that encourages entrepreneurship, creativity, and collaboration. These events will connect aspiring business owners with experienced vendors, introduce neighbors to local artists, and provide a welcoming space where relationships can grow alongside businesses.
Together, we can build something that belongs to all of us.
We can't wait to welcome you through our doors!
what is a worker owned cooperative?
“An autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise.” In other words, cooperatives are created by people who have a specific need and who are willing to work together to operate and organize a company that will meet that need.
why a cooperative?
creates a work environment that builds trust, equity, growth and solidarity
creates an authentic democratic system with a balance of power
creates a work environment that people want to show up for because it is theirs. They have ownership and purpose.
business owners who do not have the capital and assets to start independently are able to start as a cooperative with collective capital and assets
builds a stronger community
Photos by Amy Robison