Blending nostalgia, creativity, and community, the new market offers curated vintage finds, local vendor support, and a welcoming space for all

ATASCADERO — Crystal Bergman, the founder and owner of Atascadero Vintage Market, is bringing a fresh vision to downtown Atascadero with a vibrant, community-driven vintage market. Together with her assistant manager Cheri Pehrson, Bergman is filling a gap in the local retail scene by offering a curated space that blends affordability, creativity, and a touch of nostalgia.

Bergman’s decision to open the Atascadero Vintage Market was fueled by a combination of opportunity and passion. “Atascadero has a momentum right now,” she explains, noting that the affordability of brick-and-mortar rentals compared to neighboring areas like Paso Robles, Morro Bay, or San Luis Obispo made it an ideal location. The timing was perfect, with downtown Atascadero undergoing upgrades, including new parking and street improvements, enhancing the area’s appeal. The historic building housing the market adds a unique charm, making it a “dreamy, fun venture” for Bergman.

The market fills a niche in Atascadero’s retail landscape. While thrift shops and consignment stores exist, Bergman saw an opportunity to create something distinct. “We wanted to bring a different flavor,” she says, emphasizing a “hip” and modern aesthetic that appeals to a broad demographic, particularly those aged 25 to 45. By branding it a “vintage market” rather than an “antique mall,” Bergman intentionally targets a younger crowd while still offering something for everyone.

Bergman’s confidence in launching this venture stems from a lifelong immersion in entrepreneurship. Raised in a family of business owners, she grew up surrounded by the hustle of customer service and retail. Her grandparents owned a gift shop and restaurant at the Los Angeles Union Train Station, and her mother ran a health food store, restaurant, and dress shop. “I was running the register from a young age,” Bergman recalls, crediting her “scrappy Irish business people” roots for her comfort in the entrepreneurial world.

Her experience as a vendor at her parents’ Treasures Antique Mall in Morro Bay for 15 years further honed her skills. Refinishing furniture and curating vintage finds became a creative outlet and a way to teach her daughters — now nearly 16 — about financial savvy and the value of secondhand goods. “It’s a good business model,” she says, noting the flexibility it offers for “mompreneurs” and the potential for passive income through a collective approach where vendors share rent and responsibilities.

The Atascadero Vintage Market is more than a retail space; it’s a community hub designed to foster creativity and connection. Bergman envisions it as a place where vendors can express their artistic talents — whether through refinishing furniture, sewing, or reimagining vintage pieces — while also providing affordable, unique finds for shoppers of all ages. “We want something for the whole family,” she says, emphasizing a welcoming environment free of inappropriate items like tarot cards or anything not family-friendly.

Featuring 28 hand-selected vendors, the market showcases a wide array of treasures—from mid-century modern gems to trending antiques—capturing the renewed popularity of vintage style. “Vintage is a big umbrella,” says Bergman, explaining that items 20 years and older are considered vintage, while those 50 years and older qualify as antiques. This inclusive definition appeals to a broad audience, from teens to grandparents, with a focus on quality and affordability. Standout vendors include Revamped the Collection, How the West Was Worn, Hollyhock Finds, Union Haul, Bell House Vintage, and Golden Girls Vintage.

Bergman is passionate about preserving the tactile, in-person experience of shopping. “We don’t want to forget the value of touching the actual physical book, smelling the paper, or listening to the scratchy vinyl,” she says, underscoring her commitment to reviving the “small town USA vibe” of brick-and-mortar retail. The market’s collective model supports independent business owners, dividing the financial burden while creating a vibrant shopping experience that encourages repeat visits.

Bergman’s partnership with Pehrson, whom she met through estate sales, has been instrumental in bringing the market to life. Despite their relatively new friendship, their shared vision and complementary skills have made them a dynamic team. Additional support from friends, including a bookkeeper and a graphic designer, has helped turn the vision into reality. Bergman’s husband also played a key role, offering encouragement and support for the venture.

Looking ahead, Bergman hopes the market will inspire the next generation of creatives to pursue side hustles that blend passion and practicality. For the Atascadero community, she aims to provide a resource where everyone can find something special, whether it’s a unique gift, a piece of furniture with a story, or simply a place to browse and enjoy “shopping therapy.” With a website in development and a focus on in-person experiences, the Atascadero Vintage Market is poised to become a beloved local destination.

To learn more, follow the Atascadero Vintage Market on social media and stop by the shop in downtown Atascadero to discover its thoughtfully curated treasures. As Bergman says, “It’s about bringing back that community vibe and giving people a place to connect, create, and find something unique.”

You can find the Atascadero Vintage Market at 5850 El Camino Real, Atascadero.

Feature Image: Crystal Bergman (left), founder of Atascadero Vintage Market, and assistant manager Cheri Pehrson (right) stand at the entrance of their vibrant, community-focused shop in downtown Atascadero. Photo by Hayley Mattson/ATN