A new pop-up marketplace, the Chartreuse Microbus Collective, is breathing life into the former Porter Square Books location. Organized by Lexie Hofer Griffith, this temporary market will feature vintage and artisan goods from mid-November to March, with a grand opening on December 1. The venture aims to create a vibrant community hub for local businesses and shoppers during the holiday season, filling the space before Cambridge Naturals expands into it next year.
From Empty Shelves to a Bustling Marketplace
The transformation of the vacant bookstore has been a swift and passionate project for Lexie Hofer Griffith, the founder of Lexie Butterfly Vintage. Griffith saw the empty space as a unique opportunity to foster community and creativity, describing her collaboration with the shopping center and the neighboring Cafe Zing as a “serendipitous operation.”
Almost immediately after the bookstore relocated in October, work began to create the pop-up. The response from the local business community was overwhelming. Griffith has already received 62 applications from vendors eager to participate. Space is being allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring a diverse and exciting mix of local talent.
A Holiday Destination for Local Goods
The Chartreuse Microbus Collective is designed to be a prime destination for holiday shoppers. Griffith emphasized that the products will be festive and gift-friendly to align with the season. The layout is being carefully planned to ensure all vendors get good visibility and foot traffic, creating a supportive environment rather than a competitive one.
The core mission extends beyond just commerce. “We are a convoy of vintage goods from bygone eras,” Griffith stated, highlighting the goal of keeping money circulating within the local economy. A few of the confirmed vendors include:
- Wu Made
- La Roux Vintage
- Unpredictable Finds
This focus on local artisans ensures that shoppers will find unique items while directly supporting their community.
An Origin Story of Resilience and Passion
The inspiration behind the collective is deeply personal for Griffith. Her love for vintage fashion was sparked by her “fashionista” mother. After a devastating house fire in 2010 destroyed their family’s belongings, Griffith began a mission to find and reacquire her mother’s cherished wardrobe from flea markets and vintage shops. “Most things I’ve actually been able to reacquire,” she shared. This personal quest became the foundation for her business, Lexie Butterfly Vintage.
The name “Chartreuse Microbus Collective” itself is a nod to the song “Convoy” by C.W. McCall, which describes a diverse group of trucks traveling together. Griffith sees her collective in the same light. “We are a convoy together through this tumultuous holiday season,” she explained, uniting small businesses to thrive together.
A Bright Future for the Plaza
While the pop-up is temporary, the space’s future is secure. Cambridge Naturals, a local health and wellness store and a 50-year tenant of the plaza, will expand into the location after March. Emily Kanter, the co-owner of Cambridge Naturals, expressed her enthusiasm for the pop-up, noting, “We share a lot of customers, and we both share a really strong commitment to creating welcoming community spaces.”
The expansion will nearly double the size of Cambridge Naturals, which Kanter said has been “bursting at the seams for years.” The larger footprint will allow for more inventory, office space, and expanded community events, continuing the spirit of connection that the Chartreuse Microbus Collective is establishing.
