Become a Collection Partner

No. The Rusty Rooster is a CURATED destination. Collection Partners are selected based on product quality, presentation, category balance, customer appeal, and overall fit within the destination.

A Collection Partner is an individual, business, artisan, maker, merchant, collector, entrepreneur, or organization whose products and participation contribute to the overall customer experience at The Rusty Rooster

Collection Partners are not simply renting space. They are participating in a curated destination designed around discovery, creativity, community, entrepreneurship, antiques, handmade goods, and meaningful shopping experiences.

We welcome thoughtfully curated products that align with The Rusty Rooster brand and customer experience. This may include boutique apparel, accessories, handmade goods, artisan products, antiques, vintage finds, home décor, specialty foods, Kentucky-made products, garden and outdoor goods, gifts, and other unique merchandise.

All products are reviewed during the application process to ensure they complement our existing Collection Partners and contribute to the overall shopping experience we strive to create.

To maintain a curated shopping experience, we do not accept products that duplicate existing Collection Partner offerings, mass-produced items that do not align with our store aesthetic, clearance merchandise, low-quality handmade goods, or products that do not meet our quality and presentation standards. All merchandise is subject to approval.

No. Applications are reviewed by jury and selection is based on destination needs, category balance, product quality, presentation / packaging, merchandising, and overall fit.

Approval is never guaranteed.

Not necessarily. While The Rusty Rooster actively works to avoid excessive duplication, participation does not guarantee exclusivity unless specifically approved in writing.

Our goal is to maintain a healthy product mix while supporting customer choice and destination growth.

The Rusty Rooster oversees the merchandising strategy for many curated retail areas throughout the store. Depending on the product category and space type, merchandise may be displayed in designated partner areas, incorporated into themed displays, or merchandised alongside complementary products to create a cohesive and engaging shopping experience.

Antique and Vintage Collection Partners generally maintain and merchandise their own designated spaces.

In many of our curated retail spaces, The Rusty Rooster provides approved fixtures, display elements, and merchandising guidance to help maintain a cohesive shopping experience throughout the store.

Antique and Vintage Collection Partners are generally responsible for providing their own display fixtures, shelving, cases, furniture, and merchandising elements. Fixture requirements and available options will be discussed during the application and placement process.

Antiques, vintage items, collectibles, primitives, architectural salvage, antique and vintage furniture, vintage décor, curated resell. repurposed pieces, and other unique items with age, character, history, or nostalgic appeal may be considered for acceptance.

Yes. Because antiques and vintage items are often one-of-a-kind, multiple Collection Partners may offer merchandise within this category. Our goal is to provide customers with a diverse and ever-changing selection of unique finds while maintaining a curated shopping experience.

Collection Partners are responsible for providing inventory, keeping products stocked, properly labeled, and available for purchase. Partners should regularly monitor inventory levels, replenish merchandise as needed, and ensure all items are entered and labeled according to store requirements.

Antique and Vintage Collection Partners are also responsible for maintaining their own designated display areas.

Yes. Antique and vintage furniture is welcome, provided pieces are clean, safe, in good condition, and align with the overall aesthetic and customer experience of The Rusty Rooster, however The Rusty Rooster will not help load or transport large pieces. Space availability and furniture placement will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Yes. Our standard Collection Partner agreement is six months. This allows both parties to evaluate the partnership while maintaining a fresh and evolving shopping experience for our customers.

Space inclusions vary by location and space type. Depending on the partnership opportunity, inclusions may include point-of-sale processing, customer service during business hours, sales tracking, marketing support, and access to approved fixtures and display elements. Specific details will be discussed during the application and placement process.

Yes. In addition to monthly fees, a percentage of each sale is retained by The Rusty Rooster. This commission helps offset a portion of the costs associated with operating the store and providing services to our collection partners including, point-of-sale and payment processing, inventory management and sales reporting software, sales tax collection and remittance, inventory & checkout supplies, marketing, customer service, staffing, and general day to day operations.

These services allow collection partners to focus on stocking, merchandising, and growing their business while we mange the daily retail operations and customer checkout experience. Current commission rates are provided during the application process and outlined in the Collection Partner Agreement.

No. Collection Spaces vary in size, location, layout, category and monthly investment. Pricing and space options also differ depending on whether your business falls within Antiques & Vintage, or New Retail or Handmade. Each space is priced and assigned based on its size, features, category, and how it fits within the overall store layout. Current availability and pricing will be discussed during the application and placement process.