If you walk down SE 13th Avenue on a Tuesday afternoon, you’ll probably see a black Labrador named Lola barking at a delivery truck. That’s just Sellwood. It’s a neighborhood that feels like a time capsule, yet everyone there is obsessively focused on what’s new, what’s handmade, and what’s authentic. At the center of this weirdly perfect Venn diagram is The Collective in Sellwood.
But here’s the thing. Most people actually get the name mixed up.
There are two massive "collectives" within three blocks of each other. You have The Collective in Sellwood at 8027 SE 13th Ave, which is the old-school heart of the antique district. Then you have Plural Collective at 8012 SE 13th Ave, which is where the modern "maker" movement lives. If you’re looking for a 1920s brass doorknob, you go to one. If you want a vegan candle hand-poured by a woman who also runs the register, you go to the other.
Honestly? You need both to understand why this corner of Portland hasn't lost its soul yet.
Why The Collective in Sellwood Still Matters
Portland changes fast. One day your favorite dive bar is there, the next it’s a five-story apartment complex with "industrial chic" windows. The Collective in Sellwood is the resistance. It has been a hub for antique dealers for over 25 years.
It’s not a "store" in the corporate sense. It is a gathering of independent dealers who pay for stall space to curate their own tiny universes. One stall might be nothing but mid-century modern glassware that looks like it was stolen from the set of Mad Men. The next might have rusted farm tools and 1950s license plates.
The hunt is the point
You don't go there because you need a specific item. You go there to get lost. The inventory changes daily because these dealers are constantly scouring estate sales across the Pacific Northwest.
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The building itself is a labyrinth. You’ll find:
- Vintage Jewelry: Not the cheap plastic stuff, but real silver and turquoise.
- Antique Furniture: Solid wood pieces that weigh more than a Tesla.
- Collectibles: Think old-school comics, vinyl records, and toys your parents threw away in 1984.
The vibe is quiet. It smells like old paper and cedar. It’s the exact opposite of the chaotic energy you find at a Saturday Market downtown.
The "Other" Collective: Plural and the Maker Movement
A few doors down, the energy shifts. While The Collective in Sellwood looks backward, Plural Collective is about right now. This is a one-stop shop for local, mostly female-owned businesses.
It’s a different kind of "collective." Instead of antique dealers, you have 15+ makers. They take turns working the floor. If you buy a pair of ceramic earrings, there is a very high chance the person wrapping them in tissue paper is the person who fired them in a kiln three days ago.
What’s inside Plural?
- Art and Leather: Hand-stitched bags that will actually last a decade.
- Botanicals: Low-maintenance indoor plants and dried floral arrangements.
- Kids' Gear: Oodles Kids is part of the mix, offering ethically sourced toys and clothes.
- Self-Care: Organic and vegan beauty products that don't come in a plastic bottle.
It’s basically the "Portland" everyone sees on TV, but without the irony. It’s sincere.
The Sellwood Union Factor
If you’re under 25, you probably aren't looking for a Victorian armoire. You’re looking for a 1990s Carhartt jacket that’s been broken in perfectly. That’s where Sellwood Union comes in.
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Located at 8011 SE 13th Ave, this is the third pillar of the collective scene. It’s a vintage clothing collective with 18 different vendors. Think of it as a curated thrift store on steroids. Alex Tennant, who manages the spot, has been in the Portland vintage game for a decade. He’s seen the scene shift from "cheap hidden gems" to "highly curated fashion."
The Union stores—Sellwood, Northwest, and Cascade—are basically the gatekeepers of Portland street style. If you see someone in a perfectly faded band tee at a Blazers game, they probably bought it here.
How to Actually Do the "Collective" Day
Don't just drive in, park, and leave. That’s a rookie move. Sellwood is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in the city (it has a Walk Score of 89 for a reason).
- Start at Blue Kangaroo Coffee: Grab a cup. It’s local, it’s strong, and it prepares you for the digging.
- Hit The Collective in Sellwood First: Go while your eyes are fresh. Looking through antiques requires focus. Look for the "hidden" stalls in the back.
- Walk to Plural Collective: Shake off the "old dust" vibe and check out the modern stuff. This is where you buy gifts for people who are hard to shop for.
- Lunch at PDX Sliders: Get the "Sellwood" slider. Obviously.
- End at the Riverfront: If you have any energy left, walk down to Sellwood Riverfront Park. It’s about a mile from the shops. You can watch people launch paddleboards and realize why everyone is trying to move here.
The Reality of Living Near SE 13th
People love to talk about how "charming" Sellwood is. And it is. But if you’re looking to move into one of the new apartment buildings like The Collective on 4th (which, confusingly, is actually downtown near PSU and not in Sellwood), don't get them mixed up.
In Sellwood, you’re looking at older bungalows or the newer Sellwood Apartments on Tacoma Street. Rent for a one-bedroom in the neighborhood is hovering around $1,500 in early 2026. It’s not cheap. You’re paying for the ability to walk to a 100-year-old movie theater (The Moreland) and a hidden 1920s-style speakeasy (The Bible Club).
The Bible Club has no sign. It’s just a house. Inside, every single nail and ceiling panel is authentic to the era. They have a drink called the Wheeler’s Bane that they smoke right in front of you. It’s pretentious, it’s expensive, and it’s absolutely worth it.
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Is the "Collective" Model Dying?
Actually, it’s growing.
In a world of Amazon Prime, people are starving for things that have a story. Whether it’s an antique at The Collective in Sellwood or a handmade journal from Plural, there’s a human connection there. You aren't just buying "stuff." You’re supporting a local dealer or a maker who probably lives three blocks away.
The neighborhood is definitely gentrifying. You see more Teslas and fewer beat-up Subarus than you used to. But as long as these collectives stay anchored on 13th Avenue, Sellwood will keep its "small town inside a big city" vibe.
Actionable Tips for Visiting:
- Bring Cash: Some dealers at the antique collective prefer it, though most take cards now.
- Check the Hours: Most of these spots close by 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM. This isn't a late-night shopping district.
- Parking is a Nightmare: Try to park 2-3 blocks east of 13th Avenue in the residential areas. Don't even bother trying to find a spot right in front of the shops.
- Look Up: A lot of the best stuff in the antique collective is hanging from the ceiling or tucked onto high shelves.
- Ask the Makers: If you’re at Plural, ask the person behind the counter what they make. It changes the whole experience when you realize you’re talking to the artist.
Go on a weekday if you can. Saturday is a zoo, and you won't get to chat with the dealers. If you want the real Sellwood experience, find a rainy Tuesday, put on your boots, and go get lost in the stalls.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Map out the "Big Three": The Collective in Sellwood (Antiques), Plural Collective (Makers), and Sellwood Union (Vintage Clothing).
- Check the Instagram pages for Plural Collective and Sellwood Union before you go; they often post new arrivals that sell out within hours.
- Book a reservation at Gino’s or A Cena for dinner afterward—they fill up fast, even on weeknights.