When Darnesha and Erwin Weary decided to open a coffee shop in the middle of 2020, they knew it would be a risk. “We had never owned a brick-and-mortar location before,” says Darnesha.
The couple, who recently celebrated their 23rd wedding anniversary, love coffee, and even went to a coffee shop on their first date. With 20 years of community organizing experience, they decide to combine their love of coffee with a desire to improve their community. “We knew it was going to be more than coffee. We knew it would be a community center,” Darnesha says.
Two years later, Black Coffee Northwest is a neighborhood favorite in Shoreline, Washington. Besides being well known for its coffee, the café has become a gathering place for locals. The shop hosts events for local organizations and community members and acts as a drop-in youth center. Students can use the space to study, receive tutoring, and access free mental health sessions.
Black Coffee Northwest is part of a trend of store openings that focus on the local community. Even larger retailers like Google, Nike, and Nordstrom are opening “neighborhood stores.” These stores are often smaller and located outside of traditional shopping centers.
This trend will continue. According to a study by Accenture, 56% of consumers are shopping more locally or purchasing locally sourced products. Despite varying motivations, shoppers are seeking goods and services in their backyards.
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