Cody Umans

What is a Free Store? 

Free stores are one extension of the gift economy. “Gift economy or gift culture is a system of exchange where valuables are not sold, but rather given without an explicit agreement for immediate or future rewards [1].” A free store can include (but not be limited to) food, clothing, books, and basic necessities. All items at free stores are free. A free store is non-hierarchical, autonomous, and a direct action against capitalism and consumption that provides autonomy to communities. 

How do I make a Free Store? 

*Please note: These are only recommendations. All communities have their own unique needs and dynamics. Use best practices for your neighborhood.* 

Location. Consider traffic, weather, population and convenience  - particularly yours. If you chose to build a free store, consider a place you frequent regularly. If not, it could become a burden. Whether you seek permission from the people who have authority over the location is entirely up to you. If you ask, they may be upset or they may participate. If you don’t ask, you will build a truly autonomous zone that refutes the state's authority over land (public or private.) If your free store is dismantled, don’t get discouraged. It’s easy to start again. 

Build The Free Store. Get creative. Use found materials. Use furniture, shelves, carts. Take up as much or as little space as you want - but keep in mind it’s important that your community knows where the anti-capitalist zone begins and ends. Include a sign and make it fun. Examples: “Everything is free.” “Take what you need, leave what you can.” 

Be Patient & Plan Ahead. The concept of a free store goes against what we know as a society. It will take a while for people to understand. You may need to hang about and encourage participation. You may be the only one stocking and cleaning the store. You may need to make connections to keep the store well stocked. It is good to remember there is no shortage of food, clothing, books, toys, etc. The capitalist mindset makes us believe in scarcity. Get to know your local grocery store or bakery and see when they take the trash out. Tell your work, family, friends to donate things they no longer need. Get them and others involved by asking them to bring items directly to the store themselves and tidy it up if needed. Doing so shows them just how easy it can be. The goal with free stores, and all mutual aid concepts, is sustainability. If we are patient and willing to show our community how empowering making things free can be, they will contribute. 

Be observant. In order to remain a sustainable resource, you will need to be observant of your community and its response to the free store. Community members may be resistant - stay friendly and informative. It is better to encourage their participation then become defensive. Community members may ask for specific items - use your resources (local mutual aid groups, buy nothing groups, instagram, etc.) to provide what you can but know your own limitations. Community members may continuously disrespect or dismantle the free store - this is a sign to move the store or have an open dialogue with people who frequent the space. The more you know about your community the more they will know about you. 

[1] Cheal, David J (1988). "1". The Gift Economy. New York: Routledge. pp. 1–19. ISBN 0415006414. Retrieved 2009-06-18.

Free Stores To Look Into:  Hawai’i Free Store (IG: hawaii_freestore), Denda Tienda Gratix (Waslala, BNC), The Really Really Free Market (Tempe, AZ / IG: @temperrfm) The Portland Free Store, Free Store Astoria (Queens, NY / IG:@freestoreastoria) Gratis Tienda CDJ (Juarez, CDMX / IG: @ gratistiendacdj)