Melting Pot World Emporium Announces Closing After Nearly Three Decades

RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – As a Reno counterculture staple closes its doors, the owners of The Melting Pot World Emporium talk about what it’s like to step back after nearly three decades.

Founded in 1996 by Eric and Monique Baron, the store was born out of a passion for music festivals and has grown into an iconic business with all the festival gear, art, and home decor you could ask for. After selling at many local festivals for a few years, the couple opened their first 750 square foot store on Wells Ave before expanding in 1999 to the Barnes Radio Building on the corner of Virginia and Taylor. Seven years later, they moved the store to its current 5,500 square foot location, where it has been for the past eighteen years at 1049 S. Virginia St. in the heart of Midtown.

“It’s the end of an era, that’s for sure,” said Monique Baron.

The Melting Pot is a hub of cultural diversity and support for the local arts scene. For fourteen years, it has served as a ticket outlet for Burning Man, Brüka Theatre, and countless other shows and fundraisers, cultivating a spirit of diversity and unity within the community.

“We were among the first to try to create this kind of energy on the street,” said Eric Baron.

Having raised their family here, they’ve even turned the business into a family affair, with their son Kaz serving as their top salesman. But unfortunately, like many other businesses, the pandemic hasn’t been kind to the Barons.

“We lost all our events, everyone was in lockdown, and even when the pandemic came back, it was a slow start,” Eric said.

After being deeply involved in the community for decades, it is painful for the Barons to take this step back.

“It’s an incredible job, we love what we do, we put our heart and soul into it,” Monique said.

But they will cherish the memories and the kindness the Reno community has shown them.

“I think a lot of people will miss it a lot and appreciate what we brought,” Monique said.

From there, Melting Pot World Emporium will serve the Burning Man community one last time next year. After the event, they will then begin to think about sales and an official closing date, but will continue to serve the community through their online store and seasonal pop-ups.