Happy holidays: Christmas is always in season at Painted Tree.
Anyone who has shopped the online marketplace Etsy, is probably wowed by the diversity of gift offerings, but occasionally frustrated that they can’t get an up-close view of the merchandise or handle it to determine if it is well crafted.
Those limitations are lifted at Painted Tree Boutiques, newly opened in Westchase District. Self-described as an “Etsy marketplace and Pinterest catalog come to life,” Painted Tree Boutiques offer a shopping experience unlike anything else found in the neighborhood. The store offers gifts, home décor, clothing and more – all available from dozens of unique vendors pursuing their retail dream.
Local vendors enjoy success
Dashing Display: Anita Long’s original silk designs have been a hit since she began selling at Painted Tree.
Vendor Anita Long sells hand-dyed silk scarves and ponchos at her booth Nyads Style. Long has spent her very diverse career in fashion design, retail sales, film making and working with other women entrepreneurs to assist their marketing efforts. She opened her booth at the Westchase Painted Tree in July. She displays her scarves and other upcycled garments and is happy with her sales at this location. She said she initially worried about bringing her most expensive items to the store, afraid they’d be stolen. And when she returned to the store, they were gone – sold, not stolen!
Jennifer Roberson’s Turtlefly Pottery is new to the Painted Tree Boutique. She was busy setting up her booth the week of Thanksgiving. Roberson teaches ceramics at a local high school. Her husband does woodwork, using leftover wood from the recent construction of their new home. “I teach my students that they don’t need fancy tools to do pottery and I encourage them to have a hobby. By selling my goods at Painted Tree, I’m practicing what I preach.” Even though she’s already selling at the store, she jokes that she probably won’t make any money, because she enjoys supporting the other vendors and always finds something new and different to take home.
From the classroom to the showroom: Jennifer Roberson has previously sold her ceramics at pop-up markets. She is enjoying success selling her pottery every day at the Painted Tree.
An expanding concept
Store Manager Gabby Wade says the Westchase location of Painted Tree, located at 10957 Westheimer, is the third largest store in the country. The concept was born in 2015 with a vintage market in Bryant, Arkansas. Now there are 52 stores open nationwide, with six in the Houston area. All vendors sign a one-year lease on their space and pay a 10% commission on sales to Painted Tree. “The beauty of this concept is that you don’t have to work at your shop every day,” said Wade. “We pay all the utilities, collect and pay sales tax for the vendors and hire and train the cashiers and staff.”
Wade said the store’s Westheimer location is a plus for vendors. She said Painted Tree looks for locations in strong retail corridors. With neighbors like Target, Ross and Whole Foods, the store is well-positioned for success. It’s 92% full now, with just a handful of spaces available for lease.
Vendor Alishan Ali was restocking his booth ahead of the busy Christmas shopping season. He designs premium chess sets, kitchenware, tableware, barware and figurines, all made with marble and imported from Pakistan. He describes his business, Artreestry, as a side hustle. His full-time job prohibits him from coming to Painted Tree as regularly as he’d like. But he’s selling lots of product and learning as he goes.
With a wide variety of products and style of merchandise, Painted Tree is different every time a customer visits. Painted Tree is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visit their Facebook page for special events and updates.
