HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Dozens of small business owners across the Houston area are scrambling to find new places to operate after the sudden closure of all Painted Tree boutique locations nationwide.
At the Westchase location in southwest Houston on Wednesday, vendors packed up their inventory in a space that once bustled with customers. Now, closed signs cover the doors.
“This was a great program. A shame it was mismanaged,” one vendor said.
Since 2015, Painted Tree has operated as a retail concept allowing independent vendors to rent space and sell items such as gifts, clothing, art, and home décor. The company grew to more than 60 locations nationwide, but vendors say they received no warning before learning their businesses would have to shut down.
“The way it happened – it was just out of nowhere,” another vendor said.
Across the Houston area, where there are six Painted Tree locations, hundreds of vendors are now being forced to quickly pack up and figure out their next steps.
Mike and Kay Davis, owners of Tortuga Hobby Works, said they were on vacation when they received the news.
“We got an email yesterday that they’re closed. No more. Come get your stuff out,” Mike Davis said.
“We work full time, so vacations are precious – and this is a real gut check,” Kay Davis added.
In a statement to the Houston Chronicle, Painted Tree cited rising costs, shifting market conditions, and changes in consumer shopping behavior as reasons for the closures.
Lupe Bonola, who has operated PrincessThings Jewelry at the Westchase location for two years, said the sudden shutdown has been frustrating.
“It was frustrating the way it happened,” Bonola said. “Opening a whole store is a lot of work – rent, and a whole lot of things you didn’t have to worry about here.”
“I already cried. You don’t really feel it in the moment because everything’s going fast, but once you sit down, it makes me kind of emotional,” she said.
Despite the uncertainty, some vendors are encouraging others to stay resilient.
“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Stay strong, you’ll get through it,” Mike Davis said.
Painted Tree has instructed vendors to remove their inventory by April 24. The company did not respond to requests for additional comment on Wednesday.
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