Honey & Fetch supports other business owners and welcomes them to the Painted Tree community! Whether you're a seasoned vendor or new to the boutique world, stepping into a Painted Tree location can be both exciting and challenging. During my time in retail, managing stores, and running vendor shows, and product development, I’ve learned valuable lessons on what it takes to succeed. Here’s a blend of insights to help vendors thrive and to give shoppers a peek into the dedication behind each unique shop.

1. Know Your Market and Products

Your booth should reflect not only your personal style but also cater to the local customer base. Research the median income and shopping habits of the area. This isn’t just about what you love to sell—it’s about what sells well. Trends matter too. For instance, if you avoided flare jeans because they aren't your style, but they are popular, you can missed out. Staying informed on current trends helps you reach a wider audience.

2. Prepare for the Reality of Retail Theft

Theft is an unfortunate reality in retail, even with cameras and security tags. This isn’t a reflection of your hard work or the quality of staff. Vendors should factor shrinkage (loss of inventory) into their pricing to cover potential losses. While we can't prevent every incident, adding deterrents like sensors or positioning staff nearby can help reduce occurrences. It is also crucial to work with an accountant to appropriate track loss. The Painted Tree Boutiques work hard to ensure security and offers vendors a lot of options to mitigate theft, work with your local store manager and other vendors for support.

3. Treat It Like Your Own Store

If you’re here for a hobby, expect hobby-level returns. If you’re here to build a business, then treat it as one! Learning about retail isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. Consider taking courses like Boutique Hub’s Retail Boot Camp, which covers everything from trend-spotting to effective pricing and merchandising. Consistently assessing your sales, tracking trends, and adjusting your inventory will go a long way in boosting profitability.

4. Focus on Your Journey, Not Others’

Success varies across locations and vendors. One vendor may have amazing sales at one Painted Tree, while another struggles. Rather than comparing yourself, take time to analyze what’s working in your booth. Regularly update and refresh your display to keep things fresh and appealing to returning customers.

5. Give It Time to Grow

Building a business is a long-term commitment. Painted Tree’s year-long leases offer you the perfect window to see how your business performs through different seasons. While the holiday season is likely to show a spike, slower months, like January, allow you to reflect, adjust, and make informed decisions. Patience and persistence are key. Every year we seek to adapt our business models to shift towards what our customers base is directing us towards. We regulary seek input from our customers and leverage the Painted Tree Boutiques data to help guide us.

6. Advertise Your Brand

While Painted Tree provides an incredible venue, don’t rely solely on them for marketing. Use social media, business cards, and even wear items from your booth. Being proactive in advertising your business will help build a strong, loyal customer base over time.

7. Make Your Booth Irresistible

Your booth's visual appeal is often the first thing that draws in customers. Invest in eye-catching displays and lighting. Pegboards and grid walls can work, but consider covering them to create a more polished look. Show off your merchandise with pride and make your booth a place that customers want to explore.

Painted Tree: A Vendor’s Dream with Boutique Charm

Painted Tree provides a platform that balances independence with community, offering vendors a way to run a business without the burdensome overhead of traditional brick-and-mortar stores. The lower costs, compared to typical retail space, create a unique opportunity for vendors to thrive.

For Shoppers at Honey & Fetch: When you walk into a Painted Tree, you’re not just entering a store; you're exploring countless dreams and stories brought to life by passionate entrepreneurs. Every item has been handpicked or handmade, telling a story of craftsmanship and care. So, thank you for supporting small businesses—you’re a vital part of our journey.

Whether you’re a new vendor or a shopper exploring our aisles, the Painted Tree is a space of community and creativity. Embrace it, make it yours, and watch your business and our communities grow with creativity and joy!