Local business hosts free vendor market for those affected by Painted Tree Boutiques closure
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — After Painted Tree Boutiques left several vendors without a storefront, one business stepped up to help.
Creative Collabs of Nebraska hosted a vendor market on Sunday, providing over 50 small businesses with a free space to sell and rebuild.
“I didn’t know what I was going to do,” said Wendy Williams, owner of Wendy’s Wonders. “Through social media, group support, and the community coming together, Melanie Rezac actually volunteered to do this vendor event for us.”
SEE ALSO: Lincoln business stepping in to help vendors affected by Painted Tree Boutiques closure
Vendors filled the parking lot in front of Creative Collabs, which is off Normandy court.
The community rallied behind the vendors, sparking emotions for many who were left with nowhere to go in April.
“This has helped so many people who rely on this income that they have,” Williams said. “For me, it was a hobby that turned into a passion, into a small business. I, like everyone else, have all of this inventory, and I now have people and groups to reach out to for support and help.”
Sunday wasn’t just another vendor market; Creative Collabs took the unfortunate closure of Painted Tree and turned it into a community-wide showcasing of hope.
“It was very nice of her to organize this and get it put together as quickly as she did,” said Renee Bateman, co-owner of G&R Closet Boutique. “These events take time and a lot of planning. I think everybody was just scrambling. A lot of people wanted to help, but didn’t know how. With Melanie’s background, she was able to step up and get things going.”
Several of the vendors said sales have increased due to the market and the exposure it brings.
“It’s great to see how many people are out here and willing to support us. We really appreciate it,” Bateman said.
Williams said it’s also a reminder of how important support from the Lincoln community is.
“It’s a great, great chance to come together and share stories, see each other again and collaborate,” she said.
Around a dozen new vendors will also be taking up residence inside the Creative Collabs store.
