Sips & Shop Local: A Celebration of Community and Retail Innovation in Wedgewood Houston
Despite the rain, our first Sip and Shop event on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, was a resounding success, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of our community members. This special event, which replaced our usual Wedgewood Houston Social community meeting, marked the launch of the exciting Wedgewood Houston Social Retail Development Series.
What you missed: community members had the opportunity to explore, learn about, and support two remarkable local businesses while enjoying refreshments and exclusive discounts. The event showcased the vibrant spirit of Wedgewood Houston and the strong bond between our community and its small businesses.
Schumacher Boutique
The evening began at 6:00 PM at the Schumacher Boutique, where every item tells a unique story. Melissa Bern, Schumacher's Managing Director, provided a brief history of the organization, highlighting its rich heritage and commitment to quality.
Schumacher, a venerable American design house, opened its Nashville showroom on October 17, 2022, at 609 Merritt Avenue in the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood. This location marked a significant milestone for Schumacher, being their first freestanding showroom since moving from their standalone building in New York City to the Design & Decoration Building in 1998.
The showroom features a unique dual concept: a traditional to-the-trade showroom exclusively for interior designers, and a separate luxury boutique accessible to both designers and design enthusiasts. This innovative approach allows Schumacher to serve both design professionals and retail customers, creating a dynamic shopping experience that reflects the innovative spirit of Wedgewood Houston.
Ashley Monachino explained, "In Nashville, we have paired a retail home accessories boutique with our trade showroom. The bright and easy-to-shop showroom features Schumacher fabrics, wallpapers, and trims. Conceptualized with designers in mind, the light-filled space includes large worktables for scheming projects and meeting with clients."
La Parisienne Home
At 7:00 PM, the event moved to La Parisienne Home, where attendees raised a toast with bubbles and enjoyed a private shopping experience. Amber Williams-Wright, the proprietor, shared her journey and why she chose Wedgewood Houston for her business.
La Parisienne Home opened in early December 2023, occupying approximately 2,000 square feet of space in the same building as Schumacher Showroom. Williams-Wright, a Missouri native with a background in entertainment PR, transitioned from her successful communications career to fulfill her long-held dream of owning a high-end home décor and gifts retail shop.
The store offers a wide range of products including artwork, baskets, candles, ceramics, chairs, cocktail sofas, glassware, lamps, loungewear, mirrors, ottomans, pillows, rugs, side tables, trays, and vases. Williams-Wright's goal is to provide inventory not available in shops within a roughly 300-mile radius of Nashville, catering to patrons from various Nashville neighborhoods and beyond.
Describing her unique offerings, Amber stated, "Our items are to be showcased in and around the home, be it a casual or formal setting. Whether you're relaxing alone or entertaining a group, our pieces exude exquisite modern style and beautifully and effortlessly create a luxe atmosphere."
Rebecca, a long-time resident, expressed her excitement: "I've lived on Hamilton for years and I'm thrilled to have a gift and accessories shop within walking distance from home. It's businesses like La Parisienne Home Home HOME that make our neighborhood so special."
Community Impact
The event highlighted the growing appeal of our neighborhood for businesses and residents alike. As a local resident pointed out: "The best way to attract more great shops in Wedgewood Houston is to support local businesses. You can start by following each on Instagram and spreading the word."
Both retailers are located on the upper level at 609 Merritt Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203, making it convenient for residents to support these local businesses.
Wedgewood Houston SOCIAL (WEHO SOCIAL)
WEHO SOCIAL is dedicated to bringing neighbors together through various activities, events, and projects. This Sips & Shop event was a perfect example of their mission in action, fostering community connections while supporting local businesses.
To stay informed about future events and community initiatives, we encourage all residents and businesses to subscribe to the Wedgewood+Houston SOCIAL eNewsletter. Simply provide your email address to receive regular news and updates about our vibrant neighborhood. Learn more at www.wehosocial.org
Looking Ahead
This Sips & Shop event was just the beginning of the Wedgewood Houston Social Retail Development Series. The series aims to demonstrate the power of community support for businesses that invest in our neighborhood, fostering a cycle of mutual success.
We're grateful to all who braved the weather to make this event a success. The evening concluded with many attendees continuing their night at nearby Mercado, further supporting our local dining scene.
Remember, supporting our local businesses helps our community thrive. Thank you again to all who participated, and we look forward to more community-building events in the future as part of the Retail Development Series
