Painted Tree Vendors Come Together at The Factory at Franklin in May
The recent closure of Painted Tree Boutiques locations, including Franklin, left hundreds of small business owners without a retail space. In response, Williamson, Inc. has created an event to support those vendors as they regroup and continue selling.
Rooted in Community: Small Business Market will take place May 4th and 5th at Liberty Hall in The Factory at Franklin from 10 am to 8 pm, with a ribbon cutting at 9:30 am on opening day. The two-day market is designed for vendors who were displaced by the Painted Tree closure, offering them a place to reconnect with customers and maintain visibility during a period of transition.
A Quick Response to the Painted Tree Closure
Painted Tree Boutiques operated as a vendor marketplace, where individual small businesses rented booths to run their own retail spaces under one roof. The model gave entrepreneurs a way to test products, build a customer base, and grow without the overhead of a standalone storefront. For some, it was a side business, while for others it was their primary source of income.
When the company unexpectedly closed all locations, including its Franklin store on Murfreesboro Road, many vendors were left without a place to sell with little notice. The idea for the market came together quickly in response.
“Our goal is to provide immediate visibility and revenue opportunity for displaced vendors while also giving them a long-term community of fellow businesses and resources,” said Jena Potter, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Williamson, Inc.
A Growing Vendor Market and Ongoing Support
Since being announced, the market has drawn strong interest, with more than 70 vendors already signed up and more expected to join. The lineup reflects the variety that shoppers may remember from Painted Tree Boutiques, including children’s and women’s clothing, jewelry, paper goods, party supplies, and locally made products like pasta sauces, honey, soap, and books.
For many vendors, the shift has been sudden, but the response from the community has been steady.
“The Painted Tree was a tight-knit community of hundreds of business owners, and they have been grateful for the broader community coming together to support them,” said Potter.
The market is designed as more than a short-term solution. Vendors are invited to participate at no cost and are also being offered a year of free chamber membership through Williamson, Inc., connecting them to a network of local businesses.
Offering free participation was an intentional decision.
“Their revenue was halted without warning, directly impacting their families and teams,” Potter said. “By meeting these businesses where they are, we’re doing exactly what we’re here to do.”
Show Up and Support Local Businesses
The Rooted in Community: Small Business Market offers a chance to support local businesses in a direct and meaningful way. The event is free to attend, and shoppers can either register here for quicker entry and event updates or simply stop by Liberty Hall at The Factory at Franklin on May 4th and 5th to browse a wide range of vendors, connect with business owners, and help keep these small businesses moving forward.
“Every purchase matters, but so does taking the time to connect and share these businesses with others,” said Potter. “That kind of visibility can carry well beyond the event.”
For small businesses impacted by the Painted Tree closure, there is still an opportunity to get involved. For more information, email events@williamsonchamber.com.
