In today's busy, online retail world, it's hard to imagine voluntarily signing a lease for a brick and mortar retail shop, but that's just what I did.
Meet growUP, part kids' store, part gift shop, part sensory experience.
I felt a gap in the local market, both literal and figurative market, for a store that welcomed customers to touch and experience toys from our past as well as enjoy today's current toy trends. There was a need for a space to gather and connect, to sit and read or draw, blow bubbles and create chalk pictures outside in the sunshine.
Because of my teaching experience, it was important to me to focus on art and play experiences.
The shop is small - very small at 100 sq ft and it's round! Have you ever tried to place furniture on a curved wall? Not easy... so we made custom, curved furniture!
How do you grab attention or create intrigue for people who don't yet think they need to visit your store? The visuals, then merchandising to support connection.
How does a tiny space pack a punch? 2D art! Although the concept is not new, this store is, to my knowledge, this is the only 2D retail space in Nashville, Tennessee created in this art style. The intention was to look approachable, kid friendly and at-home, art-inspiring- to look like a kids' coloring book.
growUP is a division of nashᵀᴺ, the black and white Nashville art and clothing brand responsible for the Nashville Looks Good on You murals throughout Nashville. growUP is a Nashville kids shop that focuses on art and imaginative play- how do we get our minds and bodies moving?!? We offer art sensory experiences for kids of all ages at our store and for hire.
It was important to me this store provides a friendly, familiar stop for our neighbors to visit during their weekly trips to the Nashville Farmers' Market- a place for fun and laughs, discovery, inspiration and connection.