04/22/2026
To our lovely beehive customer family,
A BRIEF HISTORY:
This past April 16th, we celebrated 16 years at our space in Edgewood Retail District. In that time, our customer community has continued to support us through ups and down, through covid-19 closures, and through us moving from a space where designers work in-store to one where it is a simple family-run operation that still focuses on local design.
CHA-CHA-CHA-CHA-CHANGES
Last month, we learned that our 6th landlord at Edgewood Retail District wanted to raise our rent approximately 100% to stay in our existing location, and are doing so to all businesses in the complex. While they offered us a potential new space located above Willy's, we would be forced to completely renovate the space, which would mean months out of commission while creating a new space for the store. Additionally, we do not think a top-floor location is appropriate for a retail space, so we politely declined.
the beehive is a community, first and foremost. We are an integrated community of local, regional and national handmade designers who sell in individualized spaces in the store, as a collective artist community. Knowing our designers and having a relationship with them is an integral part of the success of the store, and one we will carry through so long as we are in operation. When we moved into Edgewood, the street we're currently on - Caroline Street - was supposed to be a haven for local small businesses. For a short time, it was. Over the years, landlord after landlord, the priorities for the investment owners of the complex changed, ushering in more franchise and corporate businesses for the public. While that is normal in a big complex, it is not the best place for a business like ours - with an unusual business model - to operate. (Continued in comments)
