04/15/2026
Greeting Friends of Hamawilo,
Something happened yesterday that’s affecting way more than just me. And it’s not good.
In short, Painted Tree at the corporate level, which by all known accounts was struggling, sent an email yesterday to vendors across the country in all PT stores saying they are shutting all stores immediately and vendors need to clear out ASAP. PT has offered little time to vacate. And because PT has filed Chapter 7, it is highly unlikely that vendors will receive payment for their April sales, refunds for broken leases, and other known financial obligations that PT already has with them.
Fortunately, for Hamawilo, I’m not as deeply affected (other than losing my security deposit). But I am praying for all vendors for whom this was their entire livelihood. Many were already owed significant monies by PT from sales. Some signed and paid for year long leases less than a month ago. This was their small business dream. 😢
For Hamawilo, I have cleared out my inventory from the Sterling, VA store. Thanks to my awesome friends, Dave and Jennie, for bringing a truck and helping me load my large display racks today on short notice.
Not sure if the future of Hamawilo in terms of a ‘brick and mortar’ presence. But, this just incentivizes me to build out my online presence. So stay tuned.
As always, I appreciate your love and support. Please share your love and kindness to other vendors/small businesses affected by this awful situation. 🙏🏻😞
