Tender Loving Empire is preparing to open a new Seattle storefront at 1524 1st Ave, between Pike and Pine near Pike Place Market. Co-founder Brianne Mees told Whatnow Seattle the company is aiming to debut the location during the second week of June.
The expansion marks the brand’s first street-level Seattle location outside of Sea-Tac Airport. Known for supporting local artists, makers and musicians across the Pacific Northwest, Tender Loving Empire currently operates seven retail stores alongside an internationally distributed record label.
“We have been supporting PNW makers and artists for 19 years through our 5 Portland locations,” Mees said. “Having a presence in Seattle allows us to deepen our connection to and support of the Washington-based creative and small business community.”
The company first launched in Portland in 2007 after Mees and co-founder Jared Mees began organizing underground concerts and art shows while selling handmade goods and music from their apartment. Today, the business works with hundreds of independent artists and small businesses throughout the Pacific Northwest.
The stores sell a mix of handmade goods, apparel, gifts, art, music and products from independent makers across the Pacific Northwest.
“Tender Loving Empire operates as 7 retail stores and an internationally distributed record label,” she added. “We exist to support artists, makers and local small business ecosystems. Think of us like a maker’s fair that you can visit every day – with a soundtrack.”
In addition to its Portland-area locations, the company currently operates airport stores at Sea-Tac and Portland International Airport, introducing travelers to Pacific Northwest artists and makers.
“With 3 airport locations, we love the role of introducing PNW artists and makers to travelers from all over the world,” Mees shared. “We’re excited for the opportunity to continue that at Pike Place.”
According to Mees, the new Seattle store will also serve as a creative gathering space for events and community programming.
“We would love to be a hub and resource at Pike Place to not only showcase local artists to tourists, but also for locals to come be part of the creative community through events like artist pop-ups, gallery shows, live music, maker workshops, etc.”
The expansion also comes as Tender Loving Empire raises funding through Wefunder, allowing members of the public to invest directly in the company.
“The community fundraising effort, in part, helped us expand into Pike Place,” Mees explained. “A community-ownership model makes a lot of sense for our brand because it’s always been about supporting people. Letting our customers and fans own a piece of our company is another way to fulfill that mission.”
Since launching in 2007, the company has put more than $22 million back into the local creative economy through partnerships with artists, makers and musicians.
“Makers have grown along with us, quit their day jobs, hired employees and have more resources to keep doing what they love for a living and to continue making the things that inspire us all.”
The upcoming opening represents a major milestone for the company. “This has been a 10-year dream in the making and we’re so excited that it’s finally happening,” the co-founder added.
