NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — There is an artisan boutique in New Port Richey that decided the best way to rebound was to bring together as many vendors as possible under one roof.
When Lis's Pieces temporarily closed in March due to the pandemic, they had 20 vendors. Now they have 65. Business has quadrupled.
They were able to do this by knocking down some walls and expanding into their next-door unit, more than doubling their sales floor.
"We have a motto at Lis's Pieces, 'failure is not an option,'" and that's worked for us," said owner Lisa Langford.
With craft fairs closing across Tampa Bay, Langford knew there was a demand from independent artists and vendors to get their work on display.
"I took the risk, I put a call for new artists out, they came knocking, they signed, boom we are open for business," said Langford.
Vendor Roberta Halverson specializes in one-of-a-kind wearable art.
"If it hadn't been for this, I probably would have quit sewing because I didn't have anywhere to put it," said Halverson.
Vendor Nancy Janovsky thought about making a website for her painted boxes but didn't know where to start.
"Going to the online options it wasn't something I really wanted to do. I like to be more hands-on with things," said Janovsky.
Vendor Jamie Myer said it's their strength in numbers that's creating a buzz all over the city.
"It's such a network to help each other get through this pandemic," said Myer.
Vendor Sheri Warren has had a jewelry table at Lis's Pieces since they opened in 2019. She knew expanding during a pandemic was an unconventional idea, but she's so glad she didn't try to talk her best friend out of it.
"It gives me goosebumps on how much this has exploded, I mean, it is a great ride to be on, and I don't want to get off," said Warren.
For more information on Lis's Pieces, call 727-364-0841.
