Dear Molly Green Family,
It feels like just yesterday when we embarked on our journey at the Mall at Green Hills. It was the Spring of 2017, and BCBG was shuttering. I had actually worked there when I was in college in that very same location. It felt very serendipitous and was early in our "expansion phase." We had lots of energy, and many sweet friends showed up to help us steam boxes of clothes and put mannequins together. Casey, Lexi, Wade, SP, and others made a memorable trip from Birmingham to help us set up the new store. I bought wallpaper for the first time, and Casey helped me hang it. We put a gold Molly Green sign on top of it and believed it to be absolute perfection. The ceilings were tall, and the acquired store fixtures, while relics, were solid and well-kept. The front window was a veritable art gallery. I was proud of the tiny plants we displayed over the shelves, with grow lights overhead. Eventually, we would have to let go of that space. This is the story of musical stores. During our tenure at the Mall of Green Hills, we would nest into three more footprints, always with a similar story and sometimes way less square footage. Over the past seven years, we've grown, evolved, and built a strong bond with many clients. But today, as I write this blog post, I have bittersweet news to share.
I will dive into some business details; I rarely share backroom talk. But for the sake of authenticity and my own sanity. I feel inclined to expound. First, I want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude. Thank you to every person who has opened their hearts and closets to us. You've allowed us to be a part of your lives, helping you create outfits for special occasions, styling you for fabulous events, and providing a fashion sanctuary where you feel seen and celebrated. Your support has been the fuel that kept our dreams alive; we are eternally grateful for that.
Running a small business with your husband and sister has challenges, especially in changing times and shifting landscapes, plus balancing family life with no 5 pm off switch to the business you've created. Brandon, Anna, and I have invested much of ourselves into our company. As have so many members of our team. My husband, Brandon, and I met in an accounting class at Lipscomb University. We've watched Nashville transform over the past 20 years. With so many reasons to open a business in Nashville, we've witnessed the rise of national brands and e-com companies, the ones with deep pockets, investment teams, and global success, march into town. As a result, many smaller, locally-owned businesses have stepped aside. It's supply and demand; it's not necessarily bad for our city. But I can't help but feel disheartening to see the unique charm of our community overshadowed by out-of-town and impersonal corporations.
For us, the Mall at Green Hills has been both a blessing and a test of resilience. Our temporary lease, while allowing us to be a part of a high end retail hub, has also meant that we've had to adapt and move 4 times. Each relocation brought trials as we transformed abandoned and dilapidated legacy spaces into havens of style and inspiration. It's been surreal to occupy spaces that housed brands I adored in high school. They often leave treasures like display tables, and cinematic elements for our signage and product, not to mention all the training guides + retail education that I couldn't help but snoop through. We've learned much about who we do and don't want to be as a company through our experience at The Mall of Green Hills.
Today, I come to you with some bummer news. We recently received a 15-day lease termination notice, and instead of moving once again, we will bid farewell to our beloved Green Hills location. It's a decision that hasn't come lightly, as we've pondered the complexities and stress that come with another move. Our available resources are stacked against the continuation of incoming global luxury co-tenants.
Change is an inherent part of life, and though it may be challenging, it also opens doors to new possibilities. So, while we say goodbye to our Green Hills store, we're positive this is the right move for our brand. We look forward to focusing more on our other three beautiful locations. And new local locations are already in the works; stay tuned for exciting announcements! Our journey continues, and we promise to bring you the same service, friendship, and style you've come to expect from us.
As we bid farewell to our Green Hills space, I'd love to take a moment and reflect on the positive impact a locally-owned business can have on it's community. Through our presence, we've contributed to the vibrant fashion scene of Nashville and provided employment opportunities to hundreds of lovely humans season to season. The relationships built within our team are extraordinary. It has less to do with Molly Green and everything to do with what happens when we come together with open hearts toward a creative goal. I love this company, and every one of our teammates has built our brand day by day. We're so lucky to do what we do. Supporting local businesses means supporting your neighbors, friends, and fellow community members. Yay.!!! Shop Local!!! And just know that every person from our Green Hills team still has a place with us. You will see their cute faces at Hillsboro Village, Broadway, or Cool Springs.
Thank you, dear customers, for joining our Molly Green family. Your support has shaped our journey and brought joy to our lives. As we navigate the fashion world, we promise to continue being your trusted friend, offering fashion advice, style tips, and a place to feel amazing in your outfits.
We will be closing our doors Sunday, July 30th. Please come by and get yourself some fantastic (significantly discounted) items! A huge store-wide sale going on now! Everything's gotta go y'all! Hope to see you soon! Also, check out all the sweet pictures I found from when we first opened!
With love and gratitude,
Brittany Hartwell
Founder, Molly Green
The front windows right when we opened.
Gorgeous Caroline gracing our front window.
a view of the store. we had these tables made by a craftsman we met at the farmers market.
beautiful songbird Kate also front window model.
The front windows were so open and we really enjoyed decorating them. I still have this house plant!
more pretty pictures that hung in the store when we opened. And a treat to meet the very sweet Hannah way back when.
this was a cute idea but the plants had to be watered every 3 hours...ha not really but kind-of
the very lovely Sarah Peyton Green Shot pictures for us in my house and backyard. Photoshoots are so exciting and special to our team. These photos hung in the store for the first several months we were open.
And let's not forget. That statement wall we were endlessly proud of.