VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Hundreds of small business owners are searching for their next steps after Painted Tree Boutiques announced it will close all 60 of its locations nationwide, including its store in Virginia Beach’s Hilltop area.
Vendors said they were notified by email on Tuesday and told to remove their merchandise within days, sparking confusion and concern among those who rely on the retail spaces to sell their goods.
“It’s really sad, because normally you don’t see this kind of activity unless it’s a load-in day and everyone is excited,” said Kristine Kennedy, a vendor who has sold items at the Hilltop location since it opened in May 2022…