Plano welcomed West Elm’s newest Texas location this week as the first retailer to open inside the highly-anticipated Legacy West development. West Elm is a branch of Williams–Sonoma, Inc, which offers affordable but modern products for the home.
Nicole Sutliff of West Elm’s public relations team led a sneak peek preview of the store and explained the store’s tradition of offering a space for local artisans to showcase their work. Currently West Elm’s Plano location supports nine Texas-based makers and artisans in the West Elm LOCAL program.
Below is a list of the Texas artists featured in West Elm Plano:
● Belle & Union Co.: Vintage American kitchen wares and decorative tea towels made by a couple in College Station, TX.
● Boyd’s Farm: Natural, organic bath and body products handmade by U.S. Air Force veteran Katherine Couron in San Antonio, TX.
● Gaston Made: Modern wooden coaster sets in vibrant colors from Dallas, TX.
● Hemlock & Heather: Texas-shaped wall hangings made from 100 percent reclaimed materials in Austin, TX.
● Leah Duncan: Abstract prints inspired by Texas flora made in Austin, TX.
● Lilco Letterpress: Texas-inspired postcards created by a design and letterpress studio in Dallas, TX.
● Little Wooden Penguin: Industrial-chic wooden cheese boards and furniture produced by a husband and wife team in Plano, TX.
● Mesa Blue Jewelry: Delicate jewelry combining textile, metal and geodes handcrafted in Plano, TX.
● Two Daughters Heirlooms: Sign and banner heirlooms made with pride by two wedding planners in Plano, TX.
“The overall mission of West Elm is to design to impact. We work with artisans from all over the world,” Nicole said. “At one point over the years we started to think more about what we could do to embrace the local makers where our stores are, which not only builds community but also gives them a spot to show their product and to build their brand.”
She said that this benefits the customers by giving them an opportunity to bring home a piece that tells a story and gives them a local connection to their home and region. What also sets West Elm apart from other retailers are the shopkeepers (general managers) who are in charge of their own inventory. This means that each shopkeeper can dictate the store’s offerings based on the region, what sells the best or is the right fit for his or her store.
The Plano location makes the seventh Texas store for West Elm. West Elm Plano is open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Sunday noon – 5 p.m.
More photos of the West Elm Plano grand opening // click to enlarge:
