Overview
- Painted Tree, which announced Tuesday, halted all retail operations and told vendors to remove inventory by April 24 with only skeleton crews on site.
- In messages to vendors and local media, the company blamed rising costs, shifting market conditions, and changes in how people shop for the decision.
- The closure has upended hundreds to thousands of small sellers who fear losing April sales, deposits, and recent rent because vendor payouts typically arrive as a lump sum the following month.
- A vendor agreement obtained by WRAL shows Painted Tree could terminate on five days’ notice and limits rent refunds, while security deposits equal half a month’s fee, deepening uncertainty over what money, if any, comes back.
- Reporters across multiple cities say the company has offered few details and has not answered questions about payments or any bankruptcy filing, leaving vendors to pack out fast and look for new places to sell.