In December 2023, Mary Beth Bussen and Sarah Kelley, co-owners of Union Studio, announced the closing of their shop in Tower Grove.
Originally, the plan had been to expand the store, but after several delays in construction, the women learned that the owner of the building on Tower Grove Avenue was “struggling to finance the renovation,” according to a letter they posted to customers on their website.
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The search for a new location was on, and, aided in part by the generous outpouring of ideas from the community, they went searching for a place that would excite both them and their customers.
“Our customers were always telling us how they liked spending time in our store, even if they weren’t shopping,” says Kelley. “We wanted to find a way to weave Union Studio into their life in a new way.”
When the women walked into the lobby of MADE maker space in the Delmar Maker District, they knew they’d found a new home for their small business. “This space is filled with light and architectural gems. It has soaring ceilings and beautiful old floors. Really the scale of the place as a whole is impressive and the perfect backdrop for our art and goods,” says Bussen.
The 2,200 square foot space, while larger than the former location in Tower Grove, will remind customers of the Union Studio they have grown to love. There is original art on the walls, handmade goods displayed on tables, inventory arranged in vintage armoires and chests. But this new location, which they’re calling The Lobby by Union Studio, will also boast a common room complete with sofas and tables to encourage customers to sit and stay a while.
“Webster Groves will remain our flagship, where we have the most art, the most goods— the widest selection. If people are interested in exclusively shopping, Webster will be the best for that. Our space on Delmar is more community oriented. We still have art and goods for sale, but we want our customers to come, linger, and stay a while,” explains Bussen. To encourage community building, fresh snacks from Union Loafers will be available to purchase, a cooler case will hold refreshments for sale, and The Novel Neighbor will provide a selection of books to peruse. The Webster Groves bookstore will also use the shop’s common area to host their frequent author talks and the space will be available to rent for private events.
The Lobby by Union Studio opens Thursday, September 5.
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Delmar Maker District: “The obvious connection for us was all the creative art businesses in this area. Third Degree Glass Factory and Craft Alliance are just down the street. But there are also a slew of new and old small businesses surrounding us. To be in an area that is full of locally owned businesses makes us feel right where we want to be,” says Bussen.
More than just a store: By offering comfortable seating, including vintage and thrifted sofas, loveseats, and tables, as well as a selection of books for sale from The Novel Neighbor, and fresh bread and other snacks delivered daily from Union Loafers, Bussen and Kelley are hoping that customers will stop in and stay. (To ensure your favorite bread doesn’t sell out, place your order here the night before.)
