BLAIR, NEBRASKA (2024 JULY 25, THURSDAY) – In downtown Blair, a small shop is making a big impact on the local retail scene. Tighe It With A Bow, owned by Annie Tighe, has been a fixture on Washington Street since 2013, offering a unique alternative to mass-produced goods.
The shop specializes in upcycled furniture, handcrafted jewelry, and repurposed home decor. “The variety of items that we provide is a good surprise for first-time visitors,” Tighe says. “They are up-cycled, re-purposed, unique treasures.”
Tighe, a Blair resident with a background in craft retail and marketing, saw an opportunity to bring something different to the town’s shopping options. Her approach resonates with locals looking for one-of-a-kind pieces.
Karen Eikmeier, appreciates the shop’s diverse offerings. “This little shop has everything you are looking for and then some. I have never walked out without something,” she says.
Beyond retail, Tighe It With A Bow contributes to Blair’s community life through craft classes. “My classes are FUN!” Tighe explains. “You don’t have to have a particular skill set before you come. You just have to want to learn.” These classes have become popular events, drawing both regulars and newcomers.
The shop’s inventory evolves with the seasons, keeping things fresh for repeat visitors. “The inventory in the shop is always changing due to the uniqueness of each piece, but it also changes seasonally,” Tighe notes. “I’m just now starting to add in some fall pieces.”
As a member of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Tighe sees her business as part of Blair’s larger economic ecosystem. “I believe there is enough success available for all of us,” she states, emphasizing her commitment to promoting local businesses.
Tighe It With A Bow has become more than just a store; it’s a place where Blair’s past and present intersect. Tighe often works on pieces with sentimental value, like when she “up-cycled great grandma’s jelly cupboard, so it could be used for another 50 years.”
As Blair continues to grow and change, Tighe It With A Bow stands as an example of how small businesses can adapt and thrive. It offers, as Tighe puts it, “something available for your home or work, a treat for yourself, a gift for your friend… bridal shower, graduation, teacher gift, and more.”
In a town known for its sense of community, Tighe It With A Bow is doing its part to keep Blair’s retail scene vibrant, sustainable, and uniquely local.
When I asked Annie what would be a good title for this article she said, “Just get on in here!” And, with that, I say to you: Just get on in there, because there is something cool, unique, and one-of-a-kind waiting for you.
“Tighe It With A Bow“
Location: 1259 Lincoln Street, Blair, Nebraska
Established: July 2013
Description: Tighe It With A Bow is a unique boutique in downtown Blair, offering a curated selection of handcrafted, upcycled, and repurposed items. Owned and operated by Annie Tighe, the shop specializes in one-of-a-kind gifts, home decor, and personal accessories.
Products and Services:
- Handcrafted jewelry
- Repurposed and upcycled furniture
- Unique home decor items
- Custom furniture makeovers
- Seasonal decorations
- DIY craft classes
Specialties: Known for its ever-changing inventory of creative, repurposed items, Tighe It With A Bow offers a shopping experience that’s both eco-friendly and locally focused. The shop is particularly noted for its custom work and furniture makeovers.
Customer Experience: Visitors can expect personalized service from owner Annie Tighe, who brings her extensive background in craft retail to help customers find the perfect item or create custom pieces.
Community Engagement: Beyond retail, Tighe It With A Bow hosts regular craft classes, fostering creativity within the Blair community. As a member of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the business actively supports and promotes local economic growth.
Perfect For: Gift shoppers, home decor enthusiasts, craft lovers, and anyone appreciating unique, handcrafted items with a local touch.
Thank you for acknowledging and promoting local small business. It seems the trends and priorities are leaning toward bringing in big outside new ventures over helping those already here to prosper and grow larger.
Lisa, we hope you can continue in Blair, too. Thank you for all your service. The town needs you.