Pearl is announcing new initiatives by select retailers to better serve customers and the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Similar to the launch of the Pearl Farmers Market Online to aid local farmers, these programs showcase the resilience of Pearl tenants as they adapt to changing circumstances. (Pearl, 2020)

With sewing and crafting on the rise across the country since the start of the pandemic, Niche at Pearl is creating its newest concept: The Stitch at Niche – a carefully curated fabric shop and project space. The shop will launch at the Niche at Pearl store starting on Friday, August 21, 2020. The Stitch at Niche will include one-of-a-kind textiles, trims, and buttons not available at other fabric stores. Much of the fabric has been developed specifically for the Niche brand with textile manufacturers from all over the world that only work with the garment industry. Niche at Pearl will be offering the fabric and trims by the yard and prices vary based on the material.

The Stitch at Niche will stock simple sewing patterns from the Niche collection for garments and projects. By Fall, it will roll out a collection of limited in-stock and semi-custom home decor to include pillows, curtains, napkins and other soft goods. Once it is safe to do so, Niche will host maker workshops and classes in store in the project area, led by its designer Nilgun Derman, its team and guest makers. In the meantime, the store will release short how-to videos on practical sewing tips and easy at-home projects.

The Stitch at Niche will stock over 75 kinds of rotating textiles and hundreds of buttons and trims:

• Silks and silk dupioni in a rainbow of colors and patterns
• Linens and linen blends, including solids and digital prints
• French jacquards and brocades
• Embroidered knit jersey and cotton shirting
• PFD (prepared for dye) linens, cotton and knits for tie-dye and small batch dyeing projects
• Boiled wool and lightweight outerwear fabrics
• Handmade, detailed buttons in shell, horn and wood, including large decorative buttons
• Beaded and crocheted trims

Traveling sewing kits will also be available for $8 and will include: black hinged tin, needle/thread, seam ripper, tape measure, “twinbutton” shell buttons, black mini safety pins, elastic band and set of snaps. Niche at Pearl will additionally carry pattern kits for simple home projects.

With the recent rising trend of virtual wine classes and wine packs to go, High Street Wine Co. added them to better serve its customers. But High Street’s programming offers a unique give back approach with the launch of its Nonprofit Labor Program.

For every wine pack and select wine classes purchased, High Street allocates service hours and sends its team members to volunteer with its nonprofit partners — all of which were selected by their team. At online check-out, guests can choose which organization to support, including San Antonio Hope Center, Meals on Wheels, West Avenue Compassion or San Antonio Food Bank. Guests can also choose to match labor contributions to pay High Street’s staff to take additional time to volunteer for the organizations. Wine packs and classes vary in price and selections are available on High Street online.

High Street has temporarily transformed its interior into a donation drop-off station. Guests can drop off donation items, which High Street then delivers to its nonprofit partners. To kick-start the program and encourage donations, High Street is providing complimentary Pearl beer to anyone who drops a donation from the approved list (must be 21 and older to receive complimentary beer).

“I’m continually inspired by the resilience and innovation of our retail and restaurant community. Our partners are responding to the needs of San Antonio and creating avenues of support for their businesses and employees.” – Elizabeth Fauerso, Pearl’s Chief Marketing Officer