October 2, 2023 By Carol Britton Meyer
This year marks La Petite Maison’s 25th anniversary in Hingham Square, which is a cause for celebration for owner Nan Walsh.
“It’s hard to believe that 25 years have gone by, but we’re still here and going strong!” she told the Hingham Anchor.
Walsh travels to France annually for inspiration and to shop the markets for antiques and other unique finds that she brings back to Hingham.
La Petite Maison features imported linens, dishware and glassware, art work and photographs (some taken by Walsh in France), antiques, a Book Nook, fine crib bedding and unique baby gifts, and decorative accessories for the home as well as a number of custom services and expert design consultation.
“There are certain vendors I purchase from regularly in France,” Walsh said. “My customers get very excited when I return to see what one-of-a-kind items I bring back with me.”
Special event planned
The community is invited to stop by La Petite Maison at 142 North St. on Saturday, Oct. 14, between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.
“We have quite a day planned,” Walsh said. “The outside brick courtyard will be set up with tables and a tent, with a South Shore Conservatory jazz trio playing, small bites from the Square Cafe, raffle prizes, and giveaways.”
Shoppers will save 25 percent off one item of their choosing and receive a customized La Petite Maison tea towel when spending $75 or more.
The shop survived through the construction of a tunnel under Hingham Square, the collapse of the Lincoln Building, COVID, and other challenges, and Walsh is looking forward to many more successful years in business.
She is particularly appreciative of the widespread community support for her shop during the pandemic. “La Petite Maison did a lot of business through social media, and we made local deliveries,” she said. “People were shopping through our front display window, pointing to items they wished to purchase. It was a challenging time, but the community really rallied around all the downtown businesses.”
Walsh said she “couldn’t do it without my amazing staff — some of whom have been with me for 10 years or more. They’re very engaged with the shop and our customers and have a good knowledge of the products,” Walsh said. “We offer a different kind of experience here — we want people to feel inspired. We get to know our customers — their likes and what they are looking for. It’s like greeting friends.”
Shop attracts loyal as well as new customers
Some of La Petite Maison’s many customers have been shopping there throughout the shop’s 25-year journey, while others are newer or pay a visit for the first time after hearing about the unique shopping experience it offers. “People often come here specifically to find a gift for someone and for our signature gift wrapping — including blue and white tissue paper and a blue tulle bow,” Walsh said.
The shop first opened in 1998 on South Street in the former Maxwell Candies space next to what was then the Treasures shop. Five years later, La Petite Maison moved into the former Bowl & Board space between the Square Cafe and the now-smaller Bowl & Board shop on the corner. When the business closed down completely five years later, La Petite Maison expanded into that space as well.
Walsh explained the inspiration behind opening the shop 25 years ago. While in-between corporate jobs, the South Street space became available, which was an opportunity to put her fondness for everything French into action. “I decided to take the leap and open a French-inspired boutique with support from family and friends,” she recalled.
Ecommerce shopping
The brand-new La Petite Maison website is expected to launch before the event, with an added Ecommerce feature enabling customers to shop online and also on Instagram and Facebook for treasures representative of what’s offered in the shop. Ecommerce links include a women’s, baby, unique gifts, market, and other sections featuring sleepwear, jewelry, baby gifts and clothing, hostess gifts, sweets and savories, bathroom and kitchen accessories, soaps, fragrances, lotions, scented candles, and much more.
You will be able to find further information about the shop once they launch their new website – coming soon!
Anniversaries like these are a beautiful reminder of the power of good food to bring people together and create lasting memories. Here’s to 25 years of culinary delight, and may La Petite Maison continue to serve delectable dishes and create magical moments for many more years to come! 🥂