It's no secret Lake Highlanders are a pretty loyal bunch. Just ask David Farris, co-owner of T. Hee Greetings, the newest addition to our community's list of local retailers.

Most neighborhood shoppers are familiar with this upscale boutique which, despite recent economic woes, has been fairing rather well in its location in the Lake Ridge Shopping Center at Walnut Hill and Audelia.

"We love our Lake Highlands customer base and will never pull away from them," says Farris who, together with his partner Tony Doles, owns and operates T. Hee Greetings and Gifts.

"Of course in this economy you have to think differently," continues Farris. "The hay days are gone, and the call to work with people, meet their needs and do what makes the most sense for the customer – those are our highest priorities."

"In order to expand our market while continuing to cater to our loyal LH customer base, we had to start thinking a little outside the box,” says Farris.

And what was the result of that line of thinking?

The conceptualization, design and creation of The Inviting Room – an 800 square foot addition to the retail space shoppers have come to love over the last year.

“Our landlord made it worthwhile, our customer base is ready and it’s going to fill a so-called niche of excellence in the event planning world,” says Farris.

Complete with hardwood floors, an 8-foot table and chandelier, this room will look as good as it performs. Anchor lines will include Crane, William Arthur, Vera Wang and Kate Spade, to name a few.

So, whether your event involves bridesmaids or new babies, The Inviting Room will have everything that hostesses and professional planners could ever need.

“We see people in the store all the time who tell us they are back for their second tour of Lake Highlands,” says Farris, referring to the new generation of residents who were raised in LH and have found their way back with their own children for a second round.

“Simply put, we don’t do anything without thinking about the impact it will have on Lake Highlands,” offers Farris. “And we know that the better T. Hee does, the better our shopping center performs. Of course, ultimately, that means good things for the community as a whole."

With construction beginning mid-month and an expected completion date of August, the grand opening of The Inviting Room won’t be far behind.

Check back for updates on T. Hee’s progress, and in the meantime drop by the store at 9661 Audelia, Ste. 110, and be sure to tell them LH Today sent you!