The Apple Tree in Downtown Glendale – Our Cover Story

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For the cover of this January-February issue, we featured The Apple Tree in Downtown Glendale. For over 20 years, owner Karen Landes has kept her shop filled with the warmth and comfort of Colonial New England, Shaker Simplicity, Country Primitive, Midwestern Charm and “Countrypolitan,” which is a touch of country with a metropolitan feel.

 

On the cover, we feature a great pie safe Karen found in Ohio with its original paint and tin sides. Karen explained how the tin sides are punched from the inside to keep the flies out and how almost every farmhouse would have some sort of pie safe to keep pests away from pies, baked goods and more.

February marks The Apple Tree’s 23rd anniversary. What was to be a “little break from the real working world for a year or two” for Karen, then a stressed-out corporate administrator, has turned into a labor of love. There have been a lot of changes during those 23 years, from a sparsely stocked little antique mall in 1991 to the 6,500 square foot shop of today, filled to overflowing with quality merchandise.

The Apple Tree carries a full line of home décor, including wall hangings, prints, rugs, linens, lighting and custom upholstered furniture. The large open spaces of the shop flow into various room type settings and specialized areas that make it easy to shop and will give you idea after idea on what to do with your new-found treasures. Throughout, you will find the “truly old, looks like old and goes with old.” There are also dealer booths at the back of the shop with great collections of glassware, tools, furniture and more.

Karen credits her loyal customers for keeping The Apple Tree thriving. She estimates 75% of those who walk in the door are returning customers and believes the warm and welcome environment, unique antiques and great gift items keep them coming back.  As Karen explains, “I have a ‘want it’ shop, not a ‘need it’ shop and there are lots of things for our customers to want at The Apple Tree!”

She says the best decision she made was to revamp The Apple Tree after her original partner moved. Her second best decision was to hire Barb Schwartz who has been with her for 15 years.

The Apple Tree is located at 5811 W. Glendale Avenue in historic Downtown Glendale. Call 623-435-8486 for more information.

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