Charm and Change at Hedge Vine

Hedge & Vine, a charming gift shop in Old Bellevue, has adapted its offerings during the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting from a focus on hostess gifts to items that promote self-care and comfort. Owner Marilyn Zonnefeld described the initial scramble to stop vendor shipments when the pandemic hit, acknowledging the compassion of her vendors during this difficult time. The shop, which opened in 2012 and expanded in 2018, has remained open for most of the pandemic due to its diverse product range, including wine. During the "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order, Hedge & Vine ramped up production of custom gift baskets, allowing customers to either make specific requests or trust the store to curate the items. The local community has played a crucial role in supporting the business, particularly during times of unrest, with neighbors offering to help watch the storefront.

With safety measures in place, including mandatory face masks and curbside pickup options, the store has managed to maintain operations amidst ongoing challenges. Zonnefeld has seen a rise in foot traffic since King County moved to phase II of reopening, although sales are not yet back to normal. She remains optimistic, citing strong customer support as a key factor in Hedge & Vine's survival.