DOWNTOWN TREASURE

from Weimar, Texas

by tripspublications

RELOCATION INFORMATION & CHURCH LISTINGS

LED BY FAITH Gathered Goods

LOCAL SHOPPERS DISCOVER A LOT MORE THAN THEY BARGINED FOR

BY MICHELLE BANSE STOKES, PHOTOS BY EMILY HENDERSON

Spend a Saturday morning strolling the sidewalks in downtown Weimar and you’re bound to discover something that speaks to your soul. Years ago, while out casually shopping, I remember being surprised at all the treasures tucked inside Gathered Goods. Today, I am just as enthralled as I was the first time I stepped foot inside. This boutique - specializing in the handmade, the local, the vintage and the unique - welcomes passersby to stop in, no matter if they buy something or not. You see, behind their front door is a little piece of the puzzle that makes Weimar the beautiful place that it is.

Founded in 2016, Gathered Goods is a living display of owner Carla Romine’s distinct style. I’m always eager to see how Gathered Goods has been transformed for the season and rarely does a weekend pass by that doesn’t find both my husband and I checking out the latest finds. And, yes, you read that right. That husband of mine is usually the one suggesting we stop in because there’s plenty that even he can’t resist in this incredible place.

“Everything we have is hand-picked by us,” Carla shared. “What we have in the store just kind of comes to us. We try to learn and discover what the community wants. We wanted to be a different kind of store and really do something different. We named it Gathered Goods to create a place where people are welcome to not only shop, but also simply come talk and visit. It’s a gathering place of people and goods.”

Above, Carla Romine and her friend, Molly Heger, welcome shoppers to Gathered Goods in downtown Weimar.

The motivation behind Gathered Goods is not that of your usual small business startup. A combination of events, mixed with a touch of serendipity, is what set the plan in motion for this one-of-a-kind emporium.

“My husband passed away in 2014 and I was just kind of fluttering around,” Carla said. “I had been a stay-at-home mom and all of my kids were gone. They all had their own lives and they said, ‘Mom, you’ve got to do something. You need to get busy.’ So, that was my inspiration.”

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing from there. In 2022, a tragic event that shook the entire community left Carla questioning whether or not Gathered Goods would continue to open its doors.

“After my accident, I wanted to close the store,” Carla shared. “I didn’t want to go back but so many good friends stepped up and kept it going. Everyone coming together makes us all want to love more and do more … that’s wonderful. This store has been a gift to me.”

Strong in her faith, Carla is quick to talk about the guiding force that keeps Gathered Goods open, even during tragedy.

“God always opens another door,” Carla shared. “For some reason, that store is not wanting to close and it’s not me, it’s the community. People have shown us that there is a need to have a place to just come and visit. People who visit the store are not just customers, they’re a part of Gathered Goods.

“My faith has seen me through a lot of trials. I want to help people through difficult times. When people walk in and they have something going on in their lives, we sit down and share with them. It’s God that pulled them in with what He wants us to do.”

Looking towards the future, Carla intends to simply keep going where God leads her.

“There are no plans,” Carla said. “It’s whatever walks in the door and what God wants us to do. We’re open. We need a bigger space but we haven’t come up with a solution yet. We’re growing. Gathered Goods is full of merchandise and also full of life. That’s the way we want it.”

Gathered Goods is open Thursday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. There is a number on the door that patrons can call if they want to shop outside of normal business hours.

“We are very open to anyone stopping by that just wants to visit,” Carla added. “You don’t have to buy anything if you just want to walk through and see it. That’s what we want you to do.”

Gathered Goods is located at 125 East Post Office Street and online on Instagram and Facebook.