Local Shopping Destinations | HUNTER & LAINE
Hunter & Laine is part of a movement to create an experience downtown that is welcoming and fun.
The boutique offers unique items curated from local makers and other small businesses. The selection includes everything from BBQ sauce and freeze-dried candy to beaded ornaments, wallets, jewelry, quality clothing, and pet accessories.
It’s also kid-friendly and dog-friendly, so you’ll find an area for kids to relax and enjoy coloring pages, puzzles, and activities, while you browse with your furry friend.
Co-owner Brendan Jensen credits the boutique’s manager, Amanda Turner, for the store’s wide selection of gifts and collectibles. Turner is an artist with an eye for good products and a sincere commitment to the success of other artists, makers, and small businesses.
“Amanda navigates conversations with warmth and respect, and builds relationships,” Jensen said. “She can work with artists who are just getting started to find a good price and market for their products, and she finds the best of what’s out there so that we can offer it here.”
Hunter & Laine is committed to ethically-sourced goods. Part of Turner’s job is doing the homework to make sure that any product they offer in the store directly benefits makers and small businesses.
The store works with local makers and artists by selling items on commission or buying products wholesale. It’s important to Jensen and Turner that their retail space is priced competitively, so that they are accessible to small makers as well as more established small businesses.
“We are flexible and want to find a way to work with local artists who are creating high quality work,” Jensen said. “We even work with young artists and those just starting out, because we can offer a much smaller space for their pieces than many other boutiques do.”
Jensen is excited by the quality and variety of shops in Topeka’s historic downtown. He purchased the building at 826 S Kansas Ave because he wanted to contribute to a unique shopping experience that gives back to the community.
“Our downtown has so many beautiful buildings,” Jensen said. “I wanted to bring my building back to its original glory with a visual appeal that would enhance the downtown shopping experience.
“After all, shopping is more fun in person because pictures online just don’t do justice to high quality products. At Hunter & Laine, you can pick things up, see how they feel, look at the texture, and inspect the craftsmanship. It makes shopping much more enjoyable and personal.”
Turner plans to lean into creating personal experiences even more in the future by offering private shopping and art events. The space is perfect for private dinners and meetings, with a kitchenette onsite and an opportunity to browse and shop as part of the evening.
Turner and Jensen have found a supportive community of businesses downtown who are committed to each other’s success.
Downtown has many wonderful places to visit, but shops are spread out over a long stretch. Those who are unfamiliar with the area might not know what they're missing. However, downtown businesses know what other stores offer and will help guide shoppers to what they are looking for.
Jensen encourages Topeka residents with a great business idea to consider downtown.
“We are looking for people with good ideas,” Jensen said. “Consider who you might pool resources with, and check out Downtown Topeka, Inc. for advice on renovation grants and resources for planning. There is so much support and a thriving community here that wants to help you make your dream come true.”
