Retailer leaving Bradley Fair likely will have a new Wichita store by late this year

When Everyday by Elderslie opened at Bradley Fair in late 2022, Katharine Elder intended for it to be a temporary pop-up store with a possibility of becoming something more.

She’s now ready for that, but it won’t be at Bradley Fair.

“We want to do something a little more than that space is capable of,” Elder said.

That includes finding somewhere with a kitchen.

“The space there is just a little bit of a square peg (in a) round hole.”

However, Elder added, “We have had a wonderful time being there. We have loved having an in-town presence.”

In an e-mailed statement, a Bradley Fair representative said: “Everyday by Elderslie has been an incredible partner to the Bradley Fair community and we have enjoyed working with Katharine to help bring her vision for the storefront to life. We’re grateful for their collaboration on several events and programs over the past year and a half. We wish them continued success in the future.”

Elder’s first foray beyond her family’s Elderslie Farm in Kechi is what she referred to as Everyday by Elderslie 1.0.

“Now we’re ready to pursue 2.0.”

Elder hasn’t found a new site yet. She said she wants to take her time and “carefully craft a space that resonates better with what Elderslie has to offer.”

Part of her influence for a new store comes from ones she’s seen in Italy, where she cooks a couple times a year at her aunt and uncle’s villa. Elder said she loves seeing how those shops are carefully curated.

Since also closing her 1400 by Elderslie at the Wichita Art Museum, Elder said she feels “like I’ve had an opportunity to really regroup myself.”

That includes considering what she wants in Wichita and at the farm.

Elder is retooling the market at the farm as she plans a new Wichita retail presence.

“We have longer-term hopes, ideas (and) dreams of what we have to offer . . . particularly as a small farm.”

Everyday by Elderslie’s last day in business is April 20. Everything that doesn’t sell during a sale Elder plans at Bradley Fair the week before closing will move to the farm.

The take-and-bake family meals the store sells will continue at a satellite site in Wichita as soon as Elder makes a new partnership to sell those.

“That piece is still in the works.”

Look for news on that likely before news of the new permanent store.

“I would love to have a space by the holiday,” Elder said.

In the meantime, she invites customers to the farm.

“We want people to shop at the farm because it’s beautiful.”

This story was originally published April 4, 2024 at 4:04 AM.