After four decades as a holiday centerpiece and decor destination in Old Town Spring, Thads has shut its doors for the last time. Known for its distinctive blue front door and a selection of unique home furnishings, Thads ceased operations on August 1, leaving behind a legacy of community connection and festive traditions. The store announced its closure on Facebook, expressing appreciation for the years of support. "It is with deep gratitude and a full heart that we announce the closing of Thads," and "The decision to close our doors hasn’t been easy, but we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished and grateful for every customer who made it possible," the store expressed in a statement obtained by the Houston Chronicle.
The shop's journey began in 1985, following founder Thad Abbott's vision which started from his father's garage and led to a 3,100-square-foot store stocked with high-quality goods. Abbott's legacy continued even after his death in 2013 at the age of 55, with his partner, Jesse Arreola, maintaining the store up until its recent closure. The story, detailed on Thads' Facebook page, outlines Abbott's careful curation of items and dedication to creating a welcoming space for shoppers. "He carefully curated an eclectic collection of high-end home decor and accessories, and created a legacy of providing high-quality merchandise with a flair for design," the page remembers, as per a report by the Houston Chronicle.
A fixture for Old Town Spring's holiday shopping season, the store was famed for its Christmas displays, often starting the decorating process in October and keeping the festive scene alive through mid-January. "We worked hard to make (Thads) this fairytale Christmas land when you walked in," Mikel Roberts, who spent eight years working at Thads, told the Houston Chronicle. Roberts' connection to Thads was more than professional; he considered the Old Town Spring community as his family, indicative of the close-knit relationships Thads helped foster over the years.
The store's closing has affected the Old Town Spring community, who view the shop as more than just a business but as a hub for holiday warmth and a backdrop for countless personal milestones, from family Christmas photos to senior portraits. The pandemic's toll on local businesses has not yet been fully mitigated, Roberts suggested, and the loss of Thads may further strain the area's recovery. Despite this, the local merchants, the historic setting, and the deep community bonds formed around icons like Thads will continue to define the district. "We're really going to miss Thads being out here," he said in a statement obtained by the Houston Chronicle. "This one is going to be a hard one for everybody to take because it was such a destination."
While the community reflects on the history and impact of Thads, the future of the iconic location at 110 Main St. remains uncertain. The closure was also confirmed through a Facebook announcement on August 1, where the store thanked its patrons for their enduring support, according to Community Impact. "Thank you for walking this journey with us, for supporting local business, and for helping us build something lasting," the post read, marking the end of an era for Old Town Spring and its residents.
