Pop-Up Stores Sprout in Time for Holidays on Beacon Hill

Edgartown retailer PIKNIK Art & Apparel had such a successful pop-up store at 70 Charles St. last year that he came back for his second holiday season. 

Judging by Thursday night's crowds at the Beacon Hill Holiday Stroll, Piknik is receiving a warm reception during its second seasonal stay. Owner Michael Hunter operates his store on Martha's Vineyard for the majority of the year but moves his wares to Beacon Hill in December to take advantage of the holiday shopping in Boston.

Piknik offers a mix of artwork, designer clothing, jewelry and other handmade and specialty goods.

Joining Piknik in the alcove of 70 Charles this year is Flowering Rock, which offers blended artisanal teas from Greece. Owner Natasha Makowski said she opened the store, her first, on Black Friday and if all goes well hopes to open pop-ups in Sag Harbor and Los Angeles to introduce people to her teas.

Makowski, a former Beaver Place and Beacon Street resident who now lives downtown, is working with a grower in Greece who harvests the specialty blends from mountaintop land.