By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
The City of Plainwell recently welcomed the newest addition to the downtown business district.
Bushel & A Peck—which specializes in furniture and home décor and is located at 130 N. Main St.—held its grand opening earlier this month.
And according owner Heather Rushing, the reception from the community has been nothing short of “wonderful.”
“Everyone is so positive and supportive,” said Rushing, who opened Bushel & A Peck with her husband Patrick. “We have been thanked repeatedly for choosing to land in Plainwell and it makes us feel so welcome.
“We are truly blessed for each and every person that walks through the door and spreads the word about our shop.”
When the Rushings decided to open a storefront to sell their goods, they knew Plainwell was the right location.
“We chose to set up shop in Plainwell because it felt like another home to us,” Heather Rushing said. “We were so fortunate to be featured in the lower level of my dear friend’s amazing shop, Passiflora, and really enjoyed our time there.
“A little birdie told us about this building being available, so I picked up the phone, met with the kind owner and the rest is history. The people, community and city have been such an intricate part of why we love this place.”
With the work of more than 45 artisans featured, Bushel & A Peck offers something for everyone, according to Heather Rushing.
“The artisans create the most beautiful items,” she said. “There’s everything from vintage to new and everything in between. There are handmade and one-of-a-kind gifts galore, with decor for every part of your home and any person of any age.”
Many items are refurbished or repurposed, giving them a second life.
“We also have an abundance of clothing and jewelry as well,” Heather Rushing said. “And currently the shop feels like a Christmas wonderland and will change with each season to provide the perfect gems for you to purchase.”
Heather Rushing, who was raised in Portage but has also lived in New York and South Carolina, said she has always been creative and had a deep love of decorating. She owned an Etsy shop for many years, had items in boutiques all over the world and was featured in Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine.
Patrick Rushing, meanwhile, hails from Parma and also shares an affection for creating, refurbishing and business. He has a degree from WMU in Business Management and worked in the finance department at Kalamazoo College for 12 years before taking a leap into business ownership.
The Rushings—who share children Hannah, 22, and Gage, 19—plan to sell their house in Portage and relocate to Plainwell to further immerse themselves in the community.
“We have always been the hosting type,” Heather Rushing said. “When you shop at our store, we hope to greet you with a smile, shower you with some treats and drinks and assist in any way possible to help you find the perfect item to take home.
“We treat everyone like family and want you to feel happy and spoiled during your visit.”
That welcoming environment extends to friends of the canine variety as well.
“We love dogs and welcome them in the shop,” Heather Rushing said.