One of the Pearl’s most distinctive boutiques is flocking to a new nest. The Tiny Finch is opening a second San Antonio location at 201 E. Olmos Dr., bringing along its eclectic mix of women’s fashion, home goods, apothecary items, and gifts.

Owner Karen Lee Zachry anticipates an October opening, although plans may shift between now and the fall. For now, she is busy imagining what to do with the space, which is twice the size of the Pearl original she purchased from original owner Courtney Beauchamp in 2023.

Although 75 percent of the merchandise will be the same and it will have the same “European boutique feel,” Zachry says the expanded square footage will enable the shop to have a broader fashion edit. Backroom space will allow a curated selection of shoes, and large mirrors will let customers size up a selection of new cocktail dresses and sweaters.

In some ways, Zachry says, the upcoming outpost is a continuation of an idea she had “a million years ago” when she first caught the retail bug while working as an attorney. Her original idea was called My Favorite Things, a store that offered everything from home fragrances to beautiful stationery.

When she saw a “for lease” in the Spanish Revival building off the Olmos Park roundabout, she quickly signed the paperwork.
“I can’t say I was looking, but I can’t say I wasn’t looking,” Zachry admits.

With both Tiny Finch locations, she hopes to bring the joys of shopping back despite the oft-discussed retail apocalypse. Zachry actually sees the opposite, a “retail Renaissance” driven by the thrill of finding a gorgeously illustrated cookbook or a favorite scent.

“People still delight in those simple pleasures,” she says. “And they still want to discover it.”

The dual shops will also allow her to personalize the selection at each location. Zachry says she is thinking of bringing in more pet items for the Pearl’s pooches and expanding the stock of Texas products for tourists who want a more thoughtful San Antonio souvenir.

But one thing that won’t change is her commitment to customer service. A new website will let patrons pick up goods at either location, and the current staff will rotate between the two stores.

“The real reason I’m able to do this is because of an outstanding store manager and an outstanding store team,” she says.

Zachry likens her shop to Cheers. Not only does she value the repeat customers browsing the newest stock, but she loves it when spouses or parents come in knowing it is one of their loved one’s favorite shops. And she is grateful that San Antonio shoppers still value shopping local.

“We’re just so thrilled about the opportunity,” she says.