A Lehigh Valley business offering locally made fashions, housewares, personal care products and more has announced that it’s ended operations following financial struggles that resulted in delayed payments to vendors.
The Hive, a market carrying hand-crafted items from more than 150 Lehigh Valley area vendors, has closed its retail locations at 27 E. Belvidere St. in Nazareth and 2845 Center Valley Parkway Suite 420 – at Promenade Saucon Valley – in Upper Saucon Township, according to an announcement on the business’ social media pages.
The Hive’s location at 27 E. Belvidere St. in Nazareth is pictured in August 2024.
Ryan Kneller
The Hive is experiencing “serious financial hardship that has resulted in delayed payments to vendors,” the announcement reads.
“After careful consideration, we have made the very difficult decision to close our retail operations effective immediately,” the online post continues.
“This is a strictly cash flow crisis within the business, not a criminal act and it is not our intention to avoid our financial responsibilities. We understand the frustration, fear, and anger many vendors are feeling. They deserve clarity and a path forward. We are actively working with legal and financial professionals to determine the most responsible and fair way to address outstanding balances.”
Because the situation involves legal and financial matters, details regarding individual vendor accounts cannot be discussed publicly, the online post states.
The business plans to communicate directly with affected vendors with information regarding inventory pickup and next steps.
The Hive’s location at 27 E. Belvidere St. in Nazareth is pictured in August 2024.
Ryan Kneller
“We are deeply grateful to the community, customers, and small businesses who have supported The Hive,” the closing announcement continues.
“This outcome is heartbreaking, and we are committed to handling this transition with as much transparency and respect as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this extremely difficult time.”
Shoppers at The Hive could browse a wide assortment of artisan creations, including jewelry, wall art, greeting cards, handbags, fashion accessories, cat and dog treats, tumblers, knitted blankets, baby clothes, hand-thrown pottery, mosaic picture frames, macrame plant holders and cutting boards and other wood crafts.
Owner MaKayla Adams’ own creations, including stickers and T-shirts with unique designs and sayings, were also available for purchase.
“I chose the name, The Hive, because I had the idea that there could be many vendors under one roof, and together we could form this really beautiful, vibrant community where everyone plays a key role,” Adams told 69 News shortly after the Nazareth store’s opening in 2023. “And at the end of the day, we also have one common goal, which is supporting each other and being successful.”
Adams, of Bangor, started selling her stickers and other items on Etsy – an online marketplace focused on handmade or vintage items as well as craft supplies – in 2021.
She was “more into sports and not so much the arts growing up,” but downtime during the COVID-19 pandemic spurred her creativity, she said.
The Hive’s location at 27 E. Belvidere St. in Nazareth is pictured in August 2024.
Ryan Kneller
“I started with two sticker designs on Etsy, and it blew up overnight,” she said. “I quickly realized that making stickers was making me happy and making me a lot of money.”
After finding success online, Adams began attending vendor shows, but the events proved tiresome and she began to think of a “more effective in-person, brick-and-mortar concept.”
Adams’ vision came to life in early 2023 when she launched her first multi-vendor market, Good to All, in Delaware Water Gap, Monroe County.
The venture saw immediate success, leading Adams to move the newly named operation to Nazareth for more space.
The Hive’s location at 27 E. Belvidere St. in Nazareth is pictured in August 2024.
Ryan Kneller
Adams then launched a second location of The Hive in November 2024 on downtown Allentown’s ArtsWalk before moving that location to Promenade Saucon Valley in April 2025.
Adams provided a written statement regarding the business’ closure.
“The decision to close The Hive was incredibly difficult,” Adams stated.
“This business was built with heart to support local artists, makers, and small businesses, and I am deeply proud of the creative community that grew within our walls. Like many small businesses, we faced significant financial challenges that made it impossible to continue operating. My focus now is on handling the closure as responsibly and thoughtfully as possible, with direct communication to vendors and partners. This situation has been deeply personal and difficult, and I care very much about the people affected. I am grateful for the customers, vendors, and community members who supported The Hive over the years and helped make it a special place. I hope the relationships and creativity fostered here continue to grow beyond our storefront.”