Shopping in Hope

Along the hot-pink accent wall at GlamRus, hangers teem with equally vivid dresses, palazzo pants, and other ladies’ apparel. Jewelry and accessories top off each outfit, such as bejeweled necklace and earring sets and gauzy scarves strung through charms. GlamRus’s inventory changes with the seasons as well as with trends, stocking outfits for football season; wreaths for Halloween, Mardi Gras, and Tax Day; and ensembles and embellished candles for winter holiday parties.

The Ellis family traces its history of working with plants to the late 1800s, when they operated a pottery-manufacturing company in Texas. Current-generation family members build from their familial expertise at all five of their store locations, spread between Louisiana and Texas. Twice a year, the Ellises travel overseas to identify upcoming horticulture trends decided by UN meetings in The Hague. This has expanded their decorative focus to include all aspects of home décor to complement greenhouses filled with tropical blooms and locally grown shrubbery. Clocks, lamps, and vases score homeowners extra credit in interior-design classes, and fountains and outdoor furniture make gardens hospitable for warm weather. The Ellises encourage creativity with hands-on classes in subjects such as making centerpieces, weaving wreaths, and tying ribbon into perfect bows.