Downtown SLO plant shop is closing after a year in business. What happened?
A plant shop in downtown San Luis Obispo is closing its doors next month, after being open for only one year.
“My biggest sadness is in losing this space,” owner Samantha Huntley told The Tribune. “It’s so unique and beautiful, and I love welcoming people into it, and people taking their time in this space.”
The shop, Understory Plant Shop, opened on May 9, 2025, next to SLO Creek and mimics the understory of a forest.
Despite its “dreamy” spot, the plant shop is hidden from a lot of foot traffic, which dropped Huntley’s profits back in October with no increase in sight.
The lack of customers forced Huntley to close up shop, with its last day scheduled for June 14.
“Honestly, I don’t know if I was just right there on Higuera with a main entrance, how much of a difference that would have made,” she said. “It’s hard to know what I don’t know.”
What is next for Understory?
Huntley said she is “refocusing” her “energy” on her interior plant design business Happy Plant Company, where she visits spaces for businesses or homes and outfits the space with plants and design pieces and even maintains them.
“I haven’t been able to give that side of my business as much attention because I’ve been trying to make this work,” Huntley said. “I’m excited to devote myself more fully to that and be a little more proactive in that space.
Before Understory Plant Shop removes its roots from downtown SLO, Huntley is hosting a one-year anniversary party and closing celebration on June 12, and invites the community to celebrate and say goodbye to the shop.
The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m., with free appetizers from The Carrisa, and drinks available for purchase. Live music and games of “plant bingo,” where winners get to pick out a plant, will occur.
“I’m feeling good about it — I’m excited to invite people back into the space,” Huntley said. “I’m excited to get to experience that one last time.”
Understory Plant Shop is open on Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For the most up-to-date information on the plant shop, visit its Instagram or website at happyplantcompany.com.