Tigertree opened in March 2007 in a small alley in the Short North District of Columbus, Ohio. Owners Josh and Niki Quinn had only intended to spend six months in Columbus on their way from their old home of Los Angeles to the East Coast. After falling in love with the city (and the Short North in particular), they decided to stay in a community they felt they could have an impact. After one year, Tigertree moved to it's current High Street location.

Originally designed to work around the couple's own line, Maxine Dear, Tigertree quickly developed a personality of its own. Established brands like Fred Perry and Ben Sherman dovetail with up-and-coming lines such as Dear Creatures and Plastic Island. Tigertree also provides one of the city's more interesting mix of gift and accessory items.