Last winter, Ten Thousand Villages in Oak Park was looking at some very dismal sales results. No parking, bad weather, street construction … seemed like everything was against us and our customers at our fair trade store.
Thanks to our village, our volunteers, and our customers, we have a happy follow-up story to report!
We appreciate the village for recognizing the need to do something about the dismal parking situation. The 3-hour limits on parking in the lots off Marion Street have made a huge difference in our customers and volunteers finding space to park. And the extra free time in the Holly Court parking garage lets people enjoy a little extra shopping in Downtown Oak Park without watching the clock.
Thanks to our volunteers who biked, walked, got rides or otherwise figured out how to get to the store and greet our customers. With a smile. Volunteers started the store nine years ago, account for 90% of the staff, and enjoy sharing the stories of the artisans who created our unique merchandise. We can’t have a store without them!
Thanks to our customers who supported us and cared about the future of our store — and who continue to find delight in our unique gifts and fair trade treats.
On Wednesday, Sept. 7, we’re celebrating nine years in business in Oak Park! To add to this good news, our volunteers and staff worked hard to give us a new look to the store to showcase our fabulous fall merchandise. We can’t say “thanks” enough to store manager Clare Leavitt, assistant manager Kathy Gentile, associate manager Michaela Dix and handy guru Jim Holmes! Their efforts have paid off in a fresh new look for our anniversary.
We hope you’ll stop in and say “hello” and see the fruits of our labor. We would personally like to say “thanks for your support!”
Carole Aston, Judy Gaietto-Grace, Chris Hauri, Ray Heise, Bill Luginbuhl, Bill McCready, Jay O’Keefe, Susan Roberts, Kathie Walsh, Edwin Wald
Board of directors,
Ten Thousand Villages
Oak Park