Thriving specialty store in Naperville features work from local, national and international artists.
When Donna Smith sent her oldest child to college, she said she saw the "handwriting on the wall." "I had stayed home for 15 years raising my kids," she said. "I'd always wanted to own a specialty store and I saw a need for a small, independent full-service business here." Smith, of Aurora, opened the local store, Occasions, in July 2007. It's now a thriving artisan gift shop on Naperville's south side, near the intersection of 103rd Street and Route 59. About half of the store's shoppers come from Plainfield, and the other half from Naperville, Smith said. She already had her store decorated and stocked last week for the holiday season. Santas, Christmas trees and snow-covered signs occupy the entire back side of the space, and handmade …
41.69242
-88.205476
Occasions
3027 English Row Ave, Naperville, IL
/articles/local-gift-store-does-not-just-thrive-occasionally
240745
/locations/2480197
A Naperville specialty store offers olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette varieties that are imported fresh from all over the world.
When manager Steve Hannah welcomes customers into his specialty store, he asks them to do something many of them have never done before. "You do find people who are a little reticent, but once you get them going, they usually get into it," said the 53-year-old, who works at The Olive Mill, near the intersection of 103rd Street and Route 59 in Naperville. About 25 carefully arranged tanks of fresh olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette greet store visitors who are asked to participate in tastings. Hannah compares the experience to sampling a fine wine. "You put it on your tongue and let it warm up to taste the notes," he said. "When you swallow it, you get the after notes. That's the full effect of the flavor." The finishing taste of the olive …
41.69242
-88.205476
The Olive Mill
3027 English Row Ave, Naperville, IL
/articles/finding-the-fruit-of-the-olive
241223
/locations/2310243
Sarah Adamson
2:46 pm on Friday, October 29, 2010
My book club was wondering about this place, thanks for your report and the information regarding the shelf life of olive oil−who knew! I need to check out my pantry, soon:) more ›