Design Ideas Holiday Store Sets New Record
For the third year in a row, Design Ideas returned to MacArthur Boulevard to hold their annual Holiday Store in the former CVS building in the Town & Country Shopping Center. This year, Design Ideas decided to have the Holiday Store open to the public for a total of 28 days. Last year the store was open to the public for a total of 10 days.
This year, with the additional days open to the public, the response was overwhelming:
- During the 28 day sale period, there were approximately 12,422 transactions that took place
- More than 400 customers a day visited the Store
- The total amount raised for local charities was $20,000.00.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sangamon County, Illinois Symphony Orchestra, and Sparc will each receive a check for $6,667.00.
Much of the excitement surrounding the Holiday Store stems from the fact that Design Ideas typically does not offer products directly to consumers. The annual Holiday Store gave shoppers the opportunity to purchase items that are normally found at popular retail stores, up to 75% off the regular price.
Design Ideas was founded in 1983 by a brother-sister team of college students who created a wire basket for carrying toiletries to the shower in college dorms. Today, Design Ideas has a full line of functional, fashion-forward, and moderately priced home and office accessories that appeal to a broad range of design-conscious consumers. The company creates, manufactures, and globally markets 1,500 products for the home and office.
Welcome new member Tailored Printing
Tailored Printing, Inc. celebrated their 15th year in business with a ribbon cutting and grand opening of their new office in the Lawrence Plaza (1024 W. Lawrence), and a new logo that better reflects the additional services their business has added in recent years.
"When we first started there were 52 other printers in the phone book and today there are 35," said Kevin Slot, president of Tailored Printing, Inc. "Our key to success has been to not limit ourselves to any one kind of printing. Our slogan is 'Yes we print that' which includes all types of full color printing, promotional products and apparel."
Tailored Printing has also been very quick to stay ahead of changes in the industry. Last year more than half of all their printing orders were placed on the web through Tailored Printing's e-Print Management System. This branded online ordering service has been a big hit for anyone who has multiple offices, or has a lot of different printing orders to manage.
"Printing whatever a customer needs combined with our online ordering systems enabled us to have very strong growth in 2008 despite the slower economy, and we're very optimistic about 2009," said Slot.
Congratulations to the "12 Days of Christmas" Retail Campaign Winners
Grand Prize - $1200 in Super Pantry gas cards - Holly Brake
$50 Visa gift card - Mary Alice Cedusky
Wild Birds Unlimited - Ron Drainer
Roy's Alterations - Ellen Siler
Baskin Robbins - Lisa Sabo
Schramm Bacher - Kathy Williams
The Wardrobe - Amy Wolf
Design Ideas - Dolores Butler
Luers Shoes - Mindy Becker
Dublin Pub - Tracie & Gregg Lowis
Jewelry by Judy - Carlee Hunter
Town & Country Bank - Tramond Hunnicutt
Pease's Candy - Alex Palmer
Election of 2009 Board Members
At the December MBBA meeting, elections were held for 2009 officers and board members. Cory Jobe and Michelle Higginbotham were re-elected for another 1-year term as chair and vice-chair, respectively. Dave Saner and Fred Coombe also remained on the board, with two new board members, David Farrell and Carol Kneedler beginning their first term. Doug Finn and Jeff Cummings finished their terms on the board, and we thank them for their service. The board will hold a retreat on Saturday, February 21 to plan for the coming year and brainstorm about current projects.
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, January 21 - vote on payday loan ordinance, City Council chambers, 6 p.m.
Thursday, February 12 - Membership meeting, 7:30 a.m., Red Cross Building on Outer Park Drive.
