Check out these unusual and inventive stores around our area.
Generations Boutique
21 S. Chicago Ave.Freeport, Ill. (815) 297-7050
It’s all about the ladies, at Generations Boutique.
Tucked into the heart of downtown Freeport, this store has something for women of all ages.
“We have things for the mature woman, the business professional, all women,” says Joyce Werntz, manager.
Owner Sharon Moring is a native of Forreston and decided to keep her business local. She opened the quaint but stylish shop in 2013 and urges Freeport women to buy local rather than shopping out of town.
Generations Boutique offers unique and fine quality lines of women’s clothing and accessories, handbags, jewelry, artwork, home décor, select antiques, dishes, pillows and photo frames, among many other things. There are also dip and soup mixes and other gourmet foods.
“Everything in here is one-of-a-kind,” Werntz says. “We don’t carry six or seven of the same item. The things that are in here cannot be found anywhere else.”
Hours: Mon-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Learn more on Facebook.
Angela’s Attic
1020 Gardner St., South Beloit, Ill., (815) 389-1679
Angela’s Attic is a bargain hunter’s dream.
More than 100 dealers sell their wares, which are spread throughout a 35,000-square-foot converted historic factory.
The giant antique mall is nestled in South Beloit, just off Interstate 90.
“We’re an antique and collectibles store,” says Renee Newland, manager. “We have a multitude of things in this store.”
The business showcases a wide variety of antiques, including primitives, as well as collectibles. Items include lawn and home furniture, toys, artwork, books, quilts, dishware, benches, dolls, signs, fishing tackle, records, hardware, tools, lamps, vintage home decor and much more.
When Angela’s Attic opened in 2007, there were just 25 dealers in the building.
“We’ve grown and expanded so much over the years,” Newland says.
Find Angela’s Attic on Facebook, or visit angelas-attic.com for more information.
Hours: Sun.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Joanne’s Total Image Salon & Spa
600 Gale St., Oregon, Ill., (815) 732-2477
Ever since she was a little girl, being a hairdresser was Joanne Canfield’s dream.
That dream came true in 1995, when she opened Joanne’s Total Image Salon & Spa.
Canfield was the first spa owner in Oregon.
“There are several now, but there weren’t any when we first opened,” she says.
She first located in downtown Oregon, but quickly outgrew the space. She moved to her current location on the south side of Oregon in 1999.
“I love it,” she says. “I love helping people and making them feel better about themselves. It’s very rewarding.”
The Salon and spa has seven hairdressers and two massage therapists. Manicures, pedicures, facials, tanning and body wrap services are available.
“I’ve been in Oregon since Day One and this is where I want to retire,” Canfield says.
Hours: Tues.-Thurs. 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Wed.-Fri. 8 a.m.-6 p.m., closed Sun.-Mon.
Find Joanne’s Total Image Salon & Spa on Facebook.
Taylor & Max Children’s Boutique
100 W. Main St., Rockton, Ill., (815) 957-0290 www.shoptaylormax.com
As a business owner and mother of three, Lisa Washington understands the difficulties of being a working mother.
“After I had my son, I had a hard time finding nice children’s clothing. I had to do all my shopping in Chicago,” says Washington. “The Rockford area needed a children’s boutique that features one-of-a-kind clothing.”
So 11 years ago, she started a business plan to provide specialty children’s fashion to busy mothers.
In February 2016, she opened Taylor & Max Boutique, named after two of her children who are both on the autism spectrum. The business took off, becoming one of the only upscale children’s boutiques in Illinois.
The boutique offers girls and boys apparel from preemie to size 10. Washington sources brands from responsible companies and looks for companies owned by women and women designers. She also keeps her eyes open for fashion out of New York and Italy. To support working mothers, Washington offers a concierge service and child styling service. Other guest services include complimentary gift wrapping, gift baskets, children’s classes and special events.
“I love fashion, but it’s more about serving the needs of the community,” says Washington. “When a mother or child comes in who’s having a difficult day, the store offers an escape. Many customers call it their happy place.”
Hours are Tues.- Fri., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat. to 4 p.m.