Check out these unusual and inventive stores around our area.
Haberdapper
253 Broad St., Lake Geneva, Wis., (262) 248-7700, haberdapper.com
When Stephen and Genna Monticello moved to Wisconsin from Florida in 2007, they wanted to start their own business.
They spoke to several locals and, after finding several leads, decided to open a men’s clothing store. The result is Haberdapper, launched in 2008, a store that specializes in men’s clothing and accessories, all arranged in a store filled with antique tables and warm wood tones. Its luxury brands include Truefitt & Hill, Tommy Bahama and Allen Edmonds.
Much more than a clothing store, Haberdapper is connected with Haberdapper Real Estate Advisors, a collection of real estate professionals who can help to connect homebuyers and home sellers with necessary services.
The Monticellos also maintain an interior design service that carries an assortment of vintage and modern photographic prints from the Lake Geneva area.
“We consider our clothing to be high-end casual wear that’s perfect for a day enjoying our resort town or dressy enough for a night on the town,” Genna says.
She’s more than happy to discuss design elements in further detail and point visitors in the right direction, not just for fashion, but for luxury living in Lake Geneva.
Galena Canning Co.
107 S. Main St., Galena, (815) 777-2882, galenacanning.com
Chef Ivo Puidak says there are times when he works at Galena Canning Co. seven days a week and 18 hours a day.
“If you love what you do, it reflects in what you do,” says Puidak, chef and owner of Galena Canning Co.
For more than 25 years, Galena Canning Co. has offered a huge selection of salsas, pasta and barbecue sauces, relishes, hot sauces jams, jellies and flavored oils and vinegars, among other things. The products are available to sample.
“When our customers are happy, we’re happy,“ Puidak says. “It doesn’t take a Master’s degree to learn how to be good to people.”
In addition to Galena, Puidak also has locations in Long Grove and Lake Geneva, Wis.
Because the original location is in Galena, which is a big tourist attraction, many visitors have caught on to Puidak’s work. His products have been featured on The Food Network, “The Rosie O’Donnell Show” and “Good Morning America.”
Hours: Mon.-Sun. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Extended hours on Saturday.
K. Paige Shop
10684 Main St., Roscoe, (815) 270-1217, kpaigeshop.com
K.Paige has something that other jewelry and clothing boutiques don’t have: clothing for all sizes of women.
“We try to cater to everyone as far as sizes go and that’s challenging when you are boutique shopping,” says owner Brooke Anderson.
Named after Anderson’s daughter, Kaymym Paige, K. Paige specializes in women’s fashion and jewelry. The store is filled with women’s clothing in sizes up to 3X. There’s also baby clothing, outfits for young girls, handbags and jewelry.
Anderson opened the store last March inside a log cabin she had always admired. The store has a rustic feel with vintage and antique furnishings.
“It’s unique and it comes with all the quirks and charm of an old log cabin,” she says.
Anderson credits word of mouth and local support for the continued store growth.
“Word of mouth is huge and that has become part of our growth plan,” she says. “We listen to our customers’ needs and wants.”
Hours: Tues., Wed., Thu. 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Fri. 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. ; Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Paw Lickin’ Good Treats
2684 Dekalb Ave., Sycamore, (815) 758-8300, pawlickingoodtreats.com
Paw Lickin’ Good Treats has been helping pet owners provide happiness and well-being for their dogs and cats for more than a decade.
The pet store opened in 2006 with the goal of selling pet food that doesn’t contain wheat, corn, soy, by-products or fillers.
“We carry a wide variety of holistic foods for dogs and cats – mostly brands that are only available in independent stores,” says Jody Meerdink, who co-owns Paw Lickin’ Good Treats with Carol Dean.
“We carry just about anything you need for dogs or cats.”
Some of the food comes from the in-house bakery, where the staff cooks up healthy treats for dogs. The store has two bakery cases that display all the homemade treats.
Toys, leashes and collars and grooming products are also sold. The pet store “apawthecary” offers special supplements for body and dental care, such as injury aids, essential oils and digestion support products.
“Everyone on our staff is a pet parent and very knowledgeable about our products and ready to discuss foods and treats for just about any situation you can imagine,” Meerdink says.
Hours are Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sun. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.