Independent Retail Month (Indie Retail Month) runs annually throughout July to highlight the vital role smaller and local retailers play in the communities they serve, the local economy they contribute to and in the retail sector as a whole.
The land of lakes has one of the best mom-and-pop shopping scenes. These quintessential boutiques and supply shops give Lake County its personality and character. Continue here to view black-owned businesses in Lake County.
From downtown areas to mini-malls, from niche stores to shopping centers, independent retail shops keep Lake County extravagant. So peruse, why don't you? Celebrate the holiday and support your local shops throughout July and beyond.
Lake County’s Farmers Markets are more than just places to find the freshest, locally grown, and deliciously ripe fruits and vegetables of the season. They’re also a place where neighbors, friends and family shop for unique handmade goods and explore the never-ending variety of new exciting items from welcoming vendors.
The Lake County pulse is a rhythm started by its mom and pop restaurants, shops and services. The independent small businesses give the land of lakes its vibrancy. Whether it’s a traditional home-cooked meal, a unique twist on international cuisine or something innovative and trendsetting, Lake County’s mom and pop eateries cover the menu spread.
This is the old factory where chocolatey divinity is born. The magical world of cocoa where sweet bliss is created opened its doors in 1975. The confectionery facility began as a retail store around the time of the U.S. Bicentennial, which looks like an 1800s schoolhouse. The sweet treat company is known for its mouthwatering and signature piece the Myrtle®, the confectionery also owns a factory in Buffalo Grove (built-in 2001), a Nut & Candy Factory Store (opened in 2016) and a Chicago location. The Long Grove Confectionery Co. proudly continues the dessert tradition with a menu containing other types of chocolate, barks, brittles, caramels, pretzels, peanut butter cups and so much more.
Didier Farms offers a variety of vegetables, flowers and baked goods year-round at the Lincolnshire location. In the fall, Didier becomes a PumpkinFest as they have an abundance of orange fruits, hayrides, pony rides, camel rides, a corn maze and more.
A shopping spree at Volo Antique Mall is in order. Scour through a variety of antiques, collectibles and other fresh nuggets. Generations of motivated sellers helped to create what this modern-day scavenger hunt shopping environment is today. Volo Antique Mall has been featured on Discovery Channel and The History Channel.
Holy moly! If you can only check out this cannoli from Tony! The Mundelein confectioner creates traditional and unconventional cannolis for customers to indulge their sweet tooth. Tony Cannoli Specialty Pastries also conducts classes to teach visitors how to make the sweet Italian treat. It will have you quoting Clemenza from "The Godfather" all over again: "Leave the gun, take the cannoli."
Treetime Christmas Creations is your quintessential stop for your artificial trees, holiday decorations and more. Experience the magic and the 'WOW' of the Winter Wonderland Showroom in this Lake Barrington facility. Enjoy shopping for the largest selection of prelit holiday trees online with over unique tree styles to choose from.
The Libertyville, veteran-owned company specializes in selling military apparel and accessories. Rosella's Boutique's merchandise is highlighted by military hats, patches, pins, shirts, dresses, ponchos, handbags, pieces of jewelry and more.
Experience the heart of the Village of Antioch as the downtown area has an exceptional assortment of businesses. Visit their Antioch Street Market or It's Thursday Concert. Before or after taking in the town's festivities, peruse the indie retailers cascading Antioch's storied main street.
Nestled in historic homes and buildings that date back to the community’s roots in the 1800s, Long Grove’s shops specialize in unique gifts, boutiques, antiques, clothing, exceptional art, home décor and distinctive menus. Indie Retailers include the Long Grove Confectionery Co., Buffalo Creek Brewing Co. and the state's eldest bar and restaurant - Village Tavern. Visitors can stroll down the cobblestone walkways that wind through the historic downtown and enjoy lush seasonal gardens and scenic views. And they can make it a quick trip or a day’s outing, shopping and indulging their tastes with a variety of food and bakery products, cafés and fine eating establishments.
MainStreet Libertyville or Milwaukee Avenue is located smack dab in the middle of Chicago and Milwaukee. From boutiques to salons, from bakeries to the latest trendy clothes, art galleries to home decor and everything in between. Ride your bike (by the way there's a cyclery in town) or walks the streets and finish you're not there with a bite to eat complemented by a libation for dinner.
