Two new shops may lead way for more in Lombard
Two new businesses that have opened in downtown Lombard this year could lead the way for more new shops in the coming weeks and months, those involved with promoting the village's commercial center say.
A nail spa and an office for a pet-sitting business are the newest additions to the area around Main Street, Park Avenue and St. Charles Road, and a golf shop is likely to be next, said Michelle Iwinski, executive director of Lombard Town Centre.
The town centre and village staff also are in discussions with two brewpubs, two fitness locations and what Iwinski called “an exotic twist on a sandwich shop.”
“A lot of these are coming our way naturally, suddenly,” Iwninski said about the new business possibilities. “The next step is to get out there and actively recruit exactly what we want.”
Another next step for Lombard Town Centre involves moving to a more visible location. On May 1, the organization will open in a first-floor space at 6 S. Park Ave. and close its second-floor office at 102 W. St. Charles Road.
The move signals the closing of Red Wall Photo's Lombard location, which had offered wedding photography services since 2011. Iwinski said a wedding planner with a desk in the photo shop will stay in downtown Lombard, relocating to the Randall Bullen Photography studio across the street.
“We will continue to have that synergy,” Iwinski said.
Cooperation also is building between one of the area's newest businesses and an existing hair salon. Iwinski said staff at Fringe, A Boutique Salon were excited for the opening of MGL Spa & Nails because the salon could refer customers wanting waxing services to the new spa nearby.
“It's nice to see that acceptance between businesses,” Iwinski said.
MGL Spa & Nails now is open at 141 W. St. Charles Road, Ste. A, offering waxing, facials and nail services, while Fringe has been open about a year at 104 W. St. Charles Road.
While the spa builds partnerships, the other new business, a pet-sitting office, is looking to build its customer base in the Lilac Village.
Amanda Kania, whose title is Top Dog (or owner) at Out-U-Go/Downers Grove, moved her office to Lombard in February and said residents should not be confused by the mention of a nearby suburb in the name. Kania's franchise of Out-U-Go offers pet-sitting, housesitting and dog-walking to residents in 15 towns, including Lombard, with a team of 12 sitters.
“When I was looking for office space, I didn't quite find what I was looking for in Downers and I really liked Lombard and the downtown they have,” Kania said. “But it doesn't matter where our office is. The service we provide is actually in people's homes.”
The owner of the golf shop in line to be downtown Lombard's next new business is waiting for one last piece before she opens her store at 241 W. St. Charles Road.
A simulator for custom fitting of golf clubs that will allow shoppers to check their ball flight and swing speed is the last element Sarah Calhoun needs before opening Golfers Edge. The store will include a retail area and a warehouse space for the company's commercial component.