Fate of Libertyville store saddens customers, volunteers

Even at 25 cents, it might be difficult to unload some of the old vinyl left in the bin at the Blue Smock resale shop. Neil Sedaka isn't exactly in these days, and who has the equipment to play an album?

Records are a tiny part of a large inventory, however, and there are ample bargains to be had. An array of decent quality clothing, dishes, furniture, books, jewelry and all manner of knick-knacks are half off now during an everything-must-go sale.

That's become a sad fact for loyal customers and volunteers alike, who have frequented this eclectic piece of the Libertyville community for 35 years.

As of Oct. 6, the Blue Smock Shop, located in an old greeting card shop facing Cook Park, will close. It was said to be among the first hospital-operated resale shops in Illinois, but parent Condell Medical Center now says it needs to go.

The shop at 111 Church St., its second location, has been run by the hospital's auxiliary -- its fundraising arm -- and staffed mainly by volunteers. Volunteers were informed about the closing in late August, a decision said to have been made jointly by the hospital and auxiliary boards. Condell owns the building.

It's been a piece of history, agrees Christine Rybicki, Condell's director of community relations. But its time has passed.

The auxiliary, she said, "is looking at some new ways to provide some fundraising opportunities and kind of going in a new direction, focusing on some different activities and different events," she said.

"It was a great idea at the time. It's just time to redirect and refocus."

What those new pursuits might be, as well as the disposition of the building, hasn't been determined, she added.

The news struck like thunder to those most closely associated with the resale shop. It accepted donations only, no consignment items, and was the benefactor of good quality merchandise over the years.

People who fell on hard times received clothes for job interviews. Furniture went to flood victims, including those affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Customers were cared for better than in most high-end department stores, says Libertyville resident Christine Nadler, a volunteer for 10 years.

"Anybody who needed it, got it," she said. "Everything that was donated was used for one thing or another."

There also was another aspect of the thrift shop that many will miss.

"It's not just the shop. It's the people. It's our therapy. It's extended family. I met so many good and nice people over there," said Nena Dobritchanin, a Libertyville resident who visits two or three times a week.

Local businesswoman Janet Conomy says she has donated many items to the Blue Smock.

"We are losing something that is beyond money," she said. "It's something a town could be proud of -- it's not a junk store."