Soccer store scores goal in Elgin
The window display changes from time to time at Deportes Ochoa, but brightly colored soccer jerseys there continually attract customers to the Elgin store.
Deportes Ochoa, which means Ochoa Sporting Goods, offers official and replica soccer jerseys, cleats, shin guards, socks and other accessories.
Many jerseys represent teams from the United States, Mexico, Europe and South America, said Ruby Murillo, the store's owner and a Lockport resident.
You'll also find tickets to Chicago Fire games at the store, as well as tickets to other professional teams playing in Chicago.
The store carries gear for men and children, only, although women's wear can be specially ordered -- in Murillo's experience, women's soccer kits haven't sold well.
Opening the store was a natural fit for Murillo, who loves soccer and is a Chicago Fire season ticket holder.
Deportes Ochoa has been suiting up soccer players from its Elgin location for 10 years -- the bulk of her business coming from regional soccer leagues.
Another Deportes Ochoa store, owned by Murillo's brother-in-law Ron Ochoa, is located in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood.
Instead of competing with her brother in law, Murillo decided she'd set up shop in Elgin.
Ongoing road construction in the downtown area that contains her store, has been bad for business of late, Murillo said.
"The streets are killing me," she said. "Hopefully, they finish soon."
Meanwhile, the way things sell at Elgin's Deportes Ochoa also depends on the teams.
When Mexico reached the World Cup last year, Murillo, 50, says she couldn't keep the Mexican national jersey in stock.
"Mexico was the No. 1 seller," said Murillo, who hails from Mexico.
On the other side of the coin, it's been difficult to move the LA Galaxy jersey bearing David Beckham's name.
Despite all the hoopla surrounding his addition to the team, an injury sidelined the English midfielder for the majority of the recent MLS season.
Because of that, there wasn't much demand for Beckham's jersey at Deportes Ochoa.
"He disappointed a lot of people," Murillo said. "I sold it mostly this year for ladies because the ladies like him."