New paper store all about life celebrations
Paper Affair, a stationery and gift boutique well known in the Atlanta area, has launched its first Illinois franchise at the Shops of Butterfield at Yorktown Center.
The shop features paper products and gifts that go with life events, according to local franchise owner Sheridan Lodico.
"We're a paper store offering paper, invitations and announcements," said Lodico, who runs the business with her husband, Chris.
She added that it's more than paper. For example, for babies she offers announcements - plus gifts including plush stuffed animals, unique picture frames, photo albums and growth charts. A popular gift for the school-aged child is a memory album that the child fills out for each year in school.
Wedding invitation books as well as materials to print your own announcements are also found at the fun shop.
"We have a huge assortment of boxed cards," Lodico said. She added that they can be printed at the shop, or customers can do it themselves. Holiday cards to accommodate children's pictures are another highlight.
The company, with 10 other locations mainly in and around Atlanta, has been in the industry for more than 20 years in the South.
Before launching the business, Lodico operated her own online stationery business for five years.
"I was into graphic design," she said. "Opening a store was the natural progression," said Lodico, 31.
She and her husband, an information security consultant, are raising two children in Aurora.
When they started the franchise process more than a year ago, they admit the economy was in a better place.
"The economy wasn't on our radar; it wasn't a concern then like it is now," Lodico said.
The entrepreneur has a positive attitude about what the shop offers. She noted that people aren't traveling as much, and are spending more time at home entertaining friends and family. She is optimistic customers will be in need of invitations as they'll throw more parties.
She also offers merchandise at all price levels.
"We have something for everyone. We're all about life celebrations," she said.
For more information, check out paperaffair.com.
Trick or shop: Several Hal-loween events are planned for Spring Hill Mall in West Dundee. If your pet has a cute costume, a Halloween pet costume contest takes place at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, in center court. Trick-or-treating for children takes place at the mall from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29.
Treats at Deer Park: Children are welcome to trick-or-treat at Deer Park Town Center from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. Kids should come dressed in costume with their candy bags.
Halloween toys: Children in costume can trick-or-treat at Algonquin Commons from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26. Free candy-collecting bags will be passed out to the first 3,000 children. A costume contest takes place at 2 p.m.
Spooky in Geneva: Geneva Commons is hosting a spooktacular Halloween celebration from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, with refreshments and giveaways. The event takes place in front of the management office across from H&M.
Aurora activities: Face painting, spooky storytelling, make-it and take-it crafts, music and trick-or-treating takes place at Westfield Fox Valley in Aurora from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31. Pick up a treat bag at Arby's in the food court.
Gurnee hours: Trick-or-treating is available at Gurnee Mills from 5 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 30. Hundreds of children usually attend the indoor event at the Lake County mall.
Games galore: Woodfield Shopping Center is hosting its second annual Club Kidfield Halloween Bash from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 31 near Sears. Children may enjoy games and a costume contest.
• Kim Mikus covers retail. She welcomes comments at (847) 427-4567 or kmikus@ dailyherald.com.