Buy a shirt, help the environment at Algonquin shop

Mike Melamed and his family had visited a Peace Frogs store in Michigan and loved it.

While shopping on the company's Web site one day, they saw there were opportunities for entrepreneurs to start up their own Peace Frogs stores.

"We decided to give it a whirl," Melamed said.

They decided to open their own individually-licensed Peace Frogs in Algonquin Commons along Randall Road.

The store, which opened in November, sells T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and organic apparel and accessories.

A percentage of sales go to help the environment, and credit card sales help the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Melamed said the store has become popular with shoppers.

However, he said, it may soon be closing if he can't find a new owner.

He said the economy, mixed with some of his family's own personal financial issues - including his wife losing her job - have led them to think about closing the store.

"We'd love for it to stay open," he said. "It's great for the area. We just can't do it right now. I hope it can continue."

Now open: You can shop right down the line now along Randall Road in Algonquin.

This month near the JC Penney and Toys 'R' Us on the west side of Randall, several more stores have opened.

Now you can also stop into TJ Maxx and Binny's beverages to pick up what you need.

For Mom: Shop at Geneva Commons along Randall Road and you could get a free vase to hold Mom's flowers this Mother's Day.

If you present your store receipts of $50 or more dated April 30 or later at Wet Nose, you can get a free 14-inch frosted crystal vase.

Only one vase per customer.

• Amy Williams' column covers all the news of business along the Randall Road corridor from Batavia to Crystal Lake. Contact her at randallbiz@comcast.net or (847) 894-5036.