Home decor store in Libertyville hangs it up after 17 years

A home-grown business will close Saturday after nearly 17 years on Milwaukee Avenue in downtown Libertyville.

Van Kirk & Co., an upscale home-accessory store, was an early retail entry in a then-struggling downtown. But the business quickly found its niche with personalized antique prints and other items, and became a mainstay among what has become an eclectic mix of retail and service stores.

Jo Ann Horvath, who operated the business with Beth Duncan and Martin Potts, said it was a difficult decision to close.

"We've reached that point where we were going in different directions," Horvath said. "It was just time."

The trio grew up in the area and stayed close to home.

"We had a passion for our type of business and we united to open a store in Libertyville," she said.

Prominently located across the street from popular Cook Park, the business originally was in a single space but expanded to span three storefronts.

The shop offered antique prints and custom framing, custom floral designs, lighting, upholstery and accessories, as well as gifts and seasonal items. Customers came from as far as Glen Ellyn and Milwaukee.

Horvath said the customer response to their goods continued over the years.

Personalized service was a key, with a focus on bringing customers the best-designed merchandise for their money. Customers became friends.

"Our business grew the longer we were here," she said. "Our customers told us what they needed. Libertyville is not to be underestimated."

Van Kirk, which occupies a large space, becomes the third vacancy along the several-block stretch of Milwaukee Avenue considered the heart of the downtown.

"They just felt they've done it long enough and wanted to do something else," said Randy Nelson, executive director of MainStreet Libertyville, a downtown promotional group.

Horvath said the economy was not a factor in the decision to close.

A going-out-of-business sale has been under way since January. Many customers have stopped to say they were saddened by the closing, according to Horvath.

She was confident the space would be filled, possibly by another home furnishings store that may take their own unique direction.

Nelson said he and the village's economic-development director keep an active list of prospective businesses.

"We've had some inquiries but nothing yet," he said.

Nearing 70, Horvath said she looks forward to retirement and getting some things done around the house.

She'll also remember the venture as a rewarding passion.

"It's been a wonderful business. It's been great," she said.