Couple expands retail dream in Long Grove
In a little over three years, a husband and wife team opened their fifth business in historic Long Grove.
Prairie Smoke Clothing Co., 309 Old McHenry Road, with its rugged urban theme complete with Western-style Cowboy boots for women and casual wear, is the latest venture for Robin Fraley and Rachel Perkal.
The couple launched their first shop, Woodland Grove Gallery, during the spring of 2005. When neighboring shops became available, the couple expanded, making all the stores accessible through the interior. "You walk in the main doors, but each store is a different level of discovery. Each has a different product line," Perkal said.
The original business, Woodland Grove Gallery is an American craft gallery. "About 95 percent of the product is one-of-a-kind or hand made in the United States. An exception would be simple glass candle holders made by an artist in Turkey. They range in price form $15 to $75.
The gallery took it's name from the nearby Reed Turner Woodland Nature Preserve off Old McHenry Road.
Six months after the first business opened, the Long Grove couple bought the business next door opening Trillium. "We cut a hole in the wall adjoining the two stores," Perkal said. This shop leans more toward home decor. Popular items include the Lampe Berger air purification system, also called "magic lamps." "We're the number one retailer for this product in Illinois," Perkal said. The Sid Dickens memory blocks, upscale, innovative wall decor, is another big them as well as jewelry and gift ideas.
Trio, focusing on women's fashion was the third store to open. The retailer, at 217 Robert Parker Coffin Road, features contemporary clothing from established up-and-coming designers. "It's about having real clothing that fits real women," Perkal said.
The Artistic Gardener was born about three months ago and is designed to bring art into the garden and the garden into the home. Shoppers will find indoor and outdoor sculptures, hand crafted hanging plaques depicting outdoor imagery, functional and decorative pieces inspired by the movement of flowers, stone wind chimes and hand crafted birdhouses.
The owners each bring a distinct aspect to the business. Fraley, a native of Berkley, Calif., is a professional photographer, author and consultant to Sotheby's Auction Houses who authenticates and appraises American carousel figures.
Perkal grew up in Skokie and is a self-proclaimed "escapee" from the corporate world. She spent 30 years working in marketing and product development, most recently as a vice president of new business development with Enesco before her position was eliminated. It was at that point when she knew she wanted something different.
People often ask her how they're able to continue to expand in a weakening economy.
"I get that question everyday. It's scary. We can't all bury our heads in the ground. Someone has to do this," Perkal said.