Old Time Pottery Schedules Grand Opening for West Chicago Store
West Chicago, Illinois: June 18, 2013 - The City of West Chicago has announced the opening of Old Time Pottery later this summer at the corner of Illinois Route 59 and Illinois Route 64 (North Avenue) in the Mosaic Crossing Shopping Center. The family-owned retail chain which had its roots in the southeast is expanding to the western suburbs, and has chosen West Chicago, Illinois as the newest Midwest location. Old Time Pottery currently has locations in Rockford, Illinois and Merrillville, Indiana.
"I am very pleased that Old Time Pottery has chosen West Chicago as their first location in the Chicagoland area. Their destination-retail status and large scale sales focus will provide a significant economic boost for the community. Employment opportunities for local residents will provide further benefits, as will spin-off sales at other local businesses. The community is fortunate to have them here because area shoppers will appreciate what Old Time Pottery brings to the local market," explained John D. Said, the City's Director of Community Development.
The 80,000 square foot store will stock its shelves with the latest trends in home decor, floral, housewares, linens, rugs and seasonal items - all at affordable prices that appeal to savvy shoppers working with a budget. President and CEO Scott Peterson and his staff keep a close eye on the competition, but are confident that Old Time Pottery's uniqueness, variety and low prices will remain appealing to anyone who wants to decorate on a budget.
"We are excited to be expanding in the Chicago suburbs, we've had great reaction to our stores in Rockford and Merrillville, so it makes sense to bring more locations to the market," said Peterson. Our low price, warehouse concept, along with our wide variety of home décor, housewares, seasonal decorations, is popular with shoppers who decorate and entertain on a budget," he added.
The store plans a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Event on Saturday, August, 31, 2013 at 8:00 a.m. The public is invited to share in the festivities, which will feature giveaways and Old Time Pottery logo bags that will be handed out to the first 500 customers. West Chicago Mayor Ruben Pineda will be on hand to cut the ceremonial ribbon. "The City of West Chicago is delighted that Old Time Pottery has joined the ranks of other successful companies that have discovered West Chicago as a great place to do business, and we are excited about the prospect of seeing them thrive here. I encourage everyone to come out and extend Old Time Pottery a warm West Chicago welcome," he said.
Company Background
Scott Peterson always knew he wanted to be a part of a family business. When his parents, Jack and Sallie, decided to leave their home in Myrtle Beach, S.C. to open a family business in Murfreesboro, Scott was already very much a part of the planning. Twenty-five years later, Scott is the president and CEO of Old Time Pottery. What started in Middle Tennessee in 1986 as a single, home décor bargain store has expanded to 30 stores located across the Southeast and Midwest.
Jack Peterson worked in retail most his life. He always wanted to open his own business, a business that his children would eventually take over. Jack and his son, Scott, traveled across the Southeast to find a location for the family store. Travels took them to Orlando, Charlotte, Knoxville and various areas in the Middle Tennessee region. A nearby outlet mall already attracting their ideal customer base paired with the growth and tourism in Rutherford County, made the space on River Rock Boulevard the perfect location. Construction began in 1985 and in early 1986 Old Time Pottery was born. With their belief that bargain shopping is a hobby and home decorating an even bigger one, the Peterson's found success with a no frills, low-priced way of doing business.
While there were no original plans for expansion, the success of the flagship store led the privately-held, family-owned company to develop in new cities. The company found its niche by occupying second generation retail spaces and anchoring outlet malls.
Over the years, Jack served as president while Sallie managed the corporate office. They both worked until 2006 when Jack was diagnosed with leukemia. He passed away in 2008. Scott, committed to carrying on his father's dream, became president in 2006 and was named CEO in 2010.
Today, with 30 stores, the company still feels much like a family. Director of Advertising Nancy Stockwell shares, "Our corporate office is a very close-knit group. Many staff members have been here since the beginning and many who have left have come back. Scott leads the company with an integrity that Jack would be proud of. He is truly a team player. It's not a surprise to see Scott helping cashiers wrap and bag merchandise."
Scott's willingness to lend a hand extends to the community as well. Whether it's helping fight cancer by supporting a company team in a Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, making donations at Room in the Inn Day Shelter during the holidays or helping those affected by the Nashville flood get back on their feet, Scott and his staff understand the importance of giving back to those in need.
Note: Background reprinted with permission from Old Time Pottery