Algonquin Commons now welcomes dogs
If you're trying to match your new headband or sweater to your favorite pooch's fur, the folks at Algonquin Commons are making it a little easier.
Starting Wednesday, June 1, the Randall Road mall is becoming dog-friendly, which means you can bring your dog along to many stores and businesses as you shop.
"Pet owners are seeking out more and more products, places and services that allow their pet to more actively participate in their entire lifestyle and enjoy life fully with their families," said Kim Gilmore of Gilmore Marketing Concepts, the advertising agency for the mall. "We wanted to let our shoppers include their canine family in their shopping experiences."
As part of the dog friendly status, the mall is welcoming canines to all of its outdoor spaces, as well as 20 of its businesses. Dogs must be leashed and well-behaved.
Stores that allow dogs will feature an emblem of the mall's new mascot, Randall the Husky.
As you shop, there will be water bowls outside of all dog-friendly retailers, as well as pet waste stations located throughout the mall.
As part of the change to a dog-friendly mall, each of the stores also will have a limited number of dog treats for your pet, as well as paw print, teal-colored bandannas to give away.
To help celebrate the opening, the mall is holding a Dog Ribbon Chewing ceremony at 10 a.m. June 11. On that day, South Elgin-based Anderson Animal Shelter will be on hand for a special dog adoption event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in front of the mall offices.
Presently, the Geneva Commons mall along the Randall Road corridor in Geneva also is dog-friendly. Many retailers at the Geneva Commons mall allow dogs inside of their stores. Some of the restaurants with outdoor seating also allow dogs to sit on the ground next to the table as their owners dine.
Live music:
The Keith Semple band will perform live at Geneva Commons along the Randall Road corridor from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, June 5, at the mall's courtyard, near Houlihan's restaurant.
The concert is free; families are welcome to attend. Spectators are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets to relax and enjoy the concert on the lawn. They also are welcome to bring food and picnic during the show.
• Amy Williams' column covers all the news of business along the Randall Road corridor from Crystal Lake to Batavia. Contact her at randallbiz@comcast.net or at (847) 894-5036.