SPRINGFIELD, Ill.– The Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) has launched “We Are Retail,” a promotional campaign that will share the stories of independent retailers across the state through videos, photographs, blogs, social media, and paid advertisements.
The effort is designed to raise awareness of the impact retailers have on our lives and in our communities, as well as the many rewarding career paths available in the industry. An initial batch of 20 stories are available for viewing at www.WeAreIllinoisRetail.com, where the public is also encouraged to nominate their favorite independent retailer to be featured in the future. The goal is to highlight a variety of retailers from every corner of Illinois, demonstrating the breadth and depth of Illinois’ retail sector.
“Retailers touch our lives every day, and their stories are worth telling,” said Rob Karr, president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association. “We Are Retail provides a glimpse at the many exciting career possibilities in the retail industry and shows how retailers are truly making a difference in their communities throughout Illinois.”
Retail provides one out of every five Illinois jobs and generates the second largest amount of tax revenue for the state and is the largest source of revenue for local governments. But retail is also so much more than just numbers and revenue. From family businesses stretching generations to budding entrepreneurs, neighborhood staples and new pop-up ventures, retailers are the trusted contributors to life’s moments big and small.
“Being a retailer requires passion, dedication, tenacity and heart,” said Sarah Shupenus, Executive Director of the IRMA Foundation. “We’re excited to share the stories of the retailers who are the fabric of our communities. We invite everyone to learn more about what motivates retailers, as they share how the profession can be challenging but also incredibly rewarding.”
The first 20 featured businesses include:
- 2 Bears Tavern Group, a collection of LGBTQIA+ focused establishments providing safe spaces for the community in Chicago
- Black Beauty Collective, providing skincare and beauty products designed for women of color while fostering Black entrepreneurs in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood
- Classic Cinemas, a Downers Grove-based company that specializes in revitalizing old theaters to keep the magic of going to the movies alive
- Conn’s Hospitality Group, a central Illinois-based hospitality group that restores iconic properties from a community’s past to ensure they will thrive into the future
- Darvin Furniture, an Orland Park furniture store helping families furnish their homes during all of life’s major milestones
- Del-Kar Pharmacy, one of the state’s only Black-owned pharmacies located in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood
- Food Market La Chiquita, a family-owned grocery store specializing in Hispanic food, with locations in Chicago, Aurora, Bensenville, Cicero, Montgomery, Rockford, and West Chicago
- Girls in White Satin Bridal & Formal Wear, run by sisters in Jacksonville who turned childhood wedding reenactments into a full-service bridal salon
- Happy Dog Barkery, a bakery for pets that makes handmade treats to keep tails wagging in Downers Grove
- Leo’s Pizza, a family-owned restaurant in Jacksonville featuring traditional Italian recipes passed down from generation to generation
- Mojo Spa, a beauty product and aromatherapy company with over 200 products made from scratch using fruits and vegetables in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood
- Mosser’s Shoes, a fourth-generation family-owned shoe store outfitting families in Champaign
- Noonan Equipment and Event Rental, renting construction equipment and tools as well as party supplies for events of all sizes in Springfield
- Peerless Cleaning and Restoration Services, a dry cleaning and mitigation company based in Decatur that restores buildings after fire, water, and other damage
- Petit Three Doughnuts, a French-inspired doughnut and coffee shop experience in Aurora offering a wide array of delightful treats
- Potash Markets, a family-owned grocery store with two locations in Chicago dedicated to providing access to quality and affordable products
- Schauer’s Hardware, a community hardware store in Forest Park providing tools and tips for wide range of fix-it needs
- The Glass House, a unique craft and gift store in Decatur offering the largest selection of stained-glass supplies in the Midwest
- Tinker | A Children’s Boutique, a highly curated shop for infants and children filled with clothing, toys, books, and accessories in downtown Naperville
- Whimsy Tea Company, a family-owned tea shop in Springfield that sources ingredients from nearly 150 countries
About the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA)
One of the largest state retail organizations in the United States, IRMA serves as the voice of retail and the business community in state government. Founded in 1957, IRMA represents more than 23,000 stores of all sizes and merchandise lines. From the nation’s largest retailers to independent businesses in every corner of the State, merchants count on IRMA to fight for the best possible environment in which to do business in Illinois. For more information, visit www.irma.org.