One thing I really try to promote on this blog is shopping at local stores. Yeah, things might be cheaper at Wal-Mart, but the thing about Wal-Mart is that the place really sucks ass in a big kind of smelly, big-box, corporate chain store kind of way. I’ve been to some great local shops and stores in the last year while doing this blog and I thought I’d highlight a dozen of them that you should add to your local shopping list instead of going to big fucking shitty chain stores.
This is going to be a two-part blog, and so hang on to your socks, because here’s the first part!
Shop Number One: Acme Comics.
Location: 2218 W. Glen Avenue—Peoria.
Phone Number: 309-691-9816.
Here's owner Bob Gordon with a couple of Christmas gift suggestions. Well, I wanted something a little more in the Christmas spirit...
What me worry...
Alfred E. Neuman to the rescue!
Shop Number Two: Moxie’s ReSale Boutique.
Location: 3827 Sheridan Road—Peoria.
Phone Number: 309-713-2887.
Here's Moxie's owner, Mollee reminding us that Ho's come in threes this time of year. Ho, ho, ho!
I had no idea there was a market for ugly Christmas sweaters, but Mollee told me these are a big selling item this time of year...
So what the hell, I decided to join the party!
Shop Number Three: Julie’s Corner Store.
Location: 233 5th Street—Lacon, Illinois.
Phone Number: 309-246-2262.
Is that an elf behind the counter?
It's store owner, Julie, decked out in her holiday elf costume. She has others, so you should definitely stop by here at all holidays to check them out. Now to find the perfect gift at Julie's Corner Store...
Julie suggested the Santa Poo, one of the items available in the Poo-Pourri line. We'll take it, hey, who are we to argue with an elf?
Shop Number Four: Younger Than Yesterday.
Location: 2615 N University Street—Peoria.
Phone Number: 309-682-1116.
There's Younger Than Yesterday's owner, Craig Moore standing by...
The Christmas section of albums...well, isn't that handy!
I chose, "We Wish You A Merry Christmas," sung by the Warner Brothers Stars. I think this is the only Christmas album to feature Efrem Zimbalest, Jr. Okay, my holiday is complete!
Shop Number Five: The Fiber Universe.
Location: 305 SW Water Street—Peoria.
Phone Number: 309-673-5659.
It's certainly festive in here with the Christmas wreath and lights!
And here's the owner of Fiber Universe, Erin, posing with the shop kitty cat who's reluctantly wearing the MBIP Santa hat.
I got some festive red yarn in here, just in case the MBIP Santa hat starts to unravel.
Shop Number Six: Emack & Bolio’s.
Location: 4534 N. Prospect Road—Peoria Heights.
Phone Number: 309-682-3530.
Here's co-owner of the store, Tim Hennessey showing off some gift certificates you can buy if you don't want your Emack & Bolio's present to melt before the holiday.
Nothing says, "Christmas" like fine candy and there's plenty to be had in here...
But in the end, I went for the five dollar "Moose Buck." Hey, my name is Marty after all! We'll see you all tomorrow for part two of this holiday shopping adventure!
Related Posts: Shop Hop @ Acme Comics, Moxie’s ReSale Boutique, Julie’s Corner Store, The Fiber Universe, Younger than Yesterday, and Emack & Bolio’s.
Bonus Christmas Card From Jaws The Cabbie!
Jaws the Cabbie sent in this Christmas card today which I had to post late, because of camera trouble—long story! Thanks, Jaws!
