I always preach shopping local here on MBIP and if it’s a shop or store that’s been in business in Peoria for years, that’s always a plus. And if it’s family-owned, that takes it up a notch as well. Peoria Flag and Decorating Company has been in business since 1908 and since 1955, the Blasek family has run this shop that specializes in flags and all your party decorations and needs. I haven’t been in this shop since I moved back to Peoria and in spite of this year’s first snowstorm outside, that’s just where I’m off to!
Well, just when I thought we’d get through this winter without any snow, it came down this morning and now I’m out here freezing trying to get these shots while slipping and sliding around in the cold and snow. Okay, these are going to have to do, let’s get inside and pretend this isn’t happening out here!
Wow, it’s so much bigger in here than I remember. As I said in the introduction, the Blasek family has owned and operated this business since 1955! They’re experts at party and decorating ideas and supplies, but they’re also a little camera shy! It wasn’t easy to get anyone who works here to pose for the MBIP Camera, but Andrea finally stepped up to the plate and struck a pretty pose for me! Thanks Andrea...how about a little applause for her!
Thanks, again, Andrea and now, on with the tour of Peoria Flag and Decorating!
Banners
One thing that intrigued me while looking at the front counter was that they make their own banners in here. I was curious as to how and where these are created and I was taken to this back room and shown this deluxe ink jet printer! I used to work on one of these machines when I lived in New York! There’s also a lot of clothes being sorted and stitched back here which leads us to our second stop in this Shop Hop tour...
Stars and Stitches Boutique
This is the newest facet of Peoria Flag and Decorating Company, it’s a boutique within the store that specializes in personalized children’s clothing. There’s holiday and birthday clothing for children and unique baby gifts too. You can read more about the Stars and Stitches Boutique right here.
Valentine’s Day Decorations and Gifts
There’s an ever-changing inventory of decorations and gift items here at Peoria Flag and Decorating as the holidays continue to whiz by. Valentine’s Day is coming up next week and as you can see there’s still plenty of decorations left if you’re having a party of two or more! And after Valentine’s Day, the next holiday up on the calendar is...
St. Patrick’s Day!
The back area of the store has gone green for the upcoming Irish holiday! There’s party supplies, beads, hats and decorations here. Obviously Peoria Flag and Decorating doesn’t subscribe to the Kermit philosophy that says, “It ain’t easy being green!”
Etc.
While holidays are an on-going thing here, there’s also items for everyday parties and celebrations, be it birthdays, theme parties, graduations or the recent Cubs Super Bowl win! They sold a lot of “W” flags here last baseball season! And speaking of the “F” word...
Flags
Flags are the second word in this shop’s title, right after Peoria and this is definitely Peoria headquarters for American flags of all sizes. There’s also international and state flags here for flying as well as stars and stripes glasses, coffee mugs, signs, ribbons and pins.
By George, I think we’ve seen it all here! Now I have to go back out in the snow, aaahhhh! Thanks to everyone at Peoria Flag and Decoration Company for letting me wander around with the MBIP Camera! We’ll see you all tomorrow!
-----------------
Peoria Flag And Decorating Company
920 E. Glen Avenue
Peoria Heights
309-685-8989
-----------------
Related Posts: Shop Hop @ Walters Brothers Harley-Davidson, Relics and Urban Artifacts.