Community Corner
Elaborations Gift Shop an Ever-Changing Collection of Goods
Local business owners tell Patch what they're best known for and when they got started.
Elaborations Gift Shop, located in the Mt. Greenwood neighborhood, opened in 2011.
- Business: Elaborations Gift Shop
- Address: 3033 W. 111th St. in Mt. Greenwood
- Contact: 773-239-3033 or elaborationsgifts@gmail.com
- Submitted by: Elaine Mierzwa, owner
When and how did your business get started?
My business began in May of 2011. I retired and began with the idea of selling my handmade floral arrangements in a store instead of carting them to craft fairs. I invited fellow crafters to join me.
What is your business best known for?
The store is ever changing based on the customers' suggestions for items they would like to buy. We may look small from the outside but there are over eight rooms of merchandise for all ages; resale furniture, handmade items, retail, antiques and food items from neighboring states.
We have themed special events every month and once our customers find us they come back with friends and relatives.
Why did you choose the town you did to open your business?
I like the neighborhood atmosphere on 111th St. in the Mt. Greenwood area. I hadn't seen any gift shops in the area and knew this "one stop shop" would be a welcome addition to the community..
What's something interesting about your business your customers might not know?
I never owned a business before. I spent 36 years as a teacher in the Chicago School System. One of the most rewarding aspects of being the owner of Elaborations is that my customers come in to shop, visit, and even stay as volunteers to help out whenever they have time.
Does your business offer a special deals card or program?
Punch card, when completed the customer earns $5 off a minimum purchase of $30 or more. Scratch off card that reveals a discount. Special Facebook deal of the day or week.
Business Spotlight is a regular column featuring information provided by local businesses. If you're a local business, share your information in this form. We also write features about local businesses. To send your ideas, email editor Michael Sewall at michael.sewall@patch.com. Businesses can also blog on Patch or share events in our calendar
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