Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Owner laments the deal she said helped shut the store's doors.
Fly Bird had flocks of happy customers. But now that the Lake Street store has closed its doors, owner Julia Nash is throwing down the gauntlet against Groupon, saying the daily deal site was partly to blame for sluggish business at her beloved store, according to a Wednesday Journal story. Nash told Wednesday Journal the store participated in a $15 for $30 worth of merchandise Groupon offer in fall 2010. Was it successful? That depends on whether you're the bargain-seeking customer, or the store owner who realizes you've parted with your inventory for half-price. Nash has said many of the first-time customers who dropped by the store never came back. Which is a conundrum for small business owners that aren't in, say, restaurants, where …
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Store owner seeking a buyer for Lake Street store.
Looks like Fly Bird is fleeing the coop. In a surprise announcement sent via the store's newsletter on Wednesday, store owner Julia Nash said her time has come to "shift focus and move in a new direction." That means the business at 719 Lake St. is up for sale, and Nash is making a plea for someone to take it over. Here's the letter: Dearest Friends and Fans of the Bird, Since May 2004, Fly Bird has been committed to this community. The opportunity to support local organizations, shape business within Oak Park and create a strong foundation and support of art & design over the years has been a wonderful privilege- all while still having a blast in this little shop on Lake Street. I have always intended to stick around and continue to …
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Another weekend to get out and explore.
WILLY WONKA, KIDS! When/Where: 7 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday at Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School, 325. Kenilworth Ave. Why Go: More than 50 kid actors and 20 crew members of the Junior Bravo Academy, an even-more-pint-sized version of the school's BRAVO performing arts academy, goes Oompa Loompa with this special performance. Price: Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students; available by calling (708) 524-5621 or visiting the District 97 Web store. JAZZ IN THE BISTRO When/Where: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday at Marion Street Cheese Market, 100 S. Marion St. in Oak Park. Why Go: Enjoy some honest jazz music by the Barry Winograd-Jim Ryan Duo and choose from artisanal cheese plates, tempting menu selections and choice craft beer …
Liita Forsyth
11:40 am on Thursday, March 15, 2012
As an advocate of all things handmade, it's very sad to see Fly Bird go. Interestingly enough, the wildly popular Renegade Handmade folks let their brick and mortar go too....in order to focus on the craft shows which have grown like fire across the country and now even in England. I also have to say that I despise Groupon from a vendor's point of view. I participated in one of the competing … more ›