October 29, 2009 :: Business, LPCC

LPCC Statement: Boutique Shops Forced to Close Their Doors

For Immediate Release

Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce Statement: Boutique Shops Forced to Close Their Doors
Global Recession Has Always Hit Main Street

CHICAGO (October 29, 2009) – Throughout the global recession of the past two plus years, businesses from Wall Street to Main Street have been forced to close their doors.  Throughout this difficult economic stretch, the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce (LPCC) has recognized the problems affecting businesses both large and small and continues to work to provide businesses the tools, resources and connections necessary to remain profitable, no matter what the economy is doing.

“With boutique shops and restaurants representing a key component of our chamber and neighborhood’s fabric, watching a business be forced to close their doors is of course the last thing we ever want to see,” said Kim Schilf, LPCC President and CEO.  “At a time when budgets are increasingly tight for families, businesses and governments, I encourage everyone to remember to shop local and contribute to the vitality of your neighborhood’s business community and reputation.

“We lead numerous initiatives in support of our mission – helping businesses in Lincoln Park succeed and grow,” Schilf continued.  “We have negotiated discounted advertising rates at key Chicago media outlets and have offered sponsorships that provide brand awareness and marketing opportunities to help businesses keep their products and services in front of consumer’s attention.”

As a membership organization dedicated to supporting the needs of businesses and the surrounding community, it is the responsibility of the LPCC to keep the best interests of its members in mind when supporting key issues and developing new programming that will affect the way they do business now and in the future. 

“As the largest neighborhood chamber of commerce in Chicago, the LPCC works to use these membership numbers to the advantage of the entire business community.  The reputation of Lincoln Park as the premier destination for shopping, eating and cultural activities is a key marketing tool we strive to maintain despite the economy,” Schilf said.  “We offer dozens of affordable, engaging events from educational seminars to networking events – often totaling more than 150 participants – to help businesses promote their product, or make the necessary connections to keep the cost of doing business down.

“Although Lincoln Park benefits from neighborhood anchors like the Lincoln Park Zoo, DePaul University, Children’s Memorial Hospital, Chicago History Museum, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and more, we are certainly not immune to the global economic downturn,” Schilf concluded. “During these difficult times, I urge businesses to band together and create a unified voice and push for increased sales in Lincoln Park, and across the country.”

While many businesses are being forced to close their doors, the LPCC believes, others still are remaining steady or flourishing.  It is unfortunate, however, that stories of a gloom and doom economy continue to cover headlines from coast to coast.  LPCC members have shared both their stories of success and challenges throughout the past two years, and if positive messages were shared with the community, the LPCC contends future businesses can learn how to adapt to market conditions and keep their doors open. 

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