Final stop: Findables (1643 N. Milwaukee Avenue).We were welcomed with open arms, this time by someone who’s been paying his dues in Chicago retail for over twenty years. David James Ginople is a vivacious, highly respected local businessman in the community, and someone who’s weathered both good times and bad. He immediately jumped right in, sharing his wisdom and enthusiasm with attendees, reminding them they can survive this crazy economy if they simply think out of the box, giving customers what they want while making sure they (the store owners) simultaneously get what they need.
After hanging on his every word, the group spread out in the store...then at the register (if you can get a roomful of store owners to open up their wallets and pay retail, well...you’re doing something really right). From terrific table top to beautiful jewelry and hats, his eclectic product mix works well. If you make it from one end of the store to the other without being seriously tempted, well, then you’re not really paying attention.
David could teach a master class on running a successful store. And on how to light up a room. And on how to best serve the customer. Pretty impressive combination, if you ask me.
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