about Norton's U.S.A. in their December issue.
Deborah Leydig was so inspired by her role of Barbara Ehrenreich in the stage adaptation of "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" at Steppenwolf Theatre, she wanted to do something to support American manufacturers.
She spent four years researching American-made products, and gathered those products to open Norton's U.S.A., a general store in Barrington. The old fashioned term "general store" encompasses the wide variety of goods she stocks.
Housed in a former horse barn, the store's stock runs the gamut – from apparel and toys to cleaning supplies and food – that all share the distinction of being made in America.
Leydig explains the origins of the goods as she leads a tour through the store – Anchor Hocking glassware from Ohio, wooden toys made in Pennsylvania by Holgate Toys, and environmentally friendly cleaning products from Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day based in Minnesota.
"The great thing about working with American people and companies is that you get to learn about them and who they are," Leydig says.
Deborah stocks honey made 2 miles from the store and most of her food products come from Illinois and the surrounding states. One of her goals was to use manufacturers instead of buying from local artisans, but some exceptions do exist such as wooden items made by a craftsman who works at a neighboring Barrington business and stained glass from another Barrington gentleman. The store also gets into the act, selling Leydig's hand-screened wrapping papers and dog beds.
For the upcoming holiday season, Norton's has a variety of seasonal goods including unique Christmas cards, hand-blown glass ornaments and the last artificial Christmas trees made in America.
"We have a wonderful selection of ornaments," she says. "About 98 percent of Christmas ornaments are made in China, but we’ve found some glass American-made ones. We have lovely Christmas trees and hand-blown ornaments, one of the Earth that’s just beautiful, also ones that look like icicles, snow flakes and pine cones."
In addition, Leydig suggests making a custom gift basket by combining items from around the general store. She's had customers put together ice cream sundae gift baskets featuring Anchor Hocking sundae glasses and toppings from her food selection. Another popular option combines Amish popcorn with a microwave popcorn popper from Nordic Ware The spa section, pet display or even the cleaning items also make great gifts, she says.
Since the store opened in June 2007, Leydig has enjoyed getting to know her customers, who often make the trip to Barrington especially for her store.
"Owning a store you get a great look at life, it’s a study of people," she says. "I find it really interesting. We’ve had customers from Wisconsin, DeKalb and Indiana who come all the way here to buy American made products.”
She's also enjoyed being a destination for children from the nearby neighborhoods. She tries to keep some lower priced items in the store so kids can stop in and get a gift for under $5. Products made in the U.S.A. also offer a lesson, she says.
"It’s been a challenge to keep finding things that are made in America," Leydig explains. "But I think this store shows a good lesson to young people that you can make things. I try to talk to them when they’re in shopping. It’s a new way to think – stop thinking about all the deals you can find. It’s hard to find products that are all done in America."
Find out more about Norton's U.S.A. at 400 Lageschulte St., Barrington, 847-382-8872 or online at www.nortonsusa.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment