5 minute read
‘A REAL-LIFE ETSY’
The Rustic Fox, featuring an impressive 120 vendors, offers treasure trove of finds
By Vicki Martinka Petersen Photos provided by The Rustic Fox
Like so many other businesses, The Rustic Fox saw a change in plans when stay-athome orders went into effect last spring. Plans for the grand opening were postponed — but when the North Aurora store finally opened its doors in the fall, it found social distancing guidelines worked in its favor.
“People say they feel comfortable shopping here because of the size and layout of the store. There’s a lot of ability to socially distance while shopping,” says Nicole Kolosowski, director of marketing. The 20,000-square-foot indoor
market features 120 vendors renting out space over 143 booths to showcase their wares. Many vendors have been there since the store opened last September, and others rotate in and out.
The artisan market’s main focus is home decor with refinished and vintage furniture. The diversity of vendors also includes plants, art, clothing, health, beauty, jewelry and more. “It’s like a real-life Etsy,” says Kolosowski. “We have a little something for everyone here with a wide selection of offerings.” Even the vendors’ vignettes serve as a source of inspiration to shoppers. For example, one vendor’s display featured a rake on top of a window to use as a valance. “People say they never imagined doing that with a product. It’s very outside the box — not something you’d see every day,” says Martin Bernal, director of operations. It’s that sense of creativity that really showcases the treasures found inside The Rustic Fox. “All the vendors take pride in their merchandise and how they present their wares, ” notes CEO Lisa Asturrizaga. The team actively strives to showcase and maintain a variety of vendors within each selling category. For example, they wouldn’t have, say, 80 vendors who all carry signs. But even if they register multiple sign vendors, shoppers would still be treated to a wide variety because of the diversity of products all the vendors make, says Kolosowski. “People come in for a specific item and leave with something they weren’t expecting to find. They’re pleasantly surprised by the variety of items we offer in the store,” says Bernal. The Rustic Fox offers opportunities for shopping both inside and outside; mark your calendar for the Farmer & Artisan Market, scheduled for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 3, Aug. 7 and Sept. 4. During the event, people can pick up items for a picnic, including fresh fruits and veggies, foods and cheeses along with baked goods and pastries for dessert. You can also snag handmade health and beauty items, fresh flowers and more.
¢ THE RUSTIC FOX 1790 Towne Center Drive North Aurora 630-907-9218 www.therusticfoxhome.com
We invite you to stop by and enjoy a multi-levela m shopping shopping experienceexperi
307 First Ave., SterlingAv , Ste
TUESDAY AUGUST 3RD Illini State Truck Pullers & Tri-County Pullers Inc. 6:30 PM
August August 3-7 3 7
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 4TH Antique Tractor Parade at 5:00 PM & Badger State Tractor Pullers at 6:30 PM
THURSDAY AUGUST 5TH Rice Bull Riding & Barrel Racing at 7:00 PM
FRIDAY AUGUST 6TH Folk N Stages at 6:30 PM & Ricochet Concert at 8:00pm
SATURDAY AUGUST 7TH Power Wheel Kid’s Demo at 6:30 PM & Demolition Derby at 7:00 PM
28374 MILLEDGEVILLE ROAD • ALL EVENTS AT THE FAIRGROUNDS, MILLEDGEVILLE, IL
***EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE***
Amazing Grace Antiques
401 N. Main Street
(Route 47) Elburn 630-365-2006
Follow us on Facebook 4 Additional Shops in in Elburn! Elburn!
This historic home’s 14plus rooms are filled with affordable antiques, primitive to Victorian. Shop in this relaxed, kid friendly, hometown atmosphere, where the coffee and hugs are free.
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SM-CL1886308E
211 S LINCOLNWAY ST., NORTH AURORA 630-296-8470 Follow us on #thevintagemarketplaceco
HERE'S WHERE YOU CAN FIND THESE 6 VINTAGE SHOPS:
¢ AMAZING GRACE ANTIQUES 401 N. Main St., Elburn 630-365-2006 Facebook: Amazing Grace Antiques
¢ BEE ATTITUDES ANTIQUES 9 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia 630-761-0813 www.beeattitudesantiques.com
¢ PRESTIGE CREATIVE MARKETS AND NURSERY 475 W. Army Trail Road, Bartlett 630-326-8858 www.prestigecreativemarkets.com
¢ RED HIVE MARKET 6 W. Wilson St., Batavia 630-326-9016 www. redhivemarket.com
¢ THE VINTAGE MARKETPLACE CO. 211 S. Lincolnway St., North Aurora 630-296-8470 Facebook: The Vintage Marketplace Co.
¢ TREND + RELIC 1501 Indiana Ave., St. Charles 630-803-5253 www.trendandrelic.com
