Monday, July 30, 2012

Our Lucky 7

When we opened the doors of ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE on a hot day in July 2005, we could have never imagined that we be so welcomed and embraced by the residents, businesses, and visitors of Lincoln Square.  We sought to open a shop with a rotating mix of unexpected, fun, and affordable items that offer the perfect gift for any occasion. We strived to embody the spirit of general stores of the past, becoming a familiar, friendly place where the neighborhood goes to pick up what they need and discover what's new. We didn't want to just be located in Lincoln Square, we wanted to be part of it. We have seen the neighborhood change (and grow) in the past years, and we are excitedly looking forward to what the future holds.  Thank you for 7 amazing years. Without your support and patronage we, literally, would be not be here today. Here’s to many more lucky years. We hope you'll help us celebrate our birthday all month long.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Support ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE in Mission: Small Business℠


We are getting down to the wire.... ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE needs 250 votes to qualify to compete for a $250,000 grant from Chase and LivingSocial. And while Mission: Small Business feels a little like Mission: Impossible right now, we are undaunted.

We are asking for any of our fans, customers, enemies, family, friends, pets, classmates and followers to visit https://www.missionsmallbusiness.com/, login with their Facebook credentials or sign up for an account, then search for ENJOY in Chicago and then vote. That's it. Also, you can vote for more than one business. Why not search for your other favorite small business?

But, we are in Chicago… just campaigning for votes doesn't seem like the old "Chicago Way". We'd like to make you an offer you can't refuse. But the rules prohibit any discounts or giveaways.

But we'd love to know that you supported us. So cast your vote for us at wwww.missionsmallbusiness.com then write "I Voted" on our Facebook Wall (or tweet "I Voted" to @ENJOYChicago or email mom [at] urbangeneralstore.com).

You have our eternal gratitude.




Thursday, June 07, 2012

Let Your Pop Know He's Tops

Father's Day is Sunday, June 17.

Remember your dad this Father's Day with a funny, cute or useful gift from Urbangeneralstore.com and ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE.


Our special Your Pop's Tops section features brand new super high-quality playing cards from Theory11, lots of cocktail accessories including the clever Whisky Stones and a tongue-in-cheek celebration of Fathers from the 1970s and 1980s in the Dads Are the Original Hipsters Book.

Whether your dad is a rocker, a fixer, a geekster or one of the original hipsters, there are 100's of gifts to thank your Dad and let your Pop know he’s the Top Dog.

Here are some more great gift ideas for your Dad…

Facebook Father's Day Card
from Ecka & Pecka
Garbage Socks
from Sock It To Me
Reclaimed Sailcloth Card Case (Tarjetero)
from FlowFold


Don't Forget Grandpa
Every Grandfather started out as a Father. He’s our past and our future. The family storyteller and keeper of memories. Remember Grandpa on Father’s Day with “Grandpa. His Stories. His Words”. This handsome fill-in-the-blank journal features 80 pages of questions designed to help create a treasured family keepsake. Also available for Dads, Moms and Grandmas.

Grandpa His Stories His Words
from Compendium

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Everybody's Free (To Graduate)

ENJOY would like to share a post by our Social Media and eCommerce Manager, Stephanie Edwards (author of 101 Things a College Girl Should Know and 101 Things a College Guy Should Know). Below is the commencement address that she would write if she were asked to write one that she hopes will be incorrectly attributed to Mary Schmich as Kurt Vonnegut.
To the Class of 2012:
Congratulations. You did it. 
I know that any advice that you receive in these dewy, salad days of your pending adulthood is probably just wasted on you--like your youth[1]. 
That is ok. You are supposed to be young and carefree. Besides, when you are saddled with $1,234,756 in student loan debt in a few years, you won't even be able to buy a clue. But I will give you two little nuggets of wisdom (for free): 
1) Be kind.  
Yep, it is that simple. Bad things rarely, if ever, come from being kind."Kind", according to the New Oxford American Dictionary, is defined as "having or showing a friendly, generous, and considerate nature".When in doubt, choose to be kind. If being kind is not an option, wait until it is.  
2) Don't put anything on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, LiveJournal[2], Tumblr, Flickr, Instagram, etc. that you wouldn't want plastered on the side of a bus.  
Like the bus traveling at 35 MPH down a street, things posted on social media sites fly by and are not seen by everyone in real time. But like that bus, postings on social media eventually arrive at a bus stop. And then imagine that your grandmother is at that bus stop, waiting for the bus to take her to the Jewel. And she's all like "Look, that's my granddaughter/grandson on the side of that bus and, oh my..". 
You get the picture. Be discreet. And if you can't be discreet, don't post it. 
That's pretty much it. You'll have to figure the rest out as you go.  Good luck, be kind and, please, wear sunscreen.

[1] Paraphrased from Mary Schmich's "Advice, like youth, probably just wasted on the young" published in the Chicago Tribune in her column on June 1, 1997. In her introduction to the column, she described it as the commencement speech she would give if she were asked to give one. The column soon became the subject of an urban legend, in which it was alleged to be an MIT commencement speech given by author Kurt Vonnegut in that same year (in truth, MIT's commencement speaker that year was Kofi Annan).  


Despite a follow-up article by Schmich on August 3, 1997, in which she referred to the "lawless swamp of cyberspace" that had made her and Kurt Vonnegut "one", by 1999 the falsely attributed story was widespread.


Schmich published a short gift book adaption of the essay, Wear Sunscreen: A Primer for Real Life, in 1998. A tenth anniversary edition was published in 2008 by Andrews McMeel.


[2] Ask your older sister or brother.

Tuesday, May 01, 2012

Happy Workers Day


Take a break and ENJOY these videos celebrating all things "work" featuring The Members, Billy Bragg, Carly Simon and Missy Elliott. 




When you're ready to get Back to Work, shop these office essentials (and nonessentials) from Urbangeneralstore.com.

Get Along With Your Co-Workers Tea from Blue Q
Manifesto Notebook from Wild and Wolf, Ltd.




Sunday, April 22, 2012

Everyday is Like Earth Day


The single tear of the Native American reminds you to "Give a Hoot, Don't Pollute" the Third Planet because like Q-Tip Says, "Joni Mitchell Never Lies" and you "won't know what you got till it's gone".

Take care of your home. Because everyday is like Earth Day.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

The winner of Merch Madness 2012 is...



ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE

The Mini GurglePot


It was close. Very close. But the quirky Mini GurglePot Gurgling Fish Water Pitcher beat the clever Winestein Beer Stein Wine Glass, the functional Guitar Pick Punch Tool and the wacky XL Beer Glass.

The Mini GurglePot will be 20% off until April 30 at ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE and Urbangeneralstore.com.


Thank you to all who voted in our Merch Madness contest. We really ENJOY coming up with fun contests, competitions and events so we encourage you to join our eNews List and keep in touch with us via our Facebook Pages, on TwitterPinterestYouTubeYelp!Google+ and keep reading the Blog. Need anything else? Simply email our team of customer service savants, the Masters of Merchandise, at mom [at] urbangeneralstore [dot] com and we'll do whatever we can to assist you in all matters of gift giving and buying. 


Till next year's big dance...

Tuesday, April 03, 2012

Vote Today for Merch Madness Final Round


Merch Madness 2012 Final Round. 
The hipster cool Winestein Beer Stein Wine Glass is taking on the venerable Grand Dame the Mini GurglePot. Vote online at http://a.pgtb.me/cJ9q or in-store at ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE. All voters will be entered for a chance to win one of the champion products AND the winning item will be 20% off in April.

Saturday, March 31, 2012

No Fooling, Backup Your Data!

Saturday, March 31 is World Backup Day. In honor of this very important day, we would like to come to you and ask... When is the last time you backed-up your irreplaceable data? If you don't know the answer to this question, stop reading this and go make a backup of your precious family photos, your band’s demo 'tape', your tax return from last year, the manuscript of your great American novel.

If you don't have a backup, you are saying "I do not value this data and I know that I will lose it and I don't care."

After you have completed your backup (the first of many regular and incremental ones, right?), breathe a sigh of relief and have a good laugh because after World Backup Day is April Fools' Day. Check out Time Out Chicago Kids "Right Now We Want-April Fools' edition featuring the Anti-theft Lunch Bags, Finger Tentacles and our other gags and gifts at our urbangeneralstore.com April Fools' Day Gags & Tricks.




Monday, March 26, 2012

Merch Madness 2012

Maybe your college basketball brackets are already busted (ours are). But you can still be a winner in ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE's Merch Madness! Every week, you can vote in-store at ENJOY and on the Urbangeneralstore.com Facebook Page for your favorite product.

Each week in March, two items will go "head to head". Fans and customers can cast their ballot for their favorite product each week. The winning product will be crowned Merch Madness Champion and will be on sale for 20% off in April--both online and in-store at ENJOY. Plus, every voter will be entered for a chance to win the Champion product.

In Round #1, the XL Beer Class by DCI was defeated by the Winestein Glass by Fred.

XL Beer Glass
Winestein Glass
In Round #2, the Mini GurglePot is taking on the Top Ranked Pick Punch Tool.
Mini GurglePot

Pick Punch Tool

Click here to vote today and be entered for a chance to win a Merch Madness Champion Product. 


Here are the current standings in a bracket style (of course):


Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/enjoyanurbangeneraslstore or stop in ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE to cast your ballot today!

Dislike Facebook or leaving the house or colorful images? Email us at mom [at] urbangeneralstore.com to cast your vote. We don't judge.


Thursday, February 23, 2012

Anglophilia + Aardvarks = Happiness


We admit it. We are hooked. With the American showing of the series* finale of “Downton Abbey, we just can’t get enough of all things British. That's why we are so excited to announce that we are now a stockist† of products from Wild & Wolf Ltd. Based in Bath, England (a mere 60 miles or 96 kilometers from Highclere Castle, the real-life setting for Downton Abbey), Wild & Wolf Ltd. is a designer, manufacturer, and wholesaler of nostalgic and creative gifts and home accessories. We love their cute Ridley’s Magic Sets.






And who doesn’t love the Mr. Men Little Miss line by Roger Hargreaves?


We can’t help but smile when having a cup of tea (of course) in our new Mr. Happy Mug. But we are really thrilled to offer a line of products that feature a collaboration between Wild & Wolf Ltd. and Aardvark On Sea. Aardvark is the creative project of British artist and designer Lesley and Pea of St. Leonards on Sea, East Sussex. The design duo specialises‡  in creating fabulous letterpress prints using a vintage Heidelberg press with original wood and metal type. Happiness… is a modern take on The Desiderata by Max Ehrmannwith the sentiments of the poem distilled to create an inspirational range of products that amuse and inspire.



Happiness... by Aardvark


* That’s British for "television season"!
† That’s British for "retailer"!
‡ That’s British for "specializes"!

Monday, February 13, 2012

Happy Birthday Mr. Lincoln

We have a special place in our hearts for the 16th president of the United States. Abraham Lincoln is often remembered as one of the greatest US presidents. ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE is located in Lincoln Square on Lincoln Avenue in the Land of Lincoln. So, I guess you could say we're pretty into Lincoln around these parts.

While we admire Mr. Lincoln's political life (Doris Kearn Goodwin's "Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln" is very good) and, of course, his oratory skills, we would like to celebrate a completely foolish detail of Abe... his Chin Curtain.

A Chin Curtain (also called a Donegal or Lincoln) is a particular style of facial hair that grows along the jaw line and covers the chin completely. Oh how we wish it was called a Lincoln BEFORE Abraham Lincoln wore one, but, sadly, no.

We love everything mustache at Urbangeneralstore.com. So with all due respect to
Brigham Young
C. Everett Koop

and Dr. Zaius

we'd like to re-imagine Abraham Lincoln, using the iPhone/iPad 'Stachetastic app, if he would have committed to FULL facial hair.







And on this day of remembering the pride of Springfield, we'd like to give a final hirstute hip-hip-hooray for our favorite album about our home state, Sufjan Stevens' "Come On Feel The Illinoise".

Illinois by Sufjan Stevens
Make your own Lincoln 'Staches and email them to us at mom at urbangeneralstore.com or post it on our Facebook wall at Facebook.com/enjoyanurbangeneralstore.

Friday, February 03, 2012

Baby, it's (still) cold outside

ARRGH.
Yes, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow (or, wait, didn't see his shadow).
Either way, the thermometer agrees with that East Coast rodent, winter isn't quite ready to pack up for the spring.

Winter 2012 is like a Journey concert with 7 encores... the beginning leaves you a little cold until things get heated up to "Don't Stop Believin'".

So no glove means no love for those cold mitts.
Kids Fleece Mittens from Bear Hands

Steal a look at this Raccoon Stole!

Raccoon Scarf from Green 3

Wrap your frozen piggies in a pair of bacon socks.
Bacon and Eggs Crew Socks from Sock It To Me

Shop all of our cold weather accessories now at urbangeneralstore.com.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

ENJOY helps you stuff their stockings with FUN for LESS this Holiday Season

As the nation struggles with trying economic conditions, ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE seeks to bring a little light-hearted (and inexpensive) fun to this year's holiday gift giving by offering 100's of stocking stuffers under $25.


ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE, located in the heart of Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood at 4723 N. Lincoln Avenue, has been a "one-stop shop" for "all your gift giving needs" for over 6 years. This holiday season, Rebecca Wood, Owner of ENJOY, has focused on offering gifts on the less expensive side. As Wood explains, "I wanted to offer a wide variety of gifts--for all ages--that provide humor and joy without being expensive so that people can shop without having to worry about the cost. The holidays are stressful enough!"


ENJOY will give shoppers looking for humorous stocking stuffers the trifecta of novelty gifts-- Bacon, Mustache and Matryoshka items. ENJOY and Urbangeneralstore.com will feature everything from bacon strips bandages to a heavily-scented "sizzling" bacon candle. Mustache lovers can find adhesive mustaches, mustache necklaces and even the font geek's fave, "A Field Guide to Typestaches" Screen-Printed Poster from Old Tom Foolery.


ENJOY has the hot new trend, matryoshkas also known as babushkas or Russian nesting dolls, on key caps, juice glasses, earbuds and even Christmas tree ornaments.


ENJOY has long been the holiday shoppers' go-to for humorous gifts. But this year, ENJOY will be offering a new line of hand-finished signs with inspirational quotes from Primitives by Kathy. "While we still offer larger handmade art signs, some customers will appreciate a smaller $6.95 Primitives by Kathy sign that can be stood on a desk or a mantle (or hung on the wall) that expresses a similar sentiment," said Stephanie Edwards, the eCommerce Manager of ENJOY's online site, Urbangeneralstore.com. These signs are great holiday gifts for teachers, coworkers, relatives or even priced right as a hostess gift.


ENJOY's holiday stocking stuffer best seller is The Pick Punch Tool, a hand-held device that allows guitarists to make their own guitar picks. The Pick Punch Tool's retail price is $24.95 and is the perfect gift for budding and seasoned guitarists, those who love new, fun gadgets, or those who are truly impossible to buy for.


ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE will offer extended holiday hours now through Christmas eve. Shoppers can also browse the 1,000's of items available online at Urbangeneralstore.com. Standard rate shipping is $6.95 or free for orders over $100. Or Chicago-area residents can place their orders online and select free next-day in-store pickup at ENJOY. 

Monday, November 28, 2011

Happy Sigh Brrr Monday (& Luddite Tuesday)

Ah, Cyber Monday… the virtual doorbuster. We bet you’ve already received numerous emails telling you to SHOP NOW, YOU’RE TOO LATE, LIMITED QUANTITIES, BRING YOUR PEPPER SPRAY.
Not here.

Do you know that Cyber Monday originated as the Monday after the Thanksgiving Holiday when people went back to work and shopped online on their high-speed internet connections at their computers at their office. Those were the days!

But, it is 2011, people have high-speed connections on devices in their pockets! In fact, you’re likely reading this blog on just such a device.

Instead of coming up with a Cyber Monday gimmick, we’d like to take a moment and breathe a heavy SIGH of relief for another happy and healthy Thanksgiving and give a wistful BRRR to the chilly days of December that will be warmed with holiday traditions like sharing good times (and gifts!) with family and loved ones.

We do know economic times are tough, so in the spirit of a "Cyber Monday” savings event, we are taking 10% off everything on our website through Tuesday, 11/29, (in celebration of the less well-known Luddite Tuesday) at www.urbangeneralstore.com. This is an unadvertised special we are only telling you--our previous customers, email subscribers, Facebook fans, Google+’ers, and Twitter followers (and you, gentle blog reader)—our VIP’s as a way to say “thanks". Items will reflect sale prices on the website now through Tuesday, 11/29 (11:59pm CST).

After that, we will have the same funny, functional, quirky, inspirational gift items available. As always, we’ll still ship them to you quickly for $6.95 flat rate (free for orders over $100), pack them carefully with pride and send a hand-written thank you note or gift message. Or you can select “Free In-Store Pick-up” and your order will be waiting for you in a day or two at ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE in Chicago.

Any questions? We’re happy to help. Just email us.
The Masters of Merchandise (mom [at] urbangeneralstore.com)

The Fine Print: No rain checks. Online orders only. Offer not applicable on gift cards. Discount not applied to shipping charges or sales tax, where applicable. Offer void where prohibited. May not be used in combination with other orders.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Back to School? Back to Cool!

How does this always happen? One minute, you’re making plans for how you’ll fill up the long summer days. The next, you’re back to school shopping and pulling out sweaters!

Think back to your first day of school (however old you were). I bet someone took a picture of you. Standing proud and ready. New school bag or backpack. Maybe some new shoes. Maybe new-to-you, hand-me-down shoes. A uniform that is too big or a pair of pants that are as neat and pressed as they will ever be.

Here are my nieces and nephews on their first day of school last week...


And here’s me--probably c. 1978...


Look at how the hot air balloon book bag matches my skirt (that also happens to match my blouse--hello Garanimals!) 

Although the styles have changed (and the lunch box technology is MUCH better) there’s a certain similarity between my first day of school picture and my nieces and nephews first day of school picture (fashion notwithstanding).

I actually still have my first school bag from grade school (still quite fashionable, if I do say so myself). I’d probably use it as a briefcase if it would hold more than 2 phonics workbook pages and a jumbo #2 pencil.


Speaking of lunch boxes and school bags... they really have come a LONG way.
My nieces and nephews have Vapur Reusable Water Bottles clipped with a carabiner to their belts...


I had this to hold my drinks...


They have fancy backpacks and insulated totes for their lunches like the PackIt Freeze and Go...


I had this...


I've started to realize that kids today only seem so much cooler than we were. 
I bet kids today would do anything for this beauty from my generation...



Maybe we were cool after all.

Shop all our Back to Cool items at Urbangeneralstore.com now! Or stop by ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE in Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood today at 4723 N. Lincoln Avenue.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

2 for Tuesdays: Papa's Got a Brand New ______?


Ok, so you totally aced Mother's Day 2011, finding mom the PERFECT gift that showed how much she means to you and how much you care. She fawned over it and told all her friends about it.

Yay you!

But guess what is right around the corner... yep, Father's Day. June 19, 2011.

But dads are dudes. And most dudes are hard to buy for because they pretty much like anything you give them. And if your dad is one of those picky dads, then they are hard to buy for because they're picky!

That is why, every Father's Day, 1,148,327 ties are given as gifts in June and 1,148,326 are donated the following September.* 

Children of all ages panic and resort to this simple equation:
IF Men Wear Ties AND Dad Is A Man THEN Dad Needs Tie

*We totally made this figure up.

We know that if you are reading this blog then you must be a hip, savvy internet shopper--refusing to ever get dad another <snore> tie. This year, we'd like to change your mind about that perennial Father's Day gift. If you think your dad is "too cool" for boring, conservative ties check our selection of hip neckwear.

This 45 Record Adapter Tie is anything but ordinary.


$42.00
Might be his single favorite tie. 

Time for a new equation: 
IF you think your dad rocks AND this tie rocks THEN your dad will rock in this tie.  

Ok, ok. So your dad really NEVER wears ties, but he still love to rock. And we bet he drinks coffee.

The Amp'd Up Guitar Amplifier Mug is perfect on those mornings when the caffeine needs to go to 11!

$14.00
Get Amp'd in the morning with this oversized, porcelain coffee mug! 

A great "son reflecting on (grand)fatherly wisdom" song that is not "Cat's in the Cradle" or any other song buy a guy name Cat, is the Faces "Ooh La La". Apparently then-member of The Faces, Rod Stewart, didn't think the song was worthwhile so Ronnie Wood handled the lead vocals. With all due respect, Mr. Stewart, but we think you were wrong.

Ooh La La-Faces (1973)

What do you do if your father is Hank Williams, Sr? In "Family Tradition", Hank Williams, Jr. puts it, er, bluntly.

Hank Williams, Jr.'s Greatest Hits (1982)

We think ol' Hank 2 had his tounge firmly planted in his cheek. And while we typically favor the songs of his father (and his son), "Family Tradition" features a rousing sing-along call and response pre-chorus that we are a sucker for every time.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

2 for Tuesdays: Hot Diggity Dawg

Today we'd like to be a bit of a "homer" and salute our kinda town, Chicago.

The Windy City has been "sweating" a bit having to face the Miami Heat in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals.

Whether the Chicago Bulls weather the Miami Heat or not, South Beach, although having a lot of "hot dogs", doesn't have THE Chicago Hot Dog.

It is almost cliched to talk about the Chicago Hot Dog. But it is cliched because it true!

Although not technically a Chicago Hot Dog (we spy some ketchup on it--quelle horreur!) pull your money out of the Hot Dog Yummy Pocket at SuperDawg or Hot Doug's and get the respect that only someone carrying a hot dog coin purse deserves.

Hot Dog Yummy Pocket
Hot Dog Yummy Pocket
$5.00 
Let us be frank, this little pouch looks good enough to eat! 

And here's hoping that the Chicago Bulls, like the venerable Chicago Hot Dog, are big wieners!

Want a wallet that shows your Chicago pride but is a bit more practical? Then we have a wallet with plenty of Rahm for your credit cards, cash and ID's-- The Chicago Flag Men's Wallet.


Chicago Flag Men's Wallet 
$16.00
A billfold you'll want to carry Daley.

Made from recycled plastic bags from by the non-profit organization CONSERVE, the wallet is tough, colorful and built-to-last. Just like Chicago.
Without the meat.

Speaking of tough, Chicago vegans...
Chicago's very own, Common, has come under some fire of late.
We'd like to take a step back and focus on Common the artist.
We are partial to the smooth "Chi-City".
But for sheer "get us riled up about Chicago" Kanye West's "Homecoming" is it!











Common and Kanye tend to rap about, er, mature topics.
What about your little Chicagoan?

Check out Laura Doherty's ode to encased meat "Hot Dog" from her 2009 album Kids in the City.











With a Laura's excellent musicianship and clever lyrics, not to mention a very catchy chorus, it is a song that kids will love (and parents too).

And, we bet it makes you hungry.