Tuesday, December 02, 2014

#ShopSmall but #GiveBig on #GivingTuesday

They say "charity begins at home," but we think it can continue to the workplace. We asked the members of our staff what local organizations they support and why.

In support of #GivingTuesday, we will be making a charitable donation to the organizations our employees suggested – Lincoln Square Friendship Center, ONE Northside, The Stone Soup Theatre Project, Growing Home and Funny Bones Improv.

We hope you'll learn more about these great organizations, like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to their YouTube channels. And, most importantly, consider supporting them financially, too.

1) Lincoln Square Friendship Center
The Friendship Center operates two food pantries on the north side of Chicago. North Park Friendship Center - NPFC also distributes free clothing and household goods, offer job training to our volunteer staff, and seek to provide or refer clients to needed services.

2) ONE Northside Violence Prevention Campaign
ONE Northside is a mixed-income, multi-ethnic, intergenerational organization that unites our diverse communities. We build collective power to eliminate injustice
through bold and innovative community organizing.

3) The Stone Soup Theatre Project
The Stone Soup Theatre Project's mission is to offer theater to the communities of North East Chicago providing productions and educational workshops at little to no cost to patrons by enlisting the help of community organizations and local businesses. Stone Soup Theatre Project is committed to building stronger communities and safer neighborhoods by providing access to affordable and relevant theatre, transferrable skills through theatre education, and by taking the stage onto the streets of North East Chicago.

4) Growing Home
Growing Home is a social enterprise based in organic farming that provides employment, training, and community development opportunities to Chicagoans. Growing Home helps people find meaningful careers through skills learned while farming since 2002. Growing Home is Chicago’s leading expert in farm-based training for people with employment barriers.

5) Funny Bones Improv
Funny Bones started with a mission to give the gift of laughter to children and their families while in hospital. Our goal is to provide children with an opportunity to brighten their day, add a smile or a hearty laugh to reduce whatever stress they may face and offer an escape from their worries. Funny Bones performs in Chicago at the Children's Memorial Hospital AND in New Orleans at Tulane Medical and Children's Hospital.

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

We've got Halloween Treats for Cool Ghouls, Many Monsters and Zany Zombies.





Urban General Store




Cool Ghouls, Sweet Treats and Zany Zombies?

It must be Halloween!




A Halloween Poem 



'Twas the week before Halloween and all through our shop,
the shelves were being stocked with tricks and treats non-stop.
Sugar skull sweets and sour candy ghosts
right next to zombies and monsters and giant inflatable toast!

Kids of all ages can find disguises and masks
and we'll ship them to you for $6.95, just ask!
So if you're looking for unique Halloween treats and more,
we hope you'll visit ENJOY and URBAN GENERAL STORE.





Candy & Sweets
Muncha Libre Lucha Libre Masks Cookie Stampers and CutterSugar Skull Candy

Zombies & Monsters
Glow Finger Zombies Finger Puppets

Zombies Have Issues Book by Greg Stones




Horror & Screams
Screaming PickleEdgar Allan Poe Action Figure

Masks & Disguises

Creepy Pig Head Masks


Emergency Mustaches - Set of 6








Laura Doherty at ENJOY



Join us for Laura Doherty live at ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE performing two free kids shows at 11:30am and 1:00pm on Saturday, October 25.

Kids can trick or treat in costume at participating businesses in the neighborhood for the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce's Annual Halloween Happenings event.




RSVP online. Or email us at mom@urbangeneralstore.com with questions. 


Thursday, October 16, 2014

Laura Doherty Performs Two Free Halloween Shows at ENJOY on Saturday, October 25 at 11:30am & 1:00pm


Laura Doherty
Join us in Chicago for the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce's Annual Halloween Happenings Trick or Treating Event on Saturday, October 25 featuring Laura Doherty performing live at ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE for two free shows at 11:30am and 1:00pm.


Laura Doherty-Photo by Phil Onofrio ©2014

ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE is excited to once again host two free shows for kids by award-winning children's musician Laura Doherty at ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE (4723 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625) on Saturday, October 25 at 11:30am and 1:00pm.

Kids can Trick or Treat in costume at local businesses in the Lincoln Square Ravenswood neighborhood in Chicago on Saturday, October 25, 2014 before and after the shows from 11am-2pm (and at participating Ravenswood businesses from 2pm-5pm). Visit the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber site for more details about the event.


RSVP on Facebook


In a Heartbeat CD by Laura Doherty


In a Heartbeat is Laura Doherty's third Parents' Choice award-winning CD. Now available online from Urbangeneralstore.com and in-store at ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE.







Laura Doherty is a nationally touring children's recording artist and award-winning producer with an ear for a catchy melody. Laura’s musical adventures first took listeners into the world of big city living, as seen through a child’s eyes, with her Parents’ Choice winning albums Kids in the City (2009) followed by the equally endearing Shining Like a Star (2011). Laura’s new CD In a Heartbeat is a collection of heartfelt, upbeat children’s songs that keep true to her folk-pop roots, using lots of acoustic instruments.

Nominated for "best Chicago kids act of 2012" in Time Out Chicago, Laura has performed on famed Chicago stages such as the Pritzker Pavilion, Old Town School of Folk Music and Lollapalooza. Laura is a long-time early-childhood music teacher in the Old Town School of Folk Music Wiggleworms program.

Urbangeneralstore.com




Don't live in or near Chicago? Or can't make it to the shows on Saturday, October 25? You can still check out In a Heartbeat and Laura Doherty's other great CD's from Urbangeneralstore.com.

Kids in the City CD by Laura Doherty


Kids in the City CD by Laura Doherty






Shining Like a Star CD by Laura Doherty


Shining Like a Star CD by Laura Doherty





Wednesday, October 01, 2014

Hot Doug's Legacy Lives on in "Hot Doug's: The Book"

Do you know that there are children being born RIGHT NOW who will never get to taste a hot dog from Hot Doug's!

While lovers of encased meat mourn the closing of Chicago's own "Sausage Superstore" Hot Doug's on Friday, October 3 we can help you relish the "old days" of "waiting in a 2 mile long line" for an exotic wild game hot dog and some duck fat fries. Share this great book with your offspring and show them what they missed.

Hot Doug's: The Book

Hot Doug's: The Book
By Doug Sohn with Kate DeVivo.
From Agate Publishing.
$24.95

Available online at Urbangeneralstore.com and in-store at ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Ice Ice Baby

We think The ALS Association's #IceBucketChallenge is cool.

Have you been challenged? Need some ice? Buy any of our "ice" products online and we'll donate a percentage of purchase price to The ALS Association (now through 8/30/2014).
Need Ice?




Wednesday, July 16, 2014

It's our birthday and we're on cloud nine.


Monday, May 19, 2014

Just Added at Urbangeneralstore.com

Brand New Gift Items Just Added. Shop now at Urbangeneralstore.com. We offer flat-rate shipping in the continental US for $6.95 (via USPS Priority Mail or UPS). Free shipping for order over $100.

New Art & Inspiration

You Are My Sunshine Sugarboo Small Frame - Yellow
For your only sunshine. 

Each frame is a unique customized piece of art. All are completely handmade and hand-painted with real wood and painted finishes that create a warm, aged look. Colors may vary slightly from photograph. The frames are designed specifically for your own photo and work with a 4" x 6" photo cut down to 4" x 4". Comes with a temporarily mounted display photo. This photo comes out easily, allowing you to insert your own photo. "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are grey. You'll never know dear how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away." Please note: Because of the handmade nature of this product, colors may vary slightly from product image.
Additional colors may be special ordered (typically 6-8 weeks).  Special Order colors available. Email the Masters of Merchandise (MOMs) for details.
Color: Yellow. Each Small Frame measures 11 x 20 x 1 inches.
From Sugarboo Designs.
$84.00

New Baby & Kids


I Work Out Snapsuit by Wry Baby
For your buff baby.

Wry Baby Snapsuits are designed and screen-printed in North Carolina. Each is made with high quality jersey cotton. Cute, bright red Snapsuit™ 100% Cotton. Size: 6-12 Months.
From Wry Baby.
$22.00


New Cards & Paper


100 Things Cubs Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die
The Ultimate Resource for True Cubs Fans.
With 135 years of Chicago Cubs history, this lively, detailed book explores the personalities, events, and facts every Cubs fan should know. More than a look at the century-long wait for another World Series win, the book contains crucial information for Cubs fans, such as important dates, player nicknames, memorable moments, and outstanding achievements by singular players. This guide to all things Cubs also includes a list of must-do Cubs-related activities, which include taking in Wrigley field, traveling to Arizona for spring training, and sipping beers at the best Cubs bars around the country. Jimmy Greenfield is a former reporter, columnist, and web editor for the RedEye newspaper. He has covered both the Cubs and White Sox for the Chicago Tribune. He lives in Chicago.
By Jimmy Greenfield 256 Pages 5.5 x 8.5 inches.
From Triumph Books.
$14.95

New Home & Garden


Packit Freezble Sandwich Cooler Bag - French Bull Ziggy Print
The entire bag freezes to keep your sandwich cool for up to 4 hours.

The Sandwich Cooler allows you to keep sandwiches cool in an eco-friendly way. Simply store the cooler in your freezer for a 12 hour period, wrap up the sandwich you want to keep cool and enjoy! Features a gel-lined wall that freezes to keep a sandwich or portion of snacks cool up to 4 hours (depending on external temperatures). Designed in California. Made from food-safe, nontoxic poly canvas and waterproof EVA. PVC-, BPA-, phthalate- and lead-free. Interior wipes clean and you can spot clean the exterior. With a colorful design from the Ziggy Collection from French Bull.
Dimensions: 5.5 x 5.5 2.25 x inches.
From PackIt
$12.95

New Jewelry & Accessories

 Carpe The F*ck Out Of This Diem Socks
Seize the f'ing day.
Made of f'ing fine soft combed cotton. Women's shoe size 5-10.
53% combed cotton, 44% nylon and 3% spandex.
From Blue Q.
$8.50 

New Novelty & Humor

What if Sharknado were real and sharks could fly? 

Just when you thought it was safe to get out of the water... this Great White Shark Air Swimmer swims through the air with incredible smooth and life-life motion.
Fly the Giant Sized Shark around your house or office and see people's reactions! Simple to fly, the RC controller enables you to make the Shark move left, right, and forward with ease. The toy is able to turn in very small spaces, so can easily swim around your house or office (a 360 degree turning ratio). Crashes are not a problem. Unlike other flying RC products the Shark just bounces off walls and other objects without damage (not for use outdoors).
Indoor use only.
Some assembly required.
Requires Four AAA batteries (not included). Must be filled with helium (available at any party store, florist or grocery store that sells balloons).
Recommended for ages 8 and up.
From William Mark Corp.
$44.00
Check it out in action!

Tuesday, April 01, 2014

Announcing a new gift store concept. All Bacon.

Yes, this was our April Fools joke.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Wilbur Jamón
www.urbangeneralstore.com

Chicago Gift Store Succumbs to the Power of Bacon

CHICAGO, April 1, 2014 — ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE, a gift store in Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood known as a "one-stop shop" for gifts for all ages and occasions, is announcing their re-concepting. Effective April 1, ENJOY will become an all-bacon store or ENJOY, AN URBAN BACON STORE (urbanbaconstore.com).
On the hooves of successfully selling bacon-themed novelties since 2005, ENJOY’s owner Rebecca Wood has decided to go whole hog with the concept. "Sure, we can offer our customers a tin of bacon flavored mints from Accoutrements or a pair of socks from Portland-based Gumball Poodle emblazoned with ‘bacon,’ but what if everything in the store was bacon or, even better, if the store actually became bacon?”
ENJOY's brightly blue colored walls will be re-painted a red and white marbled color to resemble bacon, and the floors will be carpeted in a red and white shag to invoke the feeling of walking on meaty strips. ENJOY’s jewelry cases will be converted to meat lockers.
Wood hopes to make the store into a multi-sensory experience. “If it truly is an Urban Bacon Store and you leave without feeling hungry or your cholesterol levels spiking, we've not done our job," she says.
Bacon-scented air fresheners and incense diffusers warming bacon grease will fill the store with a smoky, intoxicating aroma of just-fried bacon. 
Hungry shoppers can pig out on sizzling bacon candy, bacon cotton candy, savory bacon flavored bread sticks and Pig Boogers—a bacon bits flavored treat. To wash down the salty snacks, customers can make their own fizzy Bacon seltzer water.
To make the experience complete, ENJOY’s employees (ENJOYees) will wear life-like pig head masks and greet customers with a cheerful snort. New company uniforms will be accented by bacon candy necklaces and cuff bracelets made out of bacon.
Stephanie Edwards, manager of eCommerce and Social Media, says the new retail concept is in response to the seemingly never-ending allure of the meaty treat. “We were bacon ourselves crazy trying to answer the question… how can we offer customers a more bacon-driven experience? The answer became as clear as rendered fat, we needed to become bacon... be the bacon.”
Because only a fool believes that this new store concept will stay fresh longer than an order of crispy bacon, ENJOY, AN URBAN BACON STORE will re-re-concept as an Urban General Store, featuring 1,000’s of gifts (bacon-themed and not), on April 2, 2014.


###
ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE and Ubangeneralstore.com will be celebrating “One Nation Under Bacon” throughout April, culminating with participation in the 6th annual Baconfest Chicago on Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26. 

Wednesday, February 05, 2014

Pinterest: Shop Local This Valentine's Day

http://ift.tt/1kenfCf


Shop Local This Valentine’s Day or Chicago Might Break Up with You. From the GROUPON GUIDE TO CHICAGO. Featuring the Tunes for Tune Headphone Splitter http://ugs.bz/LReTBY






http://ift.tt/1e4o8EN

Monday, January 27, 2014

ENJOY will be closing at 5pm on Monday, 1/27


Thursday, January 23, 2014

Monday, January 06, 2014

Polar Vortex in Chiberia