As you may know and for those of you who don’t, Lincoln Square has some of the best and most unique shops around. Sweet Collective for the sweet tooth is amazing, and for those of you who love unique collectibles, Hanger 18 is a must. But for those of you who love clothing as much as I do will not be disappointed by what Planet Access Company Store has to offer. Not only is there something for everyone, but also all proceeds go towards a good cause, now that sounds like a good bargain! You may be as stumped as I was, but while meeting with Drew I asked him to explain the mission and story of why Plant Access Company Store is so unique compared to other high- end, quality retail stores.
He went on to say that the Company Store was an additional social venture that SEARCH, INC. created. SEARCH, INC. is a non-profit in Chicago for over 40 years that works with adults with developmental disabilities and has other social ventures, Planet Access Company being one, throughout the city. Planet Access Company, a warehouse in Waukegan, IL, offers logistics services to entrepreneurs as well as employment training and job opportunities to people with developmental disabilities. They have established relationships with many well-known brand names in the fashion world, such as: Horny Toad, PACT Apparel, Nau Sustainable Clothing and Kayland.
You may then ask what this has to do with the store itself. Well, Planet Access’ next social venture was to open up a retail shop with these brands (Horny Toad, PACT Apparel, Nau Sustainable Clothing and Kayland) that they have been in close contact with for many years. They chose these particular brands because they represent eco friendly sustainable clothing. In doing this, the customer benefits knowing that all the brands are socially responsible in some way; so not only will the customer feel good about their purchase, but also that all the proceeds go to aid the non-profit work that SEARCH, INC. does.
I personally couldn’t think of a better way to spend my money! After learning about the store, I was interested to learn more about Drew and how he became involved in this great organization. Currently a graduate student at DePaul University to receive his master’s degree in entrepreneurship, he was interested in being in a position where he could run his own business and work with a non-profit. Pointed in the right direction, he was soon in contact with SEARCH INC., and placed on board to help open and manage the first and only Planet Access Company Store.
When asked what his favorite brand of clothing Planet Access Company Store sells, he responded with Nau Sustainable Clothing. He described the brand as sleek, 100% sustainable clothing while still maintaining a high fashion function. The most unique feature about this brand is they design their clothing for cities like Chicago, especially the winter wear. They use a full design team that produces high-quality clothing that gives back to the environment. According to Drew, it goes above and beyond what other brands don’t- sounds like a winning brand to me!
I then asked why Lincoln Square was the best location for this store. Drew said that Lincoln Square is such a community-oriented neighborhood; it is very self-sufficient and the people appreciate local businesses and support local causes. This being true, he also commented on how everyone is so welcoming and the business perspective is very up and coming. He really looks forward to help Lincoln Square continually grow as a community and as a neighborhood in Chicago.
On his free time Drew enjoys biking on the lakefront trail as well as mountain biking. He is also really into music, composing, and musical composition. To get to know him and this amazing store better, stop in! Springtime is approaching and what better way to start off a new season with great looking, long- lasting clothes while giving back to help a great cause!
Posted by Maria Handberg
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