Creative Floral and Gifts is closing its Chatham Location.

Creative Floral and Gifts is closing their Chatham location. We've talked about them several times on the blog.

Carole and Louis Hobson, the owners of the floral shop at 343 E. 79th St., cited the poor economy as well as higher overhead costs as reasons to close the store this weekend.

Carole also mentioned that Balloons & Stuff (460 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60619; 773-723-4126) will be closing by the end of the year. (Also owned by an older couple).


Creative Floral is a great community business.  They have hired people from the community (such as "Ms. J." who is now at Ruggles school), and given back to the community (hosting events for students at Ruggles, for example, and attending community meetings).

My 6 year old daughter has fallen in love with the place, and is actually mad when she doesn't get a chance to say "hi" to Ms. Hobson.

What wasn't said, but is obvious from Levois' recent posts as well as walking around is the deterioration of 79th, and the loiterers that are along the street that detract from real business.

How do we more effectively help community businesses like Creative Floral? Complaining about what we do NOT want isn't helping businesses we DO want thrive, let alone survive.  Let's spread the word about the businesses that still exist in our community.

Creative Floral will still be in business and serving our community.   Orders can be placed through the website at http://www.creatiefloralandgifts.com/ or you can also call Tollfree: (888)-368-8969

Property for Sale

Here's the listing for 7903 S. Calumet, which is actually the building on the corner of 79th & Calumet.

This is building that houses the oft-mentioned Creative Floral & Gifts.

Here's a real estate website's description:

SIX STORE FRONTS PLUS 16 UNITS (10 STUDIOS, 6- 1 BEDROOM).

STORE FRONTS SEPARATE HEATING INSTALLED 12/08.

WELL MAINTAINED BUILDING.

NEW PORCHES JULY 2009.

NEW WINDOWS.

SELLER SAYS LETS MAKE A DEAL.

I do not believe it is worth the $1.35 million asking price, but i would like to see a good owner take it over. I believe the building next door is for sale as well. Perhaps part can be torn down (but the keep the facade for a lobby), and turned into a parking lot, as there is really no parking for the building.

Perhaps something can be done with the apartments as well...?

Valentine's Special : Creative Floral

Creative Floral & Gifts has a sale this week.

Order by February 11, and get free delivery. Get 10% off if you mention this blog post (mention JP to the owner, Carole) or bring in an ad.

And if you come in and fill out a survey, you get a free pen, and a chance to win something else.

Creative Floral and Gifts' contact info:

343 E 79th ST
Chicago, IL 60619

phone: (773)-846-2929
fax: (773)-846-2934

The business is located in the southeast corner of 79th & Calumet, across the street from Chatham Food Market.

Special events at Creative Floral and Gifts

Creative Floral & Gifts are one of my favorite local businesses. Some day we'll write up a profile of the business

A couple of special events to be aware of:
1. Christmas Wreath Classes: Mondays, 5pm - 6:30pm and Tuesdays, 10am-11:30am
2. "Open House" with refreshments, door prizes, as well as 20% Silk arrangements and Christmas Decorations. Dec. 10th & 11th, 17th & 18th
When you go, tell them that JP sent you. You probably won't get a gift or extra discount or anything, but probably a big smile.

Tangent: They also hosted Ruggles school students in a tree decoration a week or so ago. (Just another example of how local businesses can interact with the community in creative ways)

Creative Floral : Contest ends THIS Saturday

We wanted to let you know that Creative Floral and Gifts is having a contest, that ends this Saturday. You can win a $75 gift basket, and can also pick up a free Football schedule.

Creative Floral and Gifts' contact info:

343 E 79th ST

Chicago, IL 60619

phone: (773)-846-2929

fax: (773)-846-2934

The business is located in the southeast corner of 79th & Calumet, across the street from Chatham Food Market.

If you can't make it during business hours (approximately 9am - 5pm Tuesday - Friday, 9am - ~ 1pm on Saturday), please call Carole Hobson at the above number.

Whether you call or visit, tell her JP sent you. You probably won't receive anything, but we'd all love to know if this blog helps make a positive difference.

We have talked about Creative Floral in this blog entry, as well as others.

p.s. If you know of a business that should be featured here, please let us know. Include links ot any photos. Thanks!

Get Mom flowers at Creative Floral

We've mentioned Creative Floral and Gifts before.

We'd like to encourage you to stop by there today, if you haven't bought the mother in your life some flowers or others gifts for Mother's Day.

Usually they are not open on Sunday -- but they will be today.

Contact info:

Creative Floral and Gifts
343 E 79TH ST
Chicago, IL 60619
phone: (773)-846-2929
fax: (773)-846-2934

I will try to get a photo of my wife with the wonderful creation they did for us.

Support this great local business!

Creative Floral and Gifts is hiring

Creative Floral and Gifts is hiring!

In this recession, it's good to know there is still hope. Now would be an especially exciting time, as Easter, and even more so, weddings and Mother's Day are coming up.

Creative Floral is located at the corner of 79th & Calumet (1 block west of Martin Luther King Drive). (343 E. 79th, to be exact).

I’ve been there several times, and the service has been wonderful. Check our previous entries for more information.

Pictured here is my daughter with the sign.

For more information about the position, please contact them at 773-846-2929