RETAILER OF THE MONTH

Chosen for their inspirational appeal the Retailer of the Month will be sure to have a story that motivates you! Visit us each month for a new retailer’s story.

NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS:
Nominate your inspirational retailer by emailing: shall@mmart.com

Retailer of the Month: November 2008

Name: Ripley Worthy
Company: Homeboy
Location: Chicago, IL
Years in Business: 1
Store Type: Home, Gifts and Local Artisan

Website: www.homeboychicago.com

Ripley Worthy had a dream…as a design student he was surrounded by gorgeous and innovative artisan product that was unaffordable for the average person. So he decided that he would find a “way to bring cool and unique furnishings to the market” priced for the average consumer. Ripley’s thirst for affordably priced artisan product has led him to start his store, Homeboy, which has made a splash in the Chicago art scene, gone green AND led to the creation of an art scholarship for a local high school.

What really sets Homeboy apart is that it’s an extension of the artist community, the store has become very popular with local artisans because everything is done locally, and mostly handmade. Artisans hear through word of mouth about the store and drop in to share their product. Happily buying local product this way, and through local vendors at The Merchandise Mart, has green environmental consequences.

Ripley explains that “one of the easiest ways you can be more 'green' is to buy local products, because you minimize the amount of energy required to ship product across the country or even the world.” This was the original reason Ripley decided to represent local artists. “The Chicago artist community is thriving and there are so many clever and unique people who create all kinds of things for the home.” Another bonus: “because everything is made locally, we don't have to charge extra for shipping costs or keep a lot of overhead.” 

So what to do with all this saved money? Give back of course! Just down the block from Homeboy is a magnet school called Nettelhorst which focuses on performing and creative arts. “After meeting some of the parents and students we have started donating to the school.” Each month Homeboy chooses an artist of the month and shares some of the profits from the sale of that artists products with Nettelhorst school. The school in turn lets students and their parents know about the artist through their school newsletter. “Our entire business model is based on Chicago's creative arts community, so we are extremely fortunate to be in a position to encourage Chicago children to grow their creativity and interest in the arts.”

With that passion for the building a better community, a better environment and a better store Riply Worthy has hit on success with Homeboy.