Community over Convenience
Hello, there. This is a project by Helen Karakoudas Redfern. I’m a journalist in Rockford, Illinois. The day before Thanksgiving 2025, an article I wrote for Rock River Current started to catch people’s attention. It was a story on how critical shopping small and local is for a community's health. One bit of math that I included kept being shared:
“If every employed person in the city moved just one $40 gift from Amazon to a small local business this holiday season, the shift would bring nearly $2.5 million into the local economy.”
Mayor McNamara amplified the message. The mayor proclaimed December 2025 Shop Local month in Rockford. Leading up to Christmas, organizations and individuals around town robustly joined the chorus.
That was a promising moment for our community.
But it can’t be a once-a-year thing.
I am here, independently, with this Shop Local, Rockford! project, mustering the research and reporting skills I have, to inform you of ways (many of them small ways) to hold onto that mindset throughout the year.
Because while we can’t do anything about the growing number of big retailers announcing shutdowns across the country — five major chains so far this year, totally over 300 stores nationwide — we here can show up for our neighbors, and buy thoughtfully for our benefit and theirs, so that small businesses in our city do not go on life support.
Having managed a group of community newspapers during the Great Recession, I know goodwill to keep brick-and-mortar businesses standing needs specifics and inspiration.
As my work schedule permits, I can deliver both.
So send me tips. For upcoming gift-giving occasions. For everyday errands.
I know you can help spread the word. And small actions do add up.
Together, we can have an impact!
For Mother’s Day gifts, let’s Shop Local, Rockford!
Saw the video of the big leather duffel bag with Mother’s Day gift ideas, and want to know more? Find details below.
Missed it?
Enjoy the next 90 seconds HERE and then check out this list.
HAIR BROOCHES
💵📍$2.09 each at Styles by Candace
Location: Downtown, across from the former Lafayette Hotel
Address: 205 N. Church St., Rockford
Hours: Mon-Sat 10-3
TRUCKER CAP AND SOCKS
💵📍$38 for the cap; $48 for the socks at B Jones
Location: Edgebrook shopping village, less than 2 miles from Anderson Japanese Gardens
Address: 1655 N Alpine Rd, Rockford
Hours: Mon-Fri 10-6 | Saturday 10-4
Phone: (815) 397-8135
Social media: @bjonesrockford on Instagram; B jones on Facebook
Website: https://bjonesfashion.com/
FASCINATORS
💵📍$6-$28 at Bonnie’s Boutique; the fascinator shown is $12
Location: On the Miracle Mile, in the strip center at the back of the parking lot near Don Carter Lanes. This shop is in the same strip as Drewelow’s House of Books and Robin’s Nest.
Address: 3921 E. State, Rockford
Hours: Tues-Fri 11-5; Sat 10-5
Phone: (815) 218-1847
Social media: @bonniesboutique_/ on Instagram; Bonnie’s Boutique on Facebook
APRON
💵📍 $40 at Cleta’s Stay and Sew
Location: Just south of downtown
Address: 1029 S. Main St., Rockford
Hours: Mon-Wed, Fri, Sat 11-3:30 | Thurs 12-5
Social media: Cleta’s Stay and Sew on Facebook
What else to know: These one-of-a-kind aprons are sewn in Rockford by Juanita, Cleta’s sister. They are tailored from a high-quality cotton fabric and expertly detailed.
OPAL TENNIS BRACELET
💵📍$150 at Rooted
Location: North End, next to The Norwegian
Address: 1408 N. Main St., Rockford
Hours: Wed 10-2 | Thurs & Fri 10-6 | Sat & Sun 9-3
Phone: (815) 494-3649
Website: https://www.rootedrkfd.com/
Social media:@rooted_rkfd on Instagram; Rooted on Facebook
LIMITED-EDITION NECKLACE
💵📍$426 at Eurostyle+
This necklace is in a collection of jewelry handmade by an Israeli artist of Afghani descent who uses Swarovski crystals, glass beads, and stones and fabric that she sources from around the world.
Location: Edgebrook shopping village, less than 2 miles from Anderson Japanese Gardens
Address: 1639 N. Alpine Rd., Rockford
Hours: Tues-Fri 10-5; 10-4 Sat
Phone: (815) 222-7384
Social media: @eurostyleplus on Instagram; Eurostyle+ on Facebook
What else to know: This shop for women’s clothing and accessories is in the same shopping complex as B Jones and Quaint.
HAND-BLOWN GLASS HEART
💵📍 $78-$110 at J.R. Kortman Center for Design; the one featured is $110
By a Vermont artist renowned for one-of-a-kind, hand-blown glass sculptures.
Location: Downtown Rockford, across the street from 27 Aluna
Address: 107 N. Main St., Rockford
Hours: Tues-Fri 11-6 | Sat 11-5
Phone: (815) 968-0123
Social media: @jrkortman on Instagram; J.R. Kortman on Facebook
GREETING CARDS
💵📍 $6 each at Rooted
Location and other details: See above under BRACELET.
💵📍$6 at Rockford Art Deli
Location: Downtown Rockford, on the same block as Maze Books, Woodfire and Wired Cafe
Address: 402 E. State St., Rockford
Phone: (312) 725-4723
Hours: 10-7 Thurs-Sat | 11-5 Sunday | 10-6 Mon-Wed
Social media: @rockfordartdeli on Instagram; Rockford Art Deli on Facebook
CARDS aND WRAPPING SUPPLIES
💵📍 Dragonfly & Co.
Location: Highcrest Centre
Address: 1644 N. Alpine Rd., Rockford
Hours: Tues-Fri 10-5:30 | Sat 10-4
Phone: (779) 500-9136
Website: https://www.dragonflyandcompany.store/
Social media: @dragonflyandcompany on Instagram; Dragonfly & Company on Facebook
SUGAR HEARTS
💵📍 99 cents each at Dragonfly & Co.
Note: This is a shop where a little human can have a grown-up shopping experience without breaking their piggy bank.
CANDIED PECANS
💵📍half a pound for $12 at Quaint
These candied treats, also available by the pound for $19, are made locally by The Nutty Nurse.
Location: Edgebrook shopping village, less than 2 miles from Anderson Japanese Gardens
Address: 1631 N. Alpine Rd., Rockford
Hours: Tues-Fri 10-6 | Sat 10-4
Phone: (815) 977-5087
Social media: @quaint.shop815 on Instagram; quaint. shop on Facebook
CHOCOLATE BITES
💵📍 $14 at Possessions
These are purse-size versions of Cacao Cuvée chocolate, one of two brands from Rockford-based The Chocolatorium. The other is Dark Secret Chocolate. Each of these local brands has made Oprah’s Favorite Things list: the first in 2012, and then again in 2017. Possessions carries all flavors of these minis.
Location: Highcrest Centre
Address: 1660 N. Alpine Rd., Rockford
Hours: Tues-Fri 10-5 | Sat 10-2 | and by appointment
Phone: (815) 399-9190
Social media: @possessions.resale on Instagram; Possession’s Resale and Consignment on Facebook
What else to know: Possessions is an upscale resale and consignment shop that specializes in estate sales.
PHOTO FRAMES
💵📍 $22 for the striped 5x7 frame at Porch
Location: NE Rockford, near Woodman’s, in the same strip center as Poke Green and Panchero’s
Address: 3065 N. Perryville Rd. #101, Rockford
Hours: Mon-Thurs 9-6 | Fri 9-5 | Sat 9-4
Phone: (815) 282-8881
Social media: @porchboutique.815 on Instagram; Porch Boutique on Facebook
💵📍 $24 for the 4x4 round scalloped resin frame at Proper
Location: In the strip center a quarter mile east of Hard Rock Casino, across from AMC Rockford 16
Address: 109 N. Show Place Dr., Suite 125, Rockford
Hours: Mon-Thurs 10-6 | Fri, Sat 10-4
Phone: (815) 601-9493
Social media: @proper.on.state on Instagram; Proper on State on Facebook
SHOWER STEAMERS
💵📍 $32.50 for the Hot Mama steamer at Porch (the larger of the three shown)
Location and other details: See above under PHOTO FRAMES.
💵📍$11 each for the Best Mom Ever steamers at Rooted (smaller of the three shown)
Location and other details: See above under BRACELET.
LOOFAH SOAP
💵📍 $8 at One Love Candle & Bath
Handmade in small batches by the shop owner herself, who uses all natural ingredients.
Location: Perryville Square center in NE Rockford, just south of Riverside; between Meg’s Daily Grind and Crave
Address: 3863 N. Perryville Rd., Rockford
Phone: (779) 774-4200
Hours: 10-6 Mon-Fri; 10-4 Sat; 10-2 Sun
Social media: @onelovecandlebath on Instagram; One Love Candle & Bath on Facebook
- What else to know: This soap is one of dozens of all-natural pampering products the owner and her husband make. Read more about them in the Valentine’s Day gift guide I had compiled for Rock River Current in 2024.
MATCHING SOCKS fOR PETS AND THEIR PEOPLE
These will fit small-breed dogs and cats, and their humans.
💵📍$14 at One Love Candle & Bath
Location and details: See above under LOOFAH SOAP.
BLANKETS FOR GRAMS
💵📍$50 at Porch
Grandma (shown); also available: Nana and Gigi
Location and other details: See above under PHOTO FRAMES.
STAR PROP
💵📍 $488 leather duffel bag at Rooted
Location and other details: See above under BRACELET.
FIT CHECK
Evil eye shirt
💵📍$78 at Eurostyle+
Location and other details: See above under NECKLACE.
Sunglasses
💵📍$85 at Rooted
Location and other details: See above under BRACELET.
Trucker cap
💵📍$38 at B Jones, as noted above.
Brooch
💵📍from an $8-14 collection at Dragonfly & Co.
Location and other details: See above under CARDS and WRAPPING SUPPLIES.
Earrings
💵📍M’s Gems
At this resale shop — where the sign also says Formal Wear to Fishing Gear — you’ll find two rooms of costume and vintage jewelry, starting at $3.
Location: Miracle Mile
Address: 4626 E. State, Rockford
Hours: Mon 11-5 | Tues-Fri 11-5:30 | Sat 12-5:30
Phone: (847) 404-3877
Website: https://msresale.com/
Social media: @msgemsresale on Instagram; M’s Gems Resale Boutique on Facebook
Bangle bracelet
💵📍$1 at The Scrap Jar
This creative reuse center for craft and art supplies has a corner with old and vintage jewelry.
Location: Downtown
Address: 324 E State St., Rockford
Hours: Check social media or text the number below.
Phone: (815) 527-6864
Social media: @thescrapjar on Instagram; The Scrap Jar on Facebook
Website: https://www.thescrapjar.com/
Top layered under the shirt
🪦Minglewood Boutique
There’s no pin dot for the lace-trimmed, dusty-pink top layered under the evil-eye shirt. This top was bought at Minglewood, a longtime Rockford boutique known for its handmade soaps and boho-chic/fair-trade clothing. Minglewood, a downtown staple, moved out of downtown in the fall of 2022 to a building on Broadway, where hours were dialed down to Saturdays alone. The shop closed in the fall of 2024.
When we don’t regularly shop local, we risk losing the small businesses that define our city.
For Valentine gifts, let’s Shop Local, Rockford!
Saw the video of the big handbag with Valentine gift ideas, and want to know more? Find details below, plus related shopping tips.
What? You missed it?
Enjoy the next 90 seconds HERE and then see below.
GREETING CARDS
The cards shown ranged in price from $3.25 to $6.
Community AND Convenience tip: Every one of the three stores featured for cards — Rooted, Rockford Art Deli, and J.R. Kortman Center for Design — has a selection of gift options in a range of prices. If you’re pressed for time, each could be a one-stop shop.
💵📍Rooted
Location: North End, next to The Norwegian
Address: 1408 N. Main St., Rockford
Hours: Wed 10-2 | Thurs & Fri 10-6 | Sat & Sun 9-3
Phone: (815) 494-3649
Social media: @rooted_rkfd on Instagram; Rooted on Facebook
Check out more of Rooted’s Valentine collection HERE
What else to know:
- E-gift cards, starting at $10, are available HERE
- There’s an in-house flower shop – Picked by Rooted
- Rooted is co-hosting Galentine’s Weekend on the North End: 11-3 on Saturday, Feb. 7 and 9-12 on Sunday, Feb. 8
💵📍 Rockford Art Deli (RAD)
Location: Downtown Rockford, on the same block as Maze Books, Woodfire and Wired Cafe
Address: 402 E. State St., Rockford
Phone: (312) 725-4723
Hours: 10-7 Thurs-Sat | 11-5 Sunday | 10-6 Mon-Wed
Social media: @rockfordartdeli on Instagram; Rockford Art Deli on Facebook
Check out more of RAD’s Valentine collection HERE
What else to know:
- There’s a friendly shop dog: Pepper
- You can also get coffee here: RAD Coffee Club
- From 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, RAD is hosting Men of Rockford – V-Day Night, a two-hour $75 event for guys who need last-minute help getting themselves and a gift prepped for the big day
💵📍 J.R. Kortman Center for Design
Location: Downtown Rockford, across the street from 27 Aluna
Address: 107 N. Main St., Rockford
Hours: Tues-Fri 11-6 | Sat 11-5
Social media: @jrkortman on Instagram; J.R. Kortman on Facebook
What else to know: The card in the video – which shows Symbol, Rockford’s iconic piece of public art – is one in a new series of Valentine’s Day cards designed by shop co-owner Doc Slafkosky. Each card is $3.25.
CANDY
💵📍 Guanajuato Market
Chocolate-covered mazapán: $5.49 for a 16-piece box
Also available: Mazapán singles without chocolate — 25 cents apiece
Location: Southwest side of Rockford, less than a mile north of Klehm Arboretum
Address: 519 Marchesano Dr., Rockford
Hours: 7:30-7:30 Mon-Sat | 8-8 Sun
What else to know: Mazapán isn’t marzipan. Mazapán is a melt-in-your-mouth, crumbly treat. It’s not pasty nor uncomfortably sweet. That’s because this Mexican cousin to the better-known European confection is made of ground peanuts gently combined with powdered sugar. It’s not the sugar-saturated almond paste that it sounds like. Covered in chocolate, it’s something perfectly special.
💵📍 The Little Chocolatier for housemade truffles
Price of the shirt box shown: $30 for 1 pound
Other heart-shaped boxes available: $17 for half a pound; $11 and $12 for a quarter pound
Location: Southeast Rockford, next to Wammy’s Kitchen in the strip center behind Banana Cherry Bakery. This is on the east side of the five-points intersection, in the center that once was the Colonial Village Mall.
Address: 1262 S. Alpine Rd., Rockford
Hours: 10-5 Tues-Fri | 10-3 Sat
Phone: (815) 395-1114
Social media: The Little Chocolatier on Facebook
What else to know: Little is the last name of the owner, Dennis, who has been making and selling chocolate and other sweets in Rockford, at the same location, for 25 years.
Making CHOCOLATE-COVERED STRAWBERRIES for big gift-giving occasions is one of Dennis Little’s traditions. You can call him – or stop by and visit – by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10 to place an order that you can pick up from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14:
- $17 for half a dozen chocolate-covered strawberries; $30 for a dozen.
- You can choose milk or white chocolate, and whether you want drizzle.
💵📍 Artale & Co. for Cacao Cuvée artisan chocolate
Price for the box shown: $39 for 16 pieces
Also available: A 4-piece box for $10
Location: A strip center on the NW corner of Perryville and Spring Creek, near Salt and next to The Raven
Address: 6876 Spring Creek Rd. #128, Rockford
Hours: 11-6 Sun, Mon | 10-8 Tues-Sat
Phone: (815) 877-9463
Social media:@artalewine on Instagram; Artale Wine Co. on Facebook
What else to know: Cacao Cuvée is one of two brands from Rockford-based The Chocolatorium. The other is Dark Secret Chocolate. Each of these local brands has made Oprah’s Favorite Things list; the first in 2012, the second (gift box shown in the video) in 2017. Options from both brands are available at Artale – a shop open every day of the week.
💵📍 Artale & Co. for a fine wine with a heart on the cork
Price: $25
Description: Sangiovese, a dry red from California’s Central Coast
Location and other details: See above
cOZY VIBES
💵📍 Rockford Art Deli for the Midwest Is for Lovers blanket
Price: $45
What else to know:
- The blanket comes in a second color (carbon). The red we show is called pomegranate.
- You can also buy it online and have it shipped: Midwest Is for Lovers Blanket – Rockford Art Deli
Location and other details: See above under CARDS.
💵📍 Culture Shock for mood music
Price: $15
Description: The vintage vinyl shown is one of several Barry White albums in stock.
Location: On the Charles Street corridor, southeast of downtown; midway between Sam’s Pizza and Stockholm Inn
Address: 2239 Charles St., Rockford
Phone: (815) 229-2997
Hours: 11-6 Tues-Sat
Social media: @cultureshock_ on Instagram; Culture Shock Shop on Facebook
💵📍 One Love Candle & Bath for body butter
Price: $21
Description: Handmade in small batches by the shop owner herself, who starts with unrefined shea butter from fair trade women's co-ops in North and West Africa. Of the 10 scent profiles available for the resulting whipped product, we chose Man… You Smell Good! – bergamot, basil leaf, oakmoss and white patchouli.
Location: Perryville Square center in northeast Rockford, just south of Riverside; between Meg’s Daily Grind and Crave
Address: 3863 N. Perryville Rd., Rockford
Phone: (779) 774-4200
Hours: 10-6 Mon-Fri; 10-4 Sat; 10-2 Sun
Social media: @onelovecandlebath on Instagram; One Love Candle & Bath on Facebook
What else to know:
- The body butter is one of dozens all-natural pampering products the owner and her husband make. Read more about them in the Valentine’s Day gift guide I compiled for Rock River Current in 2024.
- This business is another that can be a one-stop shop for Valentine’s Day gifts.
- If you’re looking for a Shop Local button, you can get one here: $1.50 each.
💵📍Secrets for lube
Price: $33
Description: Specialty packaging of a premium, high-grade, name-brand product
Location: A set-back shopping center off East State on the Valli Produce side of Mulford; in the strip behind Culver’s and Arby’s.
Address: 280 N. Phelps Ave., Rockford
Hours: 10-midnight Mon, Fri, Sat; 10-9 Tues-Thurs; 11-9 Sun
Phone: (815) 399-8500
Social media: @secrets_of_rockford on Instagram; Secrets of Rockford on Facebook
💵📍 Secrets for the red lace teddy
Price: $40
Description: The red-lace teddy shown is part of an ensemble that includes a red sheer cover-up and red fishnet stockings.
Location and other details: See above.
ONE-OF-A-kIND HEART NECKLACES
💵📍 J.R. Kortman Center for Design | Betsy Youngquist necklaces
Price:The two larger pendants (blue and red backgrounds, respectively) are $250 each; the smaller pendant (white background) is $240.
Description: Betsy Youngquist is a sculptural mosaic artist from Rockford known for her beadwork when crafting jewelry; eye motifs are a signature.
Location and other details: See above under CARDS.
💵📍 Proper for the hand-forged Brass/Sterling necklace
Price: $560
Description: Vintage brass and sterling, this reversible necklace is hand-forged by C.E. Golden, a metalsmith born and raised in Rockford. A Boylan graduate who now lives and works in Massachusetts, C.E. also graduated from the Art Institute of Boston. Proper is one of few U.S. shops to showcase her work.
Location: Far-east side, past Hard Rock Casino Rockford and across from AMC Rockford 16
Address: 109 N. Show Place Dr., Suite 125, Rockford
Phone: (815) 601-9493
Hours: 10-6 Mon-Fri; 10-4 Sat
Social media: @proper.on.state on Instagram; Proper on State on Facebook
What else to know:
- The artist’s mother is on staff at the shop. You can find her proudly wearing some of C.E.’s pieces.
FOR YOUR PUPS
💵📍 Wayne’s Feed Store for dog bones
Price: You can find bones of various sizes. We bought the largest — $20.
Location: West side: a mile and a half west of the Main/Auburn roundabout; quarter mile east of Taqueria La Katrina
Address: 3435 Auburn St., Rockford
Phone: (815) 963-7678
Hours: 8-5 Mon-Fri; 8-2 Sat.
Social media: Wayne’s Feed Store on Facebook
One-stop Shopping for pups
💵📍Bark on Mulford
A destination for pampering dogs and the humans who love them, Bark on Mulford isn't shown in this video, but for an idea of the range of goods typically carried there, see #27 in Rock River Current's 2023 Holiday Gift Guide, #12 in Rockford River Current's 2024 Valentine Gift Guide and #4 in Rock River Current's 2024 Stocking Stuffer Guide.
Location: In SE Rockford, a mile northeast of the new Syrian restaurant, Yasmeen Al Sham.
Address: 2002 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford
Phone: 815–558-2275
Hours: Tues-Fri 10-5; Sat 10-3
Social media: @bark_on_mulford on Instagram; Bark on Mulford on Facebook
FIT CHECK
💵📍 Eurostyle+ for the handbag starring in the video
Price: $90
Description: Tightly woven raffia, lined with cotton twill.
Location: Edgebrook shopping village, less than 2 miles from Anderson Japanese Gardens
Address: 1639 N. Alpine Rd., Rockford
Phone: (815) 222-7384
Hours: Mon-Fri 10-6; 10-4 Sat
Social media: @eurostyleplus on Instagram;Eurostyle+ on Facebook
What else to know: This shop for women’s clothing and accessories is in the same shopping complex as two other women’s boutiques: B Jones and Roxy Carmichael.
4-8 on Saturday, Feb. 7, Roxy Carmichael Boutique, 1617A N. Alpine, is hosting Galentine's Night, which will also feature items from Eurostyle+.
💵📍 Rockford Art Deli for the LOVE trucker cap
Price: $30
Location and other details: See above under CARDS.
Shop Local extra: You can also buy this from Art Deli’s website and have it ready for pickup or shipped. Click HERE to shop online and still support local.
💵📍 Rooted for the earrings
Price: $28
Description: 18-karat gold heart drops with flowers
Location and other details: See above under CARDS
Shop Local extra: You can also buy these from Rooted’s website and have them ready for store pickup or shipped. Click HERE to shop online and still support local.
💵📍 Winnie Nutter for the gray turtleneck
Price:$16(for reference; a vintage item – same not available)
Description:All wool, from the original quality of United Colors of Benetton
Location: North End – next to Rooted, two doors down from The Norwegian
Address: 1410 N. Main St., Rockford
Hours: Fri 10-6; Sat & Sun 10-3
Social media: @winnienutter on Instagram; Winnie Nutter on Facebook
What else to know:
- Winnie Nutter is co-hosting Galentine’s Weekend on the North End: 11-3 on Saturday, Feb. 7 and 9-12 on Sunday, Feb. 8
💵 Glissknits for a local take on an Italian fashion-house brooch
Description: An Italian fashion house is selling a safety-pin brooch with a row of needlework and a charm for $775. A local maker is recreating it with a higher grade of yarn.
Price: $10 at a vendor booth at Snømarket, the annual holiday festival at The Norwegian
Maker: Lois Schlueter, a Rockfordian who is a regular at local markets; follow Lois to see where she will be next.
Social media: @glissknits on Instagram
😔There’s no pin dot for the ROCKFORD crewneck.
Division & Co., the store where the heirloom crewneck was bought, is no longer in business. The downtown Rockford shop had opened in July 2019 in the location where Smiley's Vintage Supply is now. They sold high quality men’s and women’s apparel along with equally high-quality goods made in the on-premises specialty sewing shop. They rebranded to Thirdmark Supply House during the pandemic and by early 2022 closed.
The first five years are especially critical to a small business.
Shop Local, too, for professional services
The Shop Local, Rockford! logo is by Alison Weust.
Videography is by Engine Studio.