Clearbrook to Close Arlington Heights Resale Shop

Clearbrook’s Practically Perfect Resale Shop will close its doors next month after more than 25 years in business in Arlington Heights.

Due to an increase in competition from a growing number of resale stores in the area and a change in programming, Clearbrook decided to shut down its resale shop. Located at
 1815 W. Central Road, the Practically Perfect Resale Shop, will close Monday, Jan. 21.

“It’s a series of reasons but it was largely a financial decision,” said Gloria Drake, vice president of communications and event planning for Clearbrook in Arlington Heights.

A bittersweet decision, Drake said Clearbrook officials discussed the shop’s fate for more than a year. “Sales dropped, expenses are up,” Drake said, “It’s now time to close the shop.”

The store, which employs six of Clearbook’s clients, will be turned into a facility for one of the organization’s child programs.

“Some of our clients work there,” Drake said, “That’s what made this such a tough decisions but we’re going to help them find new employment.”

In the past, profits from Practically Perfect helped fund programs at Clearbrook. “It was a revenue producing store for us at one time and we used the funds when needed,” Drake said, "But that's no longer the case." 

Practically Perfect will be accepting donations until Dec. 29. Everything at the resale shop will be 50-percent off from Jan 2. until the store closes down for good Jan 21. 

“It was just not producing what we’d like it to and we found a need for that space,” said Drake. A therapy program for children from birth to 5 years of age will move into the resale shop building at 1815 W. Central Road. 

The child therapy program will be moved from a space at the Rolling Meadows Park District Clearbrook currently rents, saving the organization money by eliminating that rental payment.

According to Drake, the organization's Child program should be moved into the facility and up and running by late spring or early summer. 

“Our main focus are our programs and services for people with disabilities,” Drake said, "That's what we're about."

According to the organization’s website, Clearbrook is the largest provider in the state of Illinois of services, programs and support for children and adults with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other intellectual/developmental disabilities. 

The Practically Perfect Resale Shop is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5p.m.
 Saturdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 and Sundays 12 p.m. until 5 p.m.

Please note the store is closed December 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 and January 1. Clearbrook's resale shop will permanently close Monday, Jan. 21.