Char Crews Sells Gifts That Last a Lifetime—and Then Some

While serving an obvious purpose at the dinner table, the fine china and silver many families treasure play a role beyond being a vessel for food and drink.

As a generation ages, they hand down plenty to the one below it—wisdom, stories, love, tradition—and the place-settings found at many tables represent the tangible incarnation of those gifts.

As the holiday season approaches and the flatware is polished, the china unwrapped and the Christmas Waterford dusted off, we are almost forced to remember those who came before and smile.

At in Hinsdale, owner Richard Crews and his staff want to help residents bring these ever lasting gifts in their homes.

“The fact is these are really nice items that will likely increase in value and can be passed on from generation to generation,” Crews said from behind his desk in the back office at Char Crews.

Crews' mother, Charlotte, opened the store in 1976, lending the establishment its unique name and a commitment to customer service that her son has carried on today.

“We treat all of customers the best we can, but it's really a no brainer," Crews said. "Who the heck wants to go into a store where the staff acts bothered that you're there?”

The owner said that while some traditions have changed and the economy has affected the store negatively the way it would any high-end retailer, business is good overall.

Crews said times might seem tough, but business owners need to stay positive.

“I'm just an optimistic guy—it's just how I'm wired I guess—but I really do think things will get better,” he said.

The successful sales at his business have been due, in part, to a move to the Internet, where Char Crews now sells nationwide. Crews said they are one of the largest sellers of holiday china in the country.

But the continued success is also due in no small part to the customer loyalty Char Crews has worked hard to earn.

“We've been open long enough now where we have women registering here that are the daughters of brides who did the same,” Crews said.

Char Crews sells too many brands to name, but carries all of the high-end producers of china, silver and flatware, in both traditional and modern styles. They also have a very wide selection of Waterford Crystal, which makes the shop a must-stop for collectors or those looking for a special gift.

While the flatware and china are most popular for bridal registries, many standalone silver and crystal pieces can be found, in addition to a very wide variety of holiday items.

The store also does repairs on china and crystal through Mary Lou's Crystal and China Repair.

Crews said he is very happy to have the shop in Hinsdale, which serves as the headquarters. (There is also a location in Wilmette.)

“[The village] has always been receptive to our needs and I think they genuinely want to see businesses in the area do well and succeed,” Crews said.

With 35 years in Hinsdale, Char Crews knows a thing about standing the test of time, the same test the store's china and silver passes each time it is brought out of the cupboard. The place-settings hold not only this year's Thanksgiving's meal, but capture a family's conversation and tradition for generations to come.