Downtown Homewood Shops Host 'Spring Night Out' March 21

So how has Chicagoland's third coldest winter impacted Homewood's small businesses? 

"Let's just say, I've spent as much money on snowplowing as I have on one month's rent," said Jen Sesto, owner of Art 4 Soul. "Since December 27, it's been unrelenting. "

It's no secret that downtown has had little foot-traffic, with record snowfalls and deadly cold temperatures. And little foot-traffic means businesses struggle to keep their doors open.

"January we were down 46 percent from the previous year; February we were down about 38 percent.  It's all attributed to the weather. Now, snow melting and forecast above freezing means we are ready for our locals again—we missed them," said Sesto.

This Friday, Tom Skilling's 7-Day Forecast shows temperature surging into the upper 50's—and Homewood shopping is officially open for Spring. 

To celebrate, the Downtown Homewood Business Association will host a Spring Night Out this Friday, March 21 from 6 to 9 p.m. 

Participating merchants will host special promotions, feature new designs and patterns, and host wine-tastings throughout the evening. Downtown Homewood: Lights on. Warm breezes. Familiar faces. The businesses you love and would miss if they were gone tomorrow! 

The businesses listed below are participating:  

•          Art 4 Soul on Harwood Avenue and Hickory Road
•          Global Fusion on Ridge Road and Dixie Highway
•          Homewood Florist on Martin Avenue
•          Anjel’s Boutique on Dixie Highway
•          Edward Douglas Salon on Martin Avenue
•          Nathalie’s Interiors on Ridge Road
•          World of Enrichment on Dixie Highway

Are you wondering what to do with the kids? 

World of Enrichment will offer more than babysitting for those three hours while you're out.  They will host one of their Kids Night Out events and the theme is Rainbow Looms. Kids show up with their looms and bands—we know they have 'em—and trade or learn new designs.  

All kids will also enjoy dinner and a movie together.  The cost is  $35 per kid and $32 additional for a sibling. Advanced registration is required.  Call 708-249-4008 or register online@worldofenrichment.com (use discount code "sibling" when registering online).