Comings & Goings: Hand picked just for Room 363

This eclectic store front hints at what customers can expect inside at Room 363 in Naperville. | Submitted

Updated: October 10, 2012 6:17AM

A fusion of styles and products makes Room 363 a lifestyle store for everyone. It sells everything from furniture and decorative items to clothing and jewelry.

Combining vintage with new and introducing artisan handmade pieces, Mark Norkaitis, owner of Room 363, hand picks every item sold, many of which he revamps and redesigns.

“I use my own painting style,” he adds.

Prices are reasonable considering the amount of individual work and thought that goes into his line of products.

“I want to be reasonable ... I look at it as something I’d like to buy and how much I’d like to spend on it,” says Norkaitis as his business motto.

Customers can stroll in looking for a gift or for that perfect piece of furniture.

Room 363 also offers in-store design consultations.

“Bring in a photo of the room, and we’ll help you pick,” says Norkaitis, as a solution for clients wary of design ideas.

Norkaitis was surprised to find the market here barren of a store like his. Originally from and working in Geneva, Norkaitis saw the market there as saturated and went hunting for new grounds.

“Naperville is perfect. We’ve had a great opening and have been busy since,” he says of the location at 232 S. Washington St., Naperville. “Many of our customers return bringing with them their friends.”

A self-made designer, Mark Norkaitis caught the bug as a teenager. He later designed homes and businesses, and merchandised from a shop in Geneva before deciding to open his own store. As homage to his grandmother who raised him, Norkaitis named the store after the street number they both lived at.

Room 363 already has a growing fan base on Facebook.

“I post items there to sell, and they are gone in no time.”

Norkaitis is working on upgrading from his blog to a website and intends to offer online purchasing in the future.

New owners

In July, Joan Carrigan became the new owner of EmbroidMe, 790 Royal St. George Drive, Naperville, a franchise store specializing in custom embroidery, promotional items and garment printing.

“Discovering EmbroidMe came at a perfect time in my life, because after 15 years at the same company, I was ready to move on and try new things,” she says. “I was ready to be my own boss.”

Naperville’s EmbroidMe focuses on small- and medium-sized businesses, catering to their promotional needs, but would not shy away from bigger business.

Carrigan is pursuing the idea to do promotional work for local clubs and other organizations. “We would love to work with organizations sponsoring events.”

In-store consultancy as well as a traveling sales representative guide the customer through the almost endless variety of marketing apparel. The all-time favorite still remains the polo shirt with corporate logo, although key chains, pencils and coffee mugs take a narrow second place.

EmbroidMe was founded in 2000 and since has grown to hundreds of franchise stores and expanding overseas.

Dessert place

Spoonin Frozen Yogurt has had a great start since it opened its doors two weeks ago.

“We see customers of all ages, moviegoers, families and diners,” says Michael Prince, the owner of this independently owned family business at 28250 Diehl Road, Warrenville.

Prince wants to share his love for frozen yogurt. “Everybody is looking for a treat ... and this is a healthier option,” he says.

Customers serve themselves, choosing from any one of 10 flavors of the week, and topping them with everything from fresh fruits to sprinkles.

With 20 calories and 48 cents to an ounce, this treat is almost guilt free. Ingredients are all-natural and gluten free. An extra $2.50 and customers can slurp their frozen yogurt out of a waffle cone.

“Families love this less expensive alternative. Each customer can choose their desert depending on their needs and wallet,” Prince says.

Spoonin Frozen Yogurt also offers catering and can host birthday parties and larger gatherings. This fun space offers plenty of seating inside and outside.

Know of a business coming to or leaving Naperville?
Contact Daina Saleh at
dainasunbiz@gmail.com

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