A Business Plan...depending...

**auld argonian** · 21st October 13, 08:04 AM

Seeing California Highlander's post about his trip to New York, I was reminded of the last time McFarkus and I were sitting at the end of the bar at the Duke Of Perth here in Chicago.

A lage vintage clothing store across the street from The Duke had gone out of business and the lovely double store front had been papered up with FOR LEASE signs in the window for several months.

Quoth I, "There's our chance, Mark...we open up a kilt shop right over there....directly across the street from the Duke Of Perth. It'd be great....not only could we turn Chicago on to a wider view of Traditional Scottish attire and Contemporary Kilts, we could eat lunch over here all the time...and we could just hang a little sign in the door, 'Across The Street In The Bar', and sit over here and enjoy some bevvies anytime we wanted."

And Mark had recently retired so he had the time on his hands...though he DID warn me that I'd have to provide a respectably large salary to engage his services as Head Kilt Wrangler.

Figured we'd do well on wedding rentals, trad kilts and studded leather ones for the North Side kinky crowd. We'd have to find a tailor...and get the inventory together...

....and the one major drawback....

I'd obviously have to win the Power Ball to have deep enough pockets to keep that puppy open....cause Chicago might be a tough nut to crack AND there would be the matter of McFarkus's princely salary...

I've been investing a dollar every week at the Lotto machine...

Best

AA

**creagdhubh** · 21st October 13, 08:30 AM

A grand idea indeed! I have become an "unofficial" (traditional) Highland dress consultant of the very same concept in which you so aptly described. A good friend of mine recently took ownership of a lovely Celtic store in the heart of historic St. Charles, Missouri and has been revamping, renewing, revitalising and refurbishing the business. So, even without a large influx of cash, it is indeed possible!

**madmacs** · 21st October 13, 04:01 PM

Originally Posted by creagdhubh

A good friend of mine recently took ownership of a lovely Celtic store in the heart of historic St. Charles, Missouri and has been revamping, renewing, revitalising and refurbishing the business.

Is it worth visiting? Last time I was in thistle and clover down there I was very disappointed... although that was a good while ago...

**creagdhubh** · 22nd October 13, 05:17 AM

Originally Posted by madmacs

Is it worth visiting? Last time I was in thistle and clover down there I was very disappointed... although that was a good while ago...

Yes, it is worth visiting, but everything is still fairly early just yet. The Thistle and Clover that you once knew is no more. My good friend, James Slack and his lovely bride have taken complete ownership of the business and since then, have hit the ground running. Again, it's still very early, but Jim has already been to several Celtic trade shows across the Midwest, as well as setting up trade accounts with House of Cheviot, Lochcarron, D.C. Dalgliesh, House of Edgar, Marton Mills, Robert Mackie, Art Pewter Scotland, Gaelic Themes, St. Kilda, L&M Highland Outfitters, etc. Jim has gotten rid of all of the kitchy, non-essential rubbish that seemed to have flood the old Thistle and Clover. I spoke with him recently at the St. Louis Scottish Games where we had a lengthy discussion about the current status of the business. Jim firmly stated, "I'm bringing the Celtic back to Thistle and Clover!" I believe he will be having the grand re-opening of the shop in December.

James Slack, my aunt Carolyn, and yours truly at the 2013 St. Louis Scottish Games.

**Jock Scot** · 22nd October 13, 05:48 AM

I can see an opening for cornering the tattersall shirt market Kyle! It seems that they are almost a complete mystery to most of you chaps over there -------------and---------------- we seem to be getting some interest worked up! I wish your friends and anyone else the very best in setting up a new venture in these uncertain times.

**Llama** · 22nd October 13, 06:11 AM

You'll have at least one regular customer in Chicago. Where do I sign up?

**creagdhubh** · 22nd October 13, 10:33 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

I can see an opening for cornering the tattersall shirt market Kyle! It seems that they are almost a complete mystery to most of you chaps over there -------------and---------------- we seem to be getting some interest worked up! I wish your friends and anyone else the very best in setting up a new venture in these uncertain times.

I think you may be on to something there, Jock! Thank you for your well wishes and I will be sure to update the rabble on my friend's progress as he and his wife continue on with their new business venture. Heck, Jim may even wish to become an XMarks Partner and advertise on the forum in the future! I'll be sure to bring that up with him the next time we talk.

Slainte,

**Mikilt** · 22nd October 13, 01:01 PM

Chicago is crying out for a good kilt shop. There is only one and the owner smokes in there so all the kilts smell like cigarettes. They only rent PCs and they only carry ecru hose. Not a good kilt shop, IMHO.

I have occasionally had an If-I-win-the-lottery notion that I might open a kilt shop here in Chicago. Count me in!

**creagdhubh** · 22nd October 13, 01:04 PM

Originally Posted by Mikilt

Chicago is crying out for a good kilt shop. There is only one and the owner smokes in there so all the kilts smell like cigarettes. They only rent PCs and they only carry ecru hose. Not a good kilt shop, IMHO.

I have occasionally had an If-I-win-the-lottery notion that I might open a kilt shop here in Chicago. Count me in!

Honestly, I'm rather surprised that the greater Chicago area doesn't have more kilt shops/Celtic shops that carry Highland dress.

**Llama** · 22nd October 13, 01:09 PM

Originally Posted by creagdhubh

Honestly, I'm rather surprised that the greater Chicago area doesn't have more kilt shops/Celtic shops that carry Highland dress.

I was too when I started shopping for my wedding kilt last year. I didn't even go to the shop that Mikilt mentioned because it's rarely even open, and talking to the owner on the phone made me never want to give him a dime of my business.