A Business Plan...depending...

**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.

**Mikilt** · 22nd October 13, 01:11 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.

There are plenty of little Irish import shops, but they don't carry Highland dress.

**auld argonian** · 22nd October 13, 08:11 PM

No...I really would love to do this....I'd love to hear some of the horror stories that MUST be out there from the kilt rental ("hire" to you-all in the UK) business. I bet there are kilts coming back in that look like they've been used as a prop on one of those Hangover movies and I DO NOT want to be the guy who has to check the sporrans to see if anybody left anything in there....

Best

AA