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Splurge offers help to indulge oneself
Rhonda Phillips of Northbrook is the owner of Splurge, a store in the Dunbrook Shopping Center in Northbrook which specializes in home decorations and jewelry. She works with designers in the area to accessorize homes. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media
Quick facts
WHAT: Splurge
WHERE: 2750 Dundee Road, Northbrook
OPEN: Mondays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
CONTACT: Call (847) 498-2750
Article Extras
Updated: September 10, 2012 6:14AM
Splurge — a display of indulgence according to most dictionaries – is a Northbrook business that fits the definition of its name.
The gift shop at 2750 Dundee Road offers a collection of whimsies ranging from beaded jewelry to home accessories for customers wanting to spoil a loved one, or perhaps, themselves.
“I’ve been in retail all my life and felt that the big box stores were not fulfilling the needs of the community. I also thought customer service was lacking,” said Rhonda Phillips, the shop’s owner, who is also a Northbrook resident.
“I’ve also worked in the community for years and years and years, and I knew what people were looking for. So I decided to give it a shot.”
Phillips noted that she has stressed customer service to her five part-time employees since she opened the boutique two years ago.
She also chooses everything offered in the shop herself.
Phillips not only travels to New York, Las Vegas and Atlanta to different shows to find interesting items, but also sells those of local artists.
“Most people come in looking for gift items, but they get so distracted by the beautiful things that they end up getting something for themselves before focusing on the gift they came in for,” Phillips said.
“I also work with a lot of designers in the area as far as home accessorizing. They work with people who are new to the community and are re-decorating, or those who because of the economy are not moving, but are simply refreshing their homes.”
Phillips noted that her approach to business is so personal that many customers stop by just to say hello.
“We love it when people stop in to visit. I know many of my customers so well that I also know their children, grandchildren and parents, Phillips said.
“We have a really friendly, no-pressure environment.”
Most of the merchandise at Splurge, which is in the Dunbrook Shopping Center, ranges from about $15 to $500.
