HIGHLAND PARK BUSINESSES PARTICIPATE IN SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY 2013, ENCOURAGING CUSTOMERS TO SHOP LOCAL

HIGHLAND PARK, IL
(NOVEMBER 30, 2013) – American Express Small
Business Saturday is this Saturday, November 30th,
2013. The goal is to urge customers to “shop small” by supporting local small
businesses within their community. With the holidays right around the corner, there
is no better time to shop for that rare gift from a local boutique shop. Highland
Park merchants, including Jolie
Maison, Cos
Bar, Posh
Essentials, Beanstalk
Toyland & Bookstore, and Sprout Kids,
are all proud to participate in this year’s Small Business Saturday.

“I have watched the business community of Highland Park
evolve over the years and love that it has always had a focus on one-of-a-kind,
unique shops that are mostly owner operated,” says small business owner, Leslie
Blesius, who opened home décor boutique Jolie Maison twelve years ago.

Cos Bar is a family-owned makeup and skincare boutique new
to Highland Park this year, participating in Small Business Saturday for the
first time. “Cos Bar only has 13 locations throughout the country in small
towns with other like-minded, family-run businesses. We are all about
personalizing the customers’ experience, getting to know them, and catering to
them.” Says Toni Ross, manager of Highland Park Cos Bar.

“Sprout
Kids just began carrying local line, Ditka Kids Gridiron
Clothing,
which also donates a percentage of profits to Misericordia Heart of Mercy,” says Alyson Pedowitz, buyer at Sprout Kids, a
children’s clothing boutique. “We like supporting local companies like this, it’s
generally a higher quality product, and the customer likes knowing exactly
where merchandise comes from.”

Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express
in 2010. The day is dedicated to supporting local businesses that help
neighborhoods prosper. It is celebrated every year on the Saturday after
Thanksgiving, and has given small businesses across the country a big boost.
For more information on Small Business Saturday, visit https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/Shop-Small/.

ABOUT
JOLIE MAISON

Jolie
Maison is a luxurious home decor store located in Highland Park, Illinois that
carries fine home goods, such as furniture, bedding and linens, candles,
pillows and throws, and much more. Customers can enjoy a beautiful and homey
ambiance in this Central Avenue boutique. Jolie Maison is located at 643
Central Avenue in Highland Park, Illinois. They are open from 10am-5pm, Monday
through Saturday. For more information, please call (847) 433-4555, or visit
their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/joliemaison.  

ABOUT SPROUT KIDS

Sprout Kids is located on Highland Park’s main shopping
street at 644 Central Avenue. The store offers urban, trendy clothing for
children, mixed with classic and traditional pieces. Carrying everything from
American Apparel to Joe’s Jeans, Sprout Kids fits the fashion sense of all
kids! They offer not just clothing, but cradles, bassinettes, furniture, and
accessories for newborns and preemies to 8-year-old children. Sprout Kids
prides themselves on fantastic customer service; they also offer hand delivered
gifts, personal shopping experiences, and customized monogramming and
embroidery on all products. For more information, please call 847-780-4827.

ABOUT BEANSTALK TOYLAND &
BOOKSTORE

Beanstalk Toyland & Bookstore is located on Highland
Park’s main shopping street, at 654 Central Avenue. The store offers all the
latest toys, books and accessories loved by newborns through
eight year olds and their parents, selected by a team of full time certified
K-8 teacher ready to answer any questions! Beanstalk Toyland & Bookstore
has the largest selection of newborn essentials including bath, baby care,
strollers, bassinets and car seats.  For
more information, please call 847-432-8300, or visit their website at http://www.beanstalktoys.com and LIKE their Facebook page.

ABOUT
POSH ESSENTIALS

Posh
Essentials is a fine lingerie store located in Highland Park, Illinois that
also carries fine sleepwear, swimwear, accessories, gifts, and much more.
Customers can enjoy a fun, feminine ambiance in this Central Avenue boutique.
Fabrics include smooth silks, fine cashmere, English wools, and Egyptian
cottons. Candles, fragrances, and eye makeup brushes are also available. Posh
is located at 658 Central Avenue in Highland Park, Illinois. For more
information, please call (847) 945-POSH, or visit www.shoppingposh.com. 

ABOUT
COS BAR

Established over 35 years ago in Aspen, Colorado
by owner and president, Lily Garfield, Cos Bar has expanded to thirteen stores
in the most affluent communities in eight different states, including their
newest location in Downtown Highland Park, Illinois. As exclusive retailer of
luxury cosmetics, their product line includes best-in-class skincare, makeup,
fragrances, bath and body products and men’s skincare. They select their
products based on quality and results. Cos Bar prides itself on superior
customer service and care, and the staff is highly trained and knowledgeable
about their entire product line. Highland Park Cos Bar is located at 662
Central Avenue, Highland Park, IL 60035. Store hours will be Monday, Tuesday,
Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10am-6pm, Thursday 10am-7pm, and Sunday
Noon-5pm. For more information, call 847-432-6249, visit www.cosbar.com, or follow them on Facebook or Twitter.