Sep 20, 2009
Businesswoman selling Canterbury ShoppeBy Hilary DecentSuburbanChicagoNews.com

It’s one of the most iconic stores in Naperville — an Aladdin’s cave of unusual gifts, a potpourri of brightly colored, glittering knickknacks set against calming music and the soothing scent of cinnamon.

The Canterbury Shoppe has been loved by residents and visitors alike since it opened almost 13 years ago. It’s the perfect place to find that special gift or a delightful spot to pass the time while waiting for a table at neighboring Egg Harbor.

The owner of the store is Naperville resident Gail Bevin, who moved to the Midwest from the East Coast for grad school and never went back. But sadly, ill health has led to her decision to put it up for sale.

I spoke to Gail perched on a beautiful painted stool in the second of her two shops. She opened it in 2005 following the success of the first one directly in front of it on West Jackson Avenue. It was hard not to be distracted by the beautiful trinkets, all carefully ordered and displayed by the staff members who have been with her since the beginning.

Gail’s success story took a bitter turn when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007.

“I had chemo, but it wasn’t too much trouble,” she said. “The doctors thought I had done great.”

But earlier this year tests showed the cancer had spread to her liver.

“I became exhausted and it was impossible to work on a daily basis,” she said. “But the staff have been great at filling in.”

In May she put the store on the market.

“I’m looking for someone who can add their flavor to the store and keep it going, because it is important for the customers here in Naperville,” she said. “This is a great time to buy, because it would generate most cash flow. This time of year is best for any retailer.”

Gail said she called it the Canterbury Shoppe because it was a traditional name, reflecting the traditional type of goods they sell. Among the most popular items are the sports and school souvenirs, baby goods and a huge selection of Christmas items.

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