Today we’d like to introduce you to Meg Carroll.
Meg, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
The original Bedside Manor Ltd opened in 1985 in Long Grove, Illinois featuring brass beds, Amish quilts, and a collection of European linens and down. In 1988, we made the decision to open a second location in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago. At this same time, my husband Michael joined the company and we became the sole owners of the business. And – 29 years later our Chicago boutique resides in the same location on Halsted Street! Growth came over the following 10-15 years. After phasing out the Long Grove shop we concentrated on the city market until making plans to expand into the suburbs: Winnetka (1995), Hinsdale (2000), and Lake Forest (2001). In addition to our brick-and-mortar stores we also have an online presence. Our daughter came on board in 2016 and is currently spearheading our newest project and will re-launch www.shopbedside.com this summer.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Over the many years we have certainly experienced our share of ups and downs.
Sometimes it has been a personal event that occurred for one of our associates, clients, or vendors. Other times it is something happening – good or bad – in the world news.
We have always tried to be as understanding and empathetic as possible. Working together and in support of one another has always proved to be the best way. A number of years ago our down supplier sustained heavy factory damage from a tornado that almost caused them to close. Late last year one of our furniture vendors had a terrible factory fire. In each instance, orders were quite delayed and there was a lot of smoothing-over that had to take place. In the end, however, our relationship with both companies is stronger because of the fact we hung in there with them and didn’t stop doing business together.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Bedside Manor Ltd carries a timeless selection of linens for the bed and bath from the leading brands in the industry. Our design team works closely with each customer to help create a space that works well for their lifestyle, taste, and budget. We are “Setting the Style for Sleep”.
Contact Info:
- Address: Chicago: 2056 N. Halsted Street
Winnetka: 920 Green Bay Rd.
Lake Forest: 192 E. Westminster Rd .
Hinsdale: 38 S. Garfield Ave. - Website: www.shopbedside.com
- Phone: 800-485-4744
- Email: customerservice@shopbedside.com
- Instagram: @bedsidemanorltd
- Facebook: @shopbedside
- Twitter: @BedsideManor
- Yelp: Bedside Manor
- Other: Pinterest: @Bedsidemanorltd
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