WINNETKA – The past few years have been tough for small businesses. Empty storefronts plague the once bustling business districts while the village contemplates a multi-story retail/apartment development. But amidst this climate, The Bellows Shoppe has continued to thrive for nearly 100 years.
Why do some businesses flourish when many others fail? What’s the secret to success?
Owner Steven Schmid claims his ability to adapt is what keeps The Bellows Shoppe on top of its game. “We change with the times,” he said simply.
And the store has certainly evolved. Started in Winnetka in the 1920s, it was originally a small fix-it shop. Schmid’s father purchased the business in 1987 and transformed it into a one-stop-shop for all metal and lighting restoration needs. Schmid learned the trade from his father, who was a self-taught silversmith, and his grandfather, who was a trained electrician. “I’ve worked with my dad all my life,” he said.
The youngest of three boys, Schmid was the only son who wanted to take over the business. Both of his older brothers went into finance instead. “I never liked wearing a suit,” he said. Schmid took over the business in about 1997 and enjoys working with his hands.
The small storefront is brimming with an eclectic assortment of antique chandeliers, lamps, light fixtures, hardware and fireplace equipment. Schmid is always searching for unique items to restore and sell in the shop, pointing out a light fixture that was in a fire which he plans to restore to its original nickel finish.
A workshop is situated in the back of the shop where employees polish, repair and weld items. Schmid also owns a company in Chicago where all of the plating is done. In an age when so many things are treated as disposable, Schmid help his clients restore items to their former glory. For example, if customers want to update the look of doorknobs throughout their homes, The Bellows Shoppe will refinish the knobs instead of replacing them.
“Everybody has a different idea of what they want their hardware to look like,” Schmid said.
Frequently, customers ask him to refinish hardware so that the finishes match. Schmid pointed out a brass faucet that he re-plated to match the client’s original faucet. The impeccable finish made it impossible to tell which faucet was original.
While most of his customers are based in the greater Chicago area, Schmid also has customers from all over the country. One client traveled from Iowa with an antique French stove that Schmid restored. He has also restored car parts, large bells and old radiators.
The Bellows Shoppe niche appears to be customer service above anything else. When Schmid realized that no other businesses in the area restored cast iron radiators he decided to offer the service. He finds that Chicagoland home owners appreciate that he’ll pick up radiators, sandblast off old paint and refinish them.
“You try to find your niche and you go with it,” he said.
The Bellows Shoppe is located at 1048 Gage Street, Winnetka. For more information check out www.chicagolightingantiques.com.