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A Campustown merch shop that had previously served mostly as a pick-up site for campus orders has been revamped as a place where customers can pick out University of Illinois merchandise and see it get made before their very eyes — and, in some cases, get it signed by their favorite student athletes.
The Lab by Campus Ink held a grand reopening on Nov. 3 to celebrate the changes, with Illini guard/forward Ty Rodgers there to sign merchandise and meet with fans.
The shop at at 502 E. John St. in Champaign still offers pick-up services, but now it’s also an outlet to purchase Name, Image and Likeness apparel, said Campus Ink co-owner Steven Farag.
“You can buy NIL apparel online at the Illinois NIL store, but now you can actually go in and pick out any of your products, and you can actually make them right there with our staff,” he said. “So you’ll pick up your design on the front and pick what player you want, and we’ll actually make it for you there.”
The same service is offered at Gameday Spirit and several other schools Campus Ink works with, but this is the first time it’s been offered at the UI shop.
For the past few years, Farag and Lindsay Quick, product and inside sales specialist for all of Campus Ink’s licensed apparel, had been in talks about how to turn the shop into more than just a pick-up site.
“This was the year that we finally decided, ‘Let’s kick it up a notch and really be committed to making it into something that we’re proud of,'” said Quick, who was heavily involved with the project.
“When you get to see a shirt being made, it’s kind of fun, and we figured we’d share that with our community,” Farag said.
While Campus Ink works with over 50 universities on its NIL Store platform, The Lab sells UI merch only, Quick noted.
“It’s something that we’ve been talking about for so long that to actually see it fully-functioning and up and running is just really exciting,” she said. “And I think it gives us a great opportunity to, like I said, kind of connect our customers with student athletes.”
Quick said they plan to host special events akin to Rodgers’ recent visit every few weeks and hope to feature not just men’s basketball players but also athletes from the women’s team and other sports as well.
The Lab’s typical hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Hours may be extended for signing events, which will be promoted on social media.
Additionally, Campus Ink has entered into a special collaboration with the Orange Krush for home game giveaways to students, Quick said.
Culvers coming to Mahomet in early 2025
Franchise owner Gary Satterlee estimated that the new Culver’s being built near the corner of South Prairie View Road and U.S. 150 could open sometime in January or February 2025.
However, he added that there are several factors that could impact the construction timeline for the restaurant at 2006 Patton Drive in Mahomet, including the winter weather. He expects to have a more solid estimate in a month’s time.
The location is currently hiring, and more information about open positions is available at culvers.com.
American Freight to close
Franchise Group, Inc recently announced that it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and will “wind down” American Freight, citing the chain’s struggles against “sustained inflation and macroeconomic challenges facing the large durable goods sector.”
The discount furniture, mattress and appliance retailer shared on social media that all retail locations across the country will close, and special “going out of business” sales are being offered.
American Freight’s Champaign store is located at 2002 Glenn Park Drive.
Come on, ring those bells
The Salvation Army of Champaign County launched its annual Red Kettle Christmas campaign with an official bell-ringing ceremony at Prairie Gardens Friday morning.
The nonprofit is seeking volunteers to man 21 kettles at retailers in Champaign, Mahomet, Rantoul, Savoy, St. Joseph and Urbana through Dec. 23.
Volunteers can sign up at registertoring.com or email [email protected].
The local chapter said it hopes to raise $200,000 to “help meet the increasing needs of the approximately 76,000 people that The Salvation Army serves in Champaign County each year.”
Funds will go toward resources such as groceries, emergency rental and utility assistance, veterans services, homelessness outreach, emergency disaster response, and Christmas gifts for children and seniors.
“The holiday season brings unique challenges for many in Champaign County, but it also brings out the generosity of those who can help,” said Captain Kenyon and Captain Melissa Sivels, corps officers of The Salvation Army of Champaign County.
“Every donation, regardless of size, stays local and is a step toward lifting someone out of hardship. Your support helps bring hope and stability to those who need it most — during Christmas and throughout the year.”
Community members can donate to Red Kettles with cash, coin or checks, or give digitally with Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal or Venmo. Donations can also be made online at sachampaign.org. The website also includes links to fundraise for the campaign virtually.
Individuals or families seeking assistance from the Salvation Army can call 217-373-7832.
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