Welcome to our first Mom Around Town photographed feature! I took a ride to Barrington with my 3 year old in tow, to visit Norton’s U.S.A. which is described as an “A Uniquely American General Store”.
Norton’s U.S.A.
400 Lageschulte St.
Barrington, IL 60010
847-382-8872
Connect with them:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Normal Business Hours :
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday &
Saturday 10am – 5pm
Thursday 11am -7pm
Beginning Nov.1, open Sundays 12-4pm
When I first pulled into Norton’s U.S.A.’s parking lot, I was amazed at how large the store was and the adorable design to the building. It has a very comforting, old-fashioned look to it. My amazement grew when I walked in the door and saw all of the unique items they carried. I took much longer than I expected looking around and glancing at all of the details throughout the store. Everything in their store is made in America and the owner mentioned that she opened her store after years of researching products in hopes of supporting the American workers and manufacturers. One of the most interesting things I learned is how Norton’s got its name. Apparently the owner named Norton’s after her dog since she knew he wouldn’t live forever and wanted to carry on his name. There was a great comfort walking through the store and knowing that the owner put great importance on learning about the manufacturers and knew a great deal about the products offered including what part of the country they came from. It was apparent that items in the shop were chosen carefully.
The first place we were led was the children’s “Creative Corner” where my 3 year old got comfortable by removing his coat AND shoes! He had a nice time playing at their train table building with the wooden blocks available there. I was truly stunned by how many beautiful, hands-on learning toys they carried and could tell that they were all high quality. The owner let me know that they did not carry anything battery operated or electronic for kids. All of the toys’ appeared very safe and well constructed. Some items that caught my eye were the Spuds food products, this tableware, including cups, plates, bowls and silverware was made out of potatoes and was made in Illinois too. How can you get more organic than that? There were also some fun chairs and rocking horses that are made locally and fold up for easy storage.
Here are some images from the Kid’s Corner!
Norton’s U.S.A. also sells several children’s organic clothing items and other keepsakes with brands such as Green 3, Woof & Poof, Twinkle Baby, and Salisbury. There were handmade custom knit sweaters, reclaimed cotton items and bamboo products.
Other fun things I found in the store were party accessories, candy, gourmet food items, gardening equipment and decorations (including fun kids’ gardening tools), patriotic items, unique puzzles for kids and adults, pet goods (including colorful leashes and knit sweaters for dogs), bug boxes, jewelry, stationary, ant tunnel boxes, birdhouses, butterfly houses, organic seeds for planting and so much more!
Here are some other photos I took at the store. Just push the “play” button to view the slideshow!
Make sure you check out their upcoming events!
Spring Wine Walk–this weekend, Saturday, April 27th from 2-6 pm
Plant Exchange–May 25th at 3pm
Anniversary Week–June 11th-15th including raffles, specials and a lot of fun! They even have a family friendly movie presented in the back of the shop on the 15th!
Anniversary Week–June 11th-15th including raffles, specials and a lot of fun! They even have a family friendly movie presented in the back of the shop on the 15th!
The owners and staff are very friendly and have a lot of knowledge about the products sold in the store. The owner even knew which of the foods were made in nut free factories for people/children with food allergies which I found very impressive! Make sure you stop in and tell them you were sent by Just Peachy Photography. If you mention this feature post in the store or use the code “peachy” online, you will receive 15% off your entire purchase! Believe me, you’ll love it all!
