Well Stocked Shop is a brain child of SLFMKR's owner. It's a brand new kitchen and home retail experience. It's like a gorgeous gallery of housewares. I stopped in on a rainy evening, and LOVED the atmosphere. It was this whole vibe!
AMBIANCE: Perfectly illuminated and inviting open space. There is plenty of natural light peeking through the windows. The store now occupies the former STUMP space. Inside you'll find a little of everything - well curated cook books, snacks (so many fig ones!), salami, gorgeously packed chocolate, fancy olive oils, tea, coffee, aesthetically pleasing plate sets, sauces, mixers, glasses, and so much more. If you miss Nature's Oasis at Van Aken, this is its elegant cousin (minus the food).
The store is truly perfect for someone who is looking to gift or entertain. The prices aren't much higher than at comparable stores. You can easily find a unique gift in one place. You can also find enough food here to fill a charcuterie board. I wasn't planning on doing either but was in the mood to lounge on a couch with a fancy snack. I discovered Graviera cheese rusks from Crete, Greece. They had a statement and reverence to yiayia (grandmother).
SERVICE: The service was very warm and individualized. I felt incredibly seen and welcome. Both the owner and the employee working at the store were incredible. A lot of the store's employees are apparently based remotely in Chicago, so maybe there will be another store there?!
PARKING: Plenty of parking is available at Van Aken - parking garage, surface lots, and street parking. Walk around to nearby shops during your next visit.
I plan to return to Well Stocked very soon. I was mesmerized by the amount of fig everything - chocolate, salami, and so on. I'm fig fan, so I really want to test all its variations. read more