Chicago Home Show brings contractors to customers
Exhibitors at this weekend’s Chicago Home Show said they noticed an uptick in traffic they hope points to a recovering economy.
While pitching services of Next Door and Window in Naperville to customer, Roberto Guzman said more people are coming to the show this year than the past few and they’re looking to buy.
“We certainly hope that is a sign for the future to come,” Guzman said.
Eighty exhibitors from as far away as Los Angeles packed the Kane County Fairgrounds Prairie Events Center in St. Charles on Saturday and Sunday, marketing products for all areas of the home and beyond. Chiropractors, a massage therapist, insurance companies and an organic skin care business added to the standard contractors in landscaping and home remodeling.
Steve Schmidt is a partner with Batavia-based Greenstar Inc., which helps people choose environmentally friendly options during construction.
Greenstar recommends “green” products, such as siding made from wood pulp and cement instead of anything petroleum based. Schmidt said a lot of people stopping by his table this weekend were interested in new decks as the region looks ahead to spring.
David Larsen, of Lake in the Hills, stopped by the show on Sunday with his wife Nicki looking for ideas and quotes to remodel his bathroom. The couple was also considering a new deck for their home. Larsen left with drill bits and glass cleaner but got extra information and new tips for his remodeling plans.
The ladies at the St. Charles-based Heinz Brothers Greenhouse booth answered questions Sunday about early planting — it’s better not to, even with the heat — and they made some plant sales. But Kelsey Fletcher said Saturday was much busier because of the rainy weather.
“Who wants to be inside when the weather is so beautiful?” Fletcher said.
Organizer Jessica Keeneth-Zeuli said that is a pretty standard trend, with even a little bit of rain drawing more people to indoor shows. She said this year’s free show boasted 15 more exhibitors than last year and hopes to continue that expansion when the show returns for a sixth year next spring.