Bellini - a Classic Chicago Retailer

Bellini - A Classic Chicago Retailer. Chicago's Lincoln Park is host to many local retailers, few finer than Bellini, a one-stop-shop for children 0-13...and their parents.

The fact is that everyone either has children or knows someone who does. A store that sells everything for children newborn through neo-teen, Bellini (1800 N. Clybourn - above the Goose Island Brewery in Chicago) is ensuring that our next generations are raised in a caring, nurturing, quality environment.

I met owners Cindy and Jeff Hudgins while enjoying some fine pizza at another fantastic Chicago venue, Piece (1927 W. North Ave). Through our conversation that ranged from the Cubs to local beer and beyond, I learned about the journey of a mother of two, the joys, trials and tribulations that accompany parenthood and operating a local niche business.

"I was never planning to open a retail store, much less a shop like Bellini," explains Cindy Hudgins. "Nine months pregnant with my first child, my husband (Jeff) and I attempted to outfit our baby's room from the then-owners of a local etablishment. Just prior to giving birth we learned that they had gone out of business, leaving us with nothing and no place to go."

Turning to corporate headquarters, Cindy arranged to have all their purchases fulfilled through other retailers across the nation. "That's when I asked about opportunities in Chicago," says Cindy. "We bought the local franchise and opened our doors in 2007."

What comes across to me is Cindy and Jeff's dedication and passion for serving mothers-to-be. "My favorite part of being a part of Bellini is to be able to help first-time-moms who don't know what to do or where to turn. We are here for them."

Their shop is clean and bright, everything creatively displayed in vignettes throughout the industrial loft space.

There are two things I know: Cindy and Jeff Hudgins offer the best of futures for children and parents alike; and, Bellini is the next place I will go to for a youth's - or their parent's - next gift.