Business: The Apartment by Costello Jewelry
Address: 33 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville
Phone/website: 331-801-0576; www.costellogiftcompany.com
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Manager: Olivia Stoutshoger, 31, of Naperville
Years in business: 2
What does this business do? “We have high-end luxury gifts, unique pieces our customers can’t find in the west suburban area. … That’s kind of what started the idea. We have a lot of fun with the concept of this space, having it be a shoppable apartment,” Stoutshoger said.
Who owns this business? “It’s owned by Costello Jewelry, which is right downstairs. … The Costello family had two tenants upstairs, two different apartments. … In 2022 the leases were ending. They could get new tenants or expand into a gift store.”
What’s it like working here? “It’s fun to imagine what each room might have been in the original floor plan. We got to play with that. In the kitchen, we have all the kitchen items. The bathroom with bath products. The dining room has all the dining fixtures, tableware. The game room is always fun. The library with all the books. … It’s very fun to reimagine the space.
“We opened in January of 2024. We spent all of 2023 renovating, giving the building a facelift, adding all the character and charm. … I came on board early 2023 at the conceptual phase of everything.”
What did you think of the conversion? “I was all onboard. I was obsessed with the idea from the beginning and there’s nothing else like it here (in Naperville).”
Were you working in retail before? “I’ve done a lot of retail in the past. My background is in fashion design so I love anything I can be creative and hands-on with. … We had an interior designer design our space for us. Her name is Lynn Serulla. I was FaceTiming her every day.”
Are you busy? “We are. Especially during the Christmas season. Summer is good. Downtown Naperville is so weather dependent. If it’s a nice day out in downtown, everyone is out, which we love.”
What makes this game room special? “We wanted the speakeasy, men’s lounge type of room. We have the cigar lighters, humidors, ash trays. Little cocktail accessories. Games. Chess. Backgammon. … The green (paint) that we chose, we wanted to remind shoppers of a billiards table. We couldn’t fit a table up here. But we do have all our Meucci cues.They are all manufactured in St. Louis.”
How old is this building? “It goes back to the 1800s. Not the oldest building downtown but one of the oldest.”
Is it haunted? “I haven’t experienced anything but I always hope that at some point it will come up. … I used to live in Savannah, Georgia, so I’m comfortable with ghosts.”
Are you from Savannah? “I’m from Naperville originally, but I went to the Savannah College of Art Design. I graduated in 2017. … Savannah is one of my favorite places in the world. … Everything in the city is so charming, so quaint. The food is so good. The people are so nice.”
Where do you find the items sold here? “We did a ton of research based on what brands are considered high-end luxury items but are still very attainable. We wanted the luxury experience anyone can be part of whether their budget is $20 or $200. We want a variety of price points. … There are gift markets out there. Right now, it’s deciding which designers you want to carry and reaching out.”
Why do you enjoy your job so much? “I like this job as opposed to other retail jobs because it’s different and I love hearing from people (about) what events in life they’re shopping for. We get a lot of wedding engagement gifts, but it’s also fun to (help a woman) shop for her husband’s 65th birthday. We can help find something for that person. … Everything we have in here is a conversation piece. That’s what I love about it.”
Anything you don’t like? “The challenge of this store is being a second-floor boutique. Letting people know we are here. … The people who do know about us like that it’s a hidden gem shopping experience.”
What is a big seller? “Our candles (made) by artisans in South Africa.”
When are you open? “We’re open Monday through Wednesday, 10 to 5. Thursdays we’re open 10 to 8. Fridays are 11 to 6. Saturdays 9:30 to 5. Sundays noon to 5. … I’m here 90 percent of the time.”
What’s your advice for someone starting a business? “You’ve got to just do it. All the things you’re worried about? Who cares? Just do it. Wing it. You have to.”
Steve Metsch is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun. If you know of a business you’d like to see profiled in Down to Business, contact him at [email protected].
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