iNSIDE

I’ve been putting off writing this for one very selfish reason – I want to keep Scout my little secret. Once you meet the owner of this ‘urban antique store,’ you’ll understand why I’ve concluded it would be almost mean to not share him (or this treasure) with anyone who will listen.

There is just something about this place that makes people turn heads. Is it the well-crafted and ever-changing window display? The cool clean lines of the store’s signage and logo? The friendly face behind the counter that beckons? What IS it about this place that whispers to you to come on in and check it out?

Scout is an homage to all things found. This is the place you visit in search of those pieces that add both gravity and levity to your space. Need a little history to balance your uber modern taste? What about a little whimsy to lighten the mood of the place? In Scout you will find this and more.

The store is put together with such a good eye and a loving hand that it just feels good to be there. While you may equate ‘previously owned’ items with musty piles of antiques arranged with no rhyme or reason – here you will find nothing of the kind. What you will find is a constantly fluctuating inventory of treasures that its owner, Larry Vodak, has ‘scouted’ and generously offered up for you to buy. Larry handpicks these treasures so he knows where they all originated. He loves telling you the story of a piece, (be sure to ask); especially what it was about it that he responded to. Not only can you find major furniture pieces here (unique dining tables - priced as low as $500!, storage pieces, desks, and chairs), but also those oh-so-difficult-to-find ‘little’ items that take your standard Crate & Barrel living room to a new level.

I believe that half the reason to visit Scout is to shop; the other is to chat with Larry. You will soon discover, as I have, that Larry’s passion is aligned with his vocation. Having no previous retail experience prior to opening, he started Scout in a quest to find his passion and to make a living doing it. A rarity in an environment usually filled with pushy salespeople, Larry makes you feel at home – like you can come in, kick the tires, and just hang out. Understanding that sometimes you just need to see how his things work in your space, Larry is happy for you to take home your item for a test-drive. Should you find that it doesn’t work as planned, just bring it back to the store for a full refund.

(I think I’m going to be hard-pressed to find something I don’t like about this place...)

So, in summary:

- The store is always changing. Stop by often to see what Larry has found.
- A storeowner who loves what he does translates into a positive and relaxed shopping experience.
- Antiques don’t have to be stuffy, smelly or expensive.
- A home put together as well as Scout would be a beautiful place in which to live!

Scout
5221 N. Clark (Andersonville)
773.275.5700
www.scoutchicago.com



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