Uptown Normal has transformed over the past couple years to become a unique little town. This area has been overlooked for so long due to the fact that it is not an actual shopping center. There are quaint little shops that are fun for all ages. The shopping in Uptown Normal would be enjoyed by residents and visitors. This area should not be overlooked any longer.
COMICS
In uptown Normal there is a beautiful little strip of small shops and delicious restaurants with a nice little hill round about. Hands down that strip is one of many peoples favorite store in all of the town. Acme comics is a wonderful shop full of comics and toys from floor to ceiling and wall to wall. People have been buying comics there for many and many years and it was always done well to capture the amazing feeling you get picking up a new comic and flipping through the pages. Lots of people recommend the store for anyone looking for both old classical comics to new mainstream titles like Walking Dead and Justice League new 52. The staff is always friendly and really knowledgeable about all types of comics and nerdy gossip.People hope you too will stop by an give it a try sometime.
Women's Clothing
Apricot Lane
Just recently open in 2012, Apricot Lane is the talk of the town. The owners are a mom/daughter duo who were looking for a chance to start their own business. The staff that works at AL is awesome. It has the best customer service and anyone and everyone who walks in there feels welcomed. Their common product lines include Miss Me, Big Star, Kensie, Black Orchard, and many more! Go check it out.
Location:
206 W. North Street Normal, IL 61761
Phone: 309.585.2337 Warehouse: 309.691.6938
Store Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Warehouse Hours: Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Webpage: http://www.apricotlanebloomington-normal.com
Sporting
Vitesse Cycle Shop
The Business has been around since 1975, but just recently moved to their current location in 1995. Over the years they have carried a number of bicycle brands including: Sekai, Motobecane, Raleigh, Viner, Panasonic, Bridgestone, Specialized, Nishiki, Diamondback, LeMond, Cannondale, Gary Fisher, Giant, and Trek. They have great personnel working their to ensure that you leave the store with the bike just for you.
Location: 206 S. Linden St. Normal, IL 61761
Phone: 309.454.1541
Store Hours: Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Webpage: http://vitessecycle.com
Varsity Sportswear
Varsity Sportswear is the best place to go when designing the shirt of your dreams. They guarantee a quote by 24 hours of your initial email. They design shirts for all sorts of fun. For example, bar crawls, bachelor/bachelorette parties, restaurant shirts, and many more! They even design banners and signs too.
Location: 104 S. Linden St. Normal, Illinois 61761
Phone Number: 309.242.6790
Store Hours: Hours: Monday - Sunday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Webpage: http://www.uneedshirts.com
Shockwaves
As many sports, contemporary and traditional grow everyday through its history. Skateboarding is one sport that is new, but like many other sports evolve every day as well. Skateboarding has made a huge impact on our generation, those born in the 90’s can remember what skateboarding has created for the youth.
In 1992, shockwaves (uptown Norma’s’ only skate shop) opened its doors to the local skaters. Shockwaves cater to both skateboarding enthusiasts and those who are merely interested in the sport. Shockwave’s retail goods are not low-grade equipment; shockwaves carry high-end equipment for their local skater an equipment isn’t just what they think their local skaters want, it’s what they prefer to ride themselves. Shockwaves skate shop support their local skaters in every way possible.
During the summer of 2004 shockwaves skate shop participated in the annual “go skateboarding day” which was started by s group of small companies to enhance the sport worldwide. An for the first time shockwaves decided to celebrate this for the skateboarding community. During this specific day skateboarders skated down the constitution trail to the Fairview skate park where contests and various events were held.
As the years go by shockwaves owner and local skaters notice that Bloomington is not a place for active skateboarders who strive to make a name for themselves. The Fairview Skate Park (on 949 N. Main St. in Normal) is one option, and O’Neil Park on 1515 W. Chestnut St. in Bloomington is another. Can this be the reason why skaters feel this way?
There are only 2 skate parks in Bloomington that local skateboarders have to go to enjoy. If you ask me Bloomington can do something about this. You have pedestrians, homeowners and police officers that take it upon their own hands to give property justice when they see skateboarders skating a park bench or even a small set of stairs. This would not happen if the city of Bloomington built a proper skate park for their skaters. Maybe an indoor skate park would help for those who ache to skate during the winter session instead of having to wait for the weather to let up and give a little bit of heat or when the summer comes and there’s no sign of snow or cold weather.
So the one question I have for the local skaters and shockwaves is “do you think Bloomington can save the skateboarding community for their local skaters, if so how?
Location: 111 W. North Street Normal, IL 61761
Phone Number: 309.862.3008
Store Hours: Monday - Friday:10:00am - 8:00pm Saturday: 10:00am - 6:00pm Sunday: Closed
Webpage: https://www.facebook.com/ShockwavesSkateshop
Often Running
Often Running was started up by the same owner of Vitesse after a local running store went out of business in 1992. The owner keeps a well educated staff on board to ensure customers are satisfied when they walk out the door. He recommends you bring in your old running shoes when you are ready to purchase another so that the staff can determine your right shoe/foot type.
Location: 206 South Linden Street Normal, IL 61761
Phone Number: 309.452.7749
Store Hours: SUMMER Monday-Friday : 10-8Pm Saturday : 10-5Pm Sunday : 12-4Pm
WINTER Monday-Friday : 10-6Pm Saturday : 10-5Pm Sunday : Closed
Webpage: http://www.oftenrunning.com
Music
Guitar World
Guitar World offers all sorts of options with their new, larger location. They have huge selections of instruments and electronics. They offer lessons from professional instructors and even rent out a large majority of instruments. Also, they have over 40 years of experience for repairing all kinds of instruments. Do not hesitate to bring it in, they service everything!
Location: 129 E Beaufort St Normal, IL 61761
Phone Number: 309.452.6412
Store Hours: Monday-Wednesday: 11am - 6pm Thursday-Friday: 11am-5:30pm Saturday: 10am-4pm Sunday: Closed
Webpage: http://guitarworldnormal.com
Waiting Room Records
Since 2004, this record store has been the leading independent record store in Bloomington, Illinois. It is definitely a place to check out. They offer things including stocking new vinyl and CDs, buying and selling used vinyl, CDs, and DVDS, rare record searches and special orders too. Not only do they have a wide variety of music, they also have select vintage clothing items.
Location: 113 West North Street Normal, IL 61761
Phone Number: 309.452.4222
Store Hours: Monday-Saturday : 10:00am - 7:00pm Sunday : 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Webpage: http://www.waitingroomrecords.com
Miscellaneous
C Tee's
C Tee's is a hit or miss. Some people love it and some people hate it. Try it for yourself.
Location: 201 W North Street Normal, IL 61761
Phone Number: 309.452.1421
Store Hours: Monday - Friday :9:30am - 5:00pm Saturday : 10:30am - 4:30pm Sunday : Closed
Uptown Gifts and Accessories
Uptown Gifts and Accessories is a great place to shop for all occasions! They carry brands including Vera Bradley, cinda b, Tervis, Natural Life, and much more! They also offer a great selection of clothing, jewelry and accessories.
Location: 114 West North Street Normal, IL 61761
Phone Number: 309.452.7999
Store Hours: Monday - Saturday :10:00am - 7:00pm Sunday : 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Wild Country
Wild Country sells pretty much anything you can think of for the outdoors. They have backpacking and camping products. Some of their most popular brands include Camelbak, Patagonia, The North Face, Kelty, and Backpackers Pantry. They are also an authorized Rollerblade repair facility.
Location: 203 S. Linden St. Normal, IL 61761
Phone Number: 309.452.0222
Store Hours: Monday :10:00am - 7:00pm Tuesday - Thursday : 10:00am - 6:00pm Friday : 10:00am - 7:00pm Saturday : 10:00am - 5:00pm Sunday : 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Webpage: http://wildcountry4fun.com
Discover More Store
The Discover More Store is located in the Children's Discovery Museum in Uptown Normal. It has educational books, toys, and puzzles galore! It is the perfect place to get children birthday's gift and so much more.
Location: 101 East Beaufort Normal, IL 61761
Phone Number: 309.433.3444
Store Hours: Monday : Closed Tuesday - Wednesday : 9:00am - 5:00pm Thursday - Friday :9:00am - 8:00pm Sat:9:00am - 5:00pm Sun:1:00pm - 5:00pm
Webpage: http://www.childrensdiscoverymuseum.net/DMS/Store.asp
The Pod
The Pod is an unique jewelry and accessories store located right at the corner of Uptown Circle and Beaufort Street. It is a bright, vibrant store sure to catch anyone's eye driving or walking by. Be sure to check it out!
Upcoming Events: Weekend of July 6th-7th: Annual Sugar Creek Arts Festival
Location: 104 E. Beaufort St. Normal, IL 61761
Phone Number: 309.808.0472
Store Hours: Monday - Thursday :10:30am - 6:00pm Friday :10:30am - 7:00pm Saturday :10:30am - 6:00pm Sunday :Closed
Webpage: https://www.facebook.com/ShopThePod?sk=wall
Mother Murphy's
Review: 3/4 starts
Like the typical college head shop, MM carries tapestries, posters, grinders, pieces, records, jewelery, glass jacks, t-shirts, incense and more.
Unlike the typical college head shop, they have a skateshop attached and a friendly and helpful staff that doesn't look at me like I'm an alien.
Purchases from here include: -Smartstone grinder- 3 level, awesome and helpful little scraper included -sunglasses- $7 -glass jacks -tapestry, 10' x 6', linen, peacocks, $18
All in all, they have decent prices and a staff that makes me want return, even just to browse...
Let's be honest, we all know I'll buy something.
-Kristen O.
Location: 111 1/2 West North Street Normal, IL 61761
Phone Number: 309.452.6712
Store Hours: Monday - Friday :10:00am to 8:00pm Saturday : 10:00am - 6:00pm Sunday : 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Webpage: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mother-Murphys/73306315926
