After Fire Shutters Downtown Retailer, Out Of The Box Reopens For XMas

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL —A business that has been in the community just five years — and was forced to close following a fire at a neighboring paint shop in downtown Crystal Lake this past summer — has reopened for the holidays.

Out of the Box owner Nicole Garringer said the blaze on June 8 destroyed 10,000 items she had up for sale at her store and caused smoke damage throughout the building, according to Shaw Local News Network. The blaze left her front window covered in soot and a strong chemical odor in the store.

• Fires Causes $1M In Damages To Downtown Store, Apartments: Officials
  

The fire came after a rough run for Garringer since opening five years ago.

The first year, she noted in a Facebook post in recent weeks, had her focused on learning how to run a new business. And then year two to four had her grappling, like many small business owners, with how to keep her business afloat amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, she thought, would be her comeback year.

"As I look back at this year, there are so many things that have gone wrong, so many things to be frustrated about, so many setbacks, and so little sleep. I honestly can't thank everyone enough for the amazing support I have had the last 5 years. I'm thrilled and nervous to be back open, it hasn't been the smoothest of years," she wrote in the Facebook post.

In the Thanksgiving Day post, she added that she's beyond grateful for all the support the downtown Crystal Lake shop has received.

Out of the Box, located at 71 N. Williams Street, will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.