Metro Centre Puts a Little Spring in the Local Economy with Five New Shops, Special Promotions and the Peoria Farmers Market

Peoria, IL, April 11, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Economic news has been gloomy lately, but one bright spot is Peoria's landmark shopping destination Metro Centre. This spring, the locally owned Metro Centre is welcoming five new businesses that will bring Peoria new jobs, as well as a unique mix of products ranging from handmade soy candles to doormats made from recycled flip-flops to gourmet pizza.

Metro Centre boasts five new or recently opened storefronts — Metro Plantation, Bags & Company, Café Evergreen, Re- and Soy Candles by Sharon. All are locally owned and operated by Peorians. The legendary shopping centre is also proud to announce the re-opening of Nick-n-Willy’s Take-n-Bake pizzeria, one of the businesses affected by a fire last fall. Nick-n-Willy's will celebrate their complete recovery this month by offering free pizza lunches to the Peoria firefighters who responded to the blaze.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure – Peoria Memorial Affiliate has also renovated its offices since the fire. After having its headquarters destroyed, the organization has had the opportunity to rebuild in its original location, and their newly designed, state-of-the-art offices are nearing completion. Metro Centre will host the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on May 9. To register visit komenpeoria.org.

"We are very excited to get the spring season underway," said Metro Centre president Eric Brinker, whose grandfather started Metro Centre more than 30 years ago. "We have always been committed to helping local businesses succeed, and we are delighted to welcome five new stores which really offer a personalized, Peoria brand of service you can't find anywhere else."

One Metro Centre event that is always a crowd-pleaser is the Peoria Farmers Market, which kicks off this year May 1 and will be in full swing by June 6. It is the longest running, largest covered farmers market in the region, and it is open six days a week. Featuring more than 30 stalls with fresh fruit and vegetables, certified organic and "no spray" produce, fresh pastas and sauces, flowers and plants, it's an event unlike anything else. Metro Centre will donate a portion of the proceeds to Heart of Illinois Harvest, a food rescue program that feeds needy Central Illinois families.

Metro Centre will also be boosting the local economy directly when they host their Annual Sidewalk Sale July 10 and 11.

Peorians have depended on Metro Centre for more than 30 years — and counting. The stores are still locally owned and operated, and their success is based on a simple, homegrown recipe — friendly faces behind the registers, a unique selection of stores and a commitment to friendly, personal service. Visit shopmetrocentre.com for more info including complete store listings.

Meet The New Businesses

Metro Plantation offers classic and contemporary home furnishings with a country influence. Now open.

Bags & Company specializes in handbags, jewelry and other accessories for both everyday wear and special occasions. Now open.

Café Evergreen is known for ultra-fresh ingredients. The menu includes soups, salads and sandwiches. Now open.

Re- is a unique store, where almost all the gifts and accessories are created completely from recycled materials. You'll find a doormat made from rubber flip-flops, drinking glasses made from Belvedere Vodka bottles and much more. Opens end of May.

Soy Candles by Sharon is the only place in the region where you can find handmade 100% soy wax candles and home fragrance items. Products are all natural with many benefits for both individuals and the environment. Opens end of April.

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