Rockford’s Bygone Brand Store Reopens After Tornado Damage

After tornado damage, the Bygone Brand store in Rockford has reopened.

I believe Rockford has come a long way in the past few years. It's a much-improved city. I would nominate us comeback city of Illinois. There are so many positive things happening. What really excites me is all the great locally owned businesses. So many different products and services now available for our community.

One of those new amazing enterprises is Bygone Brand. They have many unique Rockford themed items. I'm a big fan of t-shirts and they've got several cool ones.

If you're not familiar with them, this is what they are all about according to bygonebrand.com,

"Inspired by our passion for history and design, Bygone Brand was created in 2013 to revive the lost places we loved growing up. Based out of Rockford, IL, our apparel represents the local businesses that made each city, town, or region unique. Over the years, Bygone Brand has grown into one of the premier retro apparel companies and we take pride in every aspect, from design through delivery. "

Walking through their store and browsing the website, it's like taking a trip back in time and a history lesson of former businesses in the Forest City. If you're looking for some Christmas gift ideas, it's a good place to start.

Of course, 2020 hasn't been the year we had all hoped for. The state of Illinois and, in particular, Rockford has taken a big hit. Besides a pandemic, there have been other negative events that have piled upon us.

To add insult to injury, back in August, right before Rockford Day, a tornado blew across town causing damage throughout the city. One of the places hit was the Fairview Shopping Center. It ripped the roof right off the building and sending tons of water down on occupants, ruining the shops and businesses.

That's where the Bygone Brand store is located. Fortunately, they were able to act quickly and save the merchandise. They only lost some minor equipment. Of course, they were forced to close for the next three months. The owners, Amy and Keith, were able to move to a temporary vacant building until the repairs could be finished. Luckily, the couple was able to keep the business going with online and curbside orders. COVID added extra time to get the place ready to go.

There's good news. They were recently able to finally open back up at the store location just in time for the holidays. Congratulations for enduring those tough times to make it back. Stop by and see them sometime soon.

Here are some before, during, and after picutres.

To check out more info, HERE & Facebook.

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