Support Search at Planet Access!
Planet Access, located in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago, is a social enterprise boutique founded and operated by Search Inc. The primary purpose of a social enterprise is to generate profits to support the operations of a nonprofit. When you shop at Planet Access, the proceeds from your purchases benefit the 350 individuals with disabilities and their families Search supports in the areas of supported living, adult learning, career services, clinical services, as well as advocacy and training.
Having originally opened its doors as Planet Access Company Store in 2010, the store underwent a large-scale renovation in spring 2020, and reopened as Planet Access in June 2020, a partner store between Toad&Co. and Search. “Telling our story to customers who have never been into the store before is one of my favorite parts about working at Planet Access,” Maria, Store Lead at Planet Access, shared.
Toad&Co. has been a long-time supporter of Search and its programs. For over 20 years, Toad&Co. and Search have partnered to create opportunities for people with disabilities to live inclusive lives within communities where they are accepted, valued and able to contribute as equals.
As Cory, Search’s Chief Executive Officer, puts it, “Planet Access makes a difference in the lives of the people we support at Search. By shopping in our store and furthering the mission of Search, people make a positive impact on another human. It’s truly a unique opportunity.”
Within the store, you can shop sustainable, socially-conscious brands, such as W&P Design, Chicago Candle Company, Mata Traders and Causegear, amongst many more. We are proud to share that many of our vendors are also local to the Chicago area. While at the store, you can also shop paintings, prints and glassware created by artists in Search’s Visibility Arts program. Visibility Arts artists receive 100% of the purchase price for their paintings, and commission on all products.
Maria shared more about her favorite brand carried at the store, Mata Traders. Maria said, “We have so many great brands but my favorite will have to be Mata Traders. Mata Traders is a local, women-owned, and fair-trade company. They have women’s clothing and accessories all handmade by women in India & Nepal.”
Our team at Planet Access is constantly looking to our community for new brands to carry, such as Vintage Royalty (pictured below). We recently welcomed Vintage Royalty, a local, BIPOC jewelry maker, as a vendor and we are thrilled. As Marta, Store Lead, emphasized, “Who doesn’t love a statement earring?”
Marta has been a part of the Planet Access team for over 3 years. When asked why people should shop at Planet Access, she shared, “Since our remodel [in 2020] we have put a huge emphasis on Search and the store’s mission. A lot of things at the store are changing for the better and I would love for our customers to continue to support us, and know that when they come in, we are happy to help them. [We] appreciate how much they are, in turn, helping us and Search.”
Store Hours
Mon-Fri: 11-6 pm
Sat-Sun: 10-5 pm
Shop Online: https://planet-access-co.shoplightspeed.com/