At 3517 W. 95th St. in Evergreen Park is an absolute novelty in today`s retail world. The ceiling`s the limit at Martinelli`s Children and Maternity Wear, where owners Joan and Anthony Martinelli strive to provide anything needed to clothe children.
The diversity of designers, styles and sizes of Martinelli`s is overwhelming. At the 21-year-old shop, if you don`t look overhead, you`re sure to miss something wonderful.
Over the register area dangles frilly, shiny splendor in the form of a large selection of hair accessories. Prices start at $3.95 for simple hair bows to $13 for a string of glittering stars, or giant, gauzy pompoms.
Martinelli`s children`s fashions run from preemie to 14 in girl`s sizes and preemie to 20 for boys.
Prices vary as much as styles, as the store`s extensive line of girl`s school dresses, party dresses, casual sets and separates illustrates. Dresses begin in basic, casual styles for around $21. On the other end, in the Nicole designer line, a tiered communion dress lavished all over with embroidery and pearls sells for $180. Joan Martinelli adds that it would sell for $225 in larger stores.
Boy`s sizes and styles are also plentiful. Aside from novelty items-things like Batman and Superman pajamas for $16 and up-Martinelli`s carries team sport shirts and other styles that start at $31.
Bugle Boy shorts are priced from $10-$15, while colorful and contemporary, 100 percent cotton cap, shirt and short sets from the Damaged Goods line sell for $72.
When it comes to service, the friendly couple has hired an equally courteous and loyal staff. Some have worked there for 21 years, while others are local high school students. ”We`ve seen some of these kids through college.” says Joan Martinelli.
Anthony Martinelli said that he strives to solve all shopping problems.
”One customer broke the front line of her baby chair. I got a replacement from the supplier. Another needed a new lining for her stroller. I ordered it, and will help her to put it in.”
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Martinelli`s Children`s and Maternity Wear, 3517 W. 95th St., Evergreen Park, is open 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Call 708-425-6286.
