Mezzanine proprietor shifts focus to web sales, will open Hugh in Iodent Building

Mezzanine in Harmonie Park -- the second-floor modern furniture and design store -- is shifting to a smaller by-appointment showroom and web sales. Proprietor Joe Posch calls dropping the old retail set-up "a new chapter at Mezzanine, and it seems like the most exciting yet."

Here's why he's so excited:

Mezzanine's online operation will boast competitive pricing and free shipping on most items. Posch invites his loyal customers to head to mezzanine-online.com for the furniture and home goods with which he made his mark in Ann Arbor and Detroit. Future plans include a showroom for checking out fabric samples and furniture, and he also offers design counseling services.

Meanwhile, Posch is opening Hugh, a six-month "pop-up store" on the ground floor of the Iodent Lofts Building at 2233 Park Avenue. The 400-square-foot shop will feature affordable home and personal accessories inspired by the classic bachelor style of the 1960s. "Think Playboy Mansion Chicago, that mix of classic and modern ... all updated for 2009, of course," he says. 

Hugh will have bar accessories, smoking accessories, some furniture and lighting, host/hostess gifts and decorative accessories. "It will be a great spot to get gifts for guys, and there will also be a small section dedicated to gifts for wives and girlfriends," says Posch, who is adamant that the store will close in February regardless of its success. "The store is for six months because frankly, I'm doing it for fun," he says. "If it does well, my plan is to spend the month of February counting my money from it, not extending it. So people will need to take advantage of it while it's around, because it is going to be sweet."

Hugh's hours are tentatively set for 4 to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 4 to 11 p.m. Friday and 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday. Opening day is set for the week after Labor Day. Call 313-887-0900.

Source: Joe Posch, Mezzanine and Hugh
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh

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