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Read the press release here.

Gadget Geeks 'Tech Boutique' Offers Repairs, Parts in South Loop

 A new family business in the South Loop tailors its gadget repair and accessory sales to the neighborhood.
Gadget Geeks Opens in South Loop
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SOUTH LOOP — It's clear South Loop residents Kelly Motley and Kimte Taylor know their neighborhood.

While they were stocking merchandise for Gadget Geeks, their new device repair shop on Dearborn Street, they looked for themes their neighbors love — hence a dog-shaped USB charger and an Air Jordan-themed iPhone case "for all the South Loop sneakerheads," Motley said.

More than just repairing smashed iPad screens, the South Loop shop aims to be a "tech boutique — hence the exposed brick and hardwood floors," Motley said.

Lizzie Schiffman says the Gadget Geeks South Loop location hopes to be a destination for residents:

Motley and her sister, who is Taylor's fiancee, live above their shop at 620 S. Dearborn St. Taylor lives a few blocks away. Motley recently moved back to Chicago, where she was born, after finishing her architecture degree at Harvard University.

She put her training to good use in designing the store's interior, which she hopes will entice South Loop residents and the area's many students with its laid-back vibe and free charging and work stations.

It's the first business venture for Taylor and Motley, who said they're interested in expanding the brand if there's demand. Taylor's been in gadget repair for 15 years, Motley said.

"We've all broken our phones before and had to go out farther [than the South Loop] to get them fixed," the self-proclaimed gadget-lover said. "So we figure, what better place to open a shop like this than here?"

Motley said the shop's phone, laptop and tablet repair service pricing will be "competitive," set by the fluctuating cost of parts and inventory.

"Quirky accessories" will be a hallmark of the shop, as will free workshops to help customers better understand how to use and care for their gadgets.

Motley said the team hopes to offer consulting services to help nonprofits and small businesses synchronize their technology services.

Gadget Geeks is open from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesdays to Fridays, and from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays.