CHICAGO — Marty Groark is 33 years old, but he's an old Chicagoan at heart.
That was the inspiration behind the fourth-generation Chicago resident's company: Chicago Gift Box, which jams popular items from the city into one shippable box.
"I try to relate to people's childhood, and the things I remember," said Groark, a South Loop resident and a DePaul University graduate. "When I picked the products, I wanted things that were more iconic."
Chicago Gift Boxes can be filled with Jays potato chips, Green River soda, Cracker Jack, Salerno butter cookies and nonperishable items from Manny's Deli and Vienna Beef. Chicago sports team memorabilia and items like glasses covered by the city's flag design also are available.
"The value is I package all the foods together, so you don't have to shop at multiple places," Groark said.
Customers can select three-, five- or 10-item boxes, which sell for $24.95, $34.95 and $54.95, respectively. Shipping in the U.S. is free, with an $18 charge for international shipping.
South Loop's Marty Groark holds one of his Chicago Gift Boxes. [Marty Groark]
Groark, who started the company last year and packs the boxes himself, has sold his products to customers in Florida, Colorado, California, Washington state, Germany, Austria, Spain, England and Abu Dhabi.
"A lot of it is people have moved away, and they want to reconnect with" Chicago, Groark said.
Groark said he'd like to add more products, including soaps or candles that look like the Chicago flag, to his arsenal. He's also hoping to expand his company to include other major cities like Pittsburgh.
Despite limited marketing, Groark said his company has been a success so far.
"Everybody who's ordered has been really, really happy," he said.
For more information on Chicago Gift Box, follow the company on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
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