Store closing: Pivot

This morning's inbox held the news I was hoping I wouldn't hear after reporting on the particularly tough time shops in the West Loop are experiencing in the current economy. At the end of the month, Pivot closes its doors.

Owner Jessa Brinkmeyer wrote: "I've decided that the resources required to keep a storefront open at this time are preventing me from making a larger impact, and by refocusing my energy I hope to be able to further the mission and concepts of Pivot in new ways. I plan to continue an online presence and remain very active in the eco-fashion and sustainable design community."

Since the day she opened Pivot a little over two years ago, I've admired Brinkmeyer's pioneering spirit—setting up shop in a relatively undeveloped retail area—and her dedication to promoting environmental awareness. In addition to exclusively selling ecofriendly attire and accessories, she has fostered a sense of community within the world of sustainable fashion, hosting trunk shows, panel discussions and exhibitions.

Likewise, her last store event, which takes place Wed 7 from 6-9pm, launches a new eco-slanted campaign with help from advertising and marketing agency Euro RSCG Chicago: "Make a fashion statement." True to the core principles upon which Brinkmeyer established Pivot, the campaign, according to Pivot's website, "encourages people to make a connection between fashion and their personal environmental impact, local economies and more thoughtful commerce." The evening features a trunk show with Lara Miller and drinks and food by vegan caterer Artfully Delicious.

Before the end of the month, stop in and shop the fall merchandise, all marked 20-50% off; all past seasons are going for as much as 90% off. You won't save the business, but you can still make a difference.