Holiday Shopping Can Still Be Fun -- Even in a Tight Economy

Presenting High Five: Now Opening at Woodfield, Fox Valley and Hawthorn Center

In the midst of store closings and a tough retail season, one company is actually opening stores. High Five is launching three locations throughout the Chicago area, just in time for the holiday season. High Five Warehouse stores are opening at Westfield Fox Valley Shopping Center and Woodfield Mall, and a High Five "by the bag" concept store is opening at Westfield Hawthorn Shopping Center in Vernon Hills.

Named for the way shoppers will want to high five one another when they come across great gifts at great prices, High Five offers more than 1,000 items priced just right for today's value-conscious consumer.

What's more, the High Five store at Westfield Hawthorn Shopping Center offers a unique, by the bag approach. Shoppers pay a flat fee -- from $10 to $30 -- for the bag size of their choice, and can fill it with whatever they want.

Products include jewelry and personal electronics, tools and gadgets, gift-boxed candy, holiday decor, stationery and calendars, toys and games, and much more. Throughout every shopping day, Managers Specials will call attention to special limited-time values, adding to the festive atmosphere.

CEO Dave Bagley believes that the current retail environment is just right for High Five. "When you find a gift that's just right for someone, you don't have to spend as much money," explains Bagley. "That's the philosophy behind High Five -- you can find something perfect for everyone on your list, including the family pet. Plus, you're going to have fun. Everything is affordable, so you have a great time here."

High Five Warehouse stores are open to the public. The Aurora location is on the mall drive on the north side of Westfield Fox Valley Shopping Center, and the Schaumburg store is just east of Woodfield Mall on the Perimeter Drive. Warehouse stores are open Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The High Five retail store is on the second level inside Westfield Hawthorn Shopping Center and is open during the mall's extended holiday shopping hours. More information is available at www.shophigh5.com.