The Classmate Educational Supply Store Transfers Ownership

EVERGREEN PARK, IL -- Gail and Jerry Sullivan are leaving their beloved store The Classmate Litd. in good hands. On Feb. 13, the Sullivans handed over the keys to new owner Kelly Zawisza and walked away after 34 years.

“I wanted [The Classmate] to remain in the community and keep our employees,” Gail Sullivan said. “Kelly is a young woman with lots of good ideas. She’s very knowledgeable.”

The Classmate, 3625 W. 95th St., Evergreen Park, carries school and educational materials for teachers, park districts, parents and students. The store offers games, art supplies, bulletin board decorations, stickers, music and all manner of classroom and school supplies, everything a teacher or parent needs to spark a student’s love for learning.

“A majority of our customers are teachers,” Zawisza said. “Some travel a good distance. “There aren’t to many privately owned stories around. We get our fair share of parents and grandparents buying games and needed supplies for the classroom.”

Zawisza, of Evergreen Park, brings a strong education background to The Classmate. She taught in Chicago Public Schools and served as principal of an Archdiocese of Chicago school.

“I always wanted to go into business for myself,” she said. “I saw the sign in the window that the business was for sale.”

So far, the store’s transition to new ownership has been seamless. She hopes to expand the store’s online footprint.

“There was a great legacy already started and I wanted to keep the store in Evergreen Park,” Zawisza said. “I have a great staff and loyal customers.”

The Classmate Ltd. hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 3 p.m. Sunday. During school supply season, the store has extended hours.

“We thank our loyal customers for their continue support and looking forward to introducing our store to new customers,” Zawisza said.