Life is Good...Just Got Better

An expansive new Jake’s Good Life Neighborhood Shoppe has just opened in Hudson. Buckle up. It’s going to be a happy ride.

By: Paula Singleton
Date: 02/25/2009 Often it’s the simplest notions that cause us to say, “Why didn’t I think of that?” And when an entrepreneur takes a simple idea and turns it into a successful brand that people can’t seem to get enough of then everyone wins.

One such notion is a stick figure named Jake, whose fan base continues to grow as he captures hearts and smiles with his goofy grin and simple message that “life is good.” He has become an icon for optimism, hope and all around good vibes. And he lives at Genuine Neighborhood Shoppes—independently owned stores featuring the full line of Life is good gear—across the country and here in Northeast Ohio.

“Since opening Jake’s Good Life last year, life is still good,” smiles Randy Baun, who along with Patrick Randall, own the popular Hudson store.

So good, in fact, that Jake’s Good Life has moved to a new 3,100 square foot store in Hudson’s popular First & Main shopping district. The new store is twice as big as their former location on Clinton Street and it is now one of the largest Genuine Neighborhood Shoppes in the country. Their second store, Jake’s Life Rocks, opened in Rocky River last November. And they are opening a third store, For Goodness Jake’s, in a new retail corridor at the main entrance of the Cleveland Clinic later this spring.

“We believe the optimism and hope that the Life is good line speaks to is more important than ever,” says Patrick. “Contrary to what you read about and hear in the media, there are companies that are successful and thriving and that should be celebrated. Conversely, there’s no denying that there are people and companies that are hurting right now. So spreading joy with a gift from the Life is good line that speaks to a person’s passion or interest—for $25 or less—that’s what it’s all about.”

The new store in Hudson is not only larger, but also more colorful in shades of blue, green and orange. There’s a play area for kids and space for mom and dad to relax as well. “When customers come into the store, we want them to feel welcome and comfortable,” says Randy. “We’re all about quality service and having fun, so the store is a great place to hang out as well as a great place to shop.”

The new layout at Jake’s Good Life makes it easier to find the products you’re looking for. Good Karma, a clothing line made with organic cotton has been expanded and Good Moves, featuring athletic wear, is adjacent to golf and tennis-themed shirts. Good Dogs features all sorts of great stuff for your furry friends, including a line of “green” pet beds made from recycled plastic bottles. A large selection of clothing for infants, adults and everyone in between includes T-shirts, loungewear, shoes, headwear and jewelry.

“The colors this season are straight out of an eight-pack crayon box,” smiles Randy. “Everything about our spring line is happy. We have a cool selection of beach towels, lightweight hoodies and tons of fun new merchandise perfect for spring.”

Part of the appeal of the Life is good brand is that it is proof positive that a grass roots idea can grow from a simple concept to a successful multimillion-dollar company. Two brothers fresh out of college, founders Bert and John Jacobs, designed a line of t-shirts with clever graphics and optimistic slogans and began selling them out of their van. The Life is good brand continues to skyrocket—with no national advertising.

“We embrace the Life is good brand because of what it represents,” says Patrick. “Being a good neighbor and giving back to the community is critical to us not only as business owners but as individuals.”

If you missed last July’s successful Jake’s Good Life Watermelon Fest, it will be back this summer with creative activities for all ages. All monies raised will go to Hudson Community First.

So the next time you could really use a smile, you may want to visit the all-new Jake’s Good Life and experience the simple joys of a stick figure whose contagious optimism keeps the good vibes flowing.

Jake’s Good Life is located in Hudson at 41 Village Way in the First & Main shopping district. Store hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday noon-5 p.m. The phone is 330-653-5405. For more information visit www.jakesgoodlife.com.

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