{"product_id":"ks-merchandise-mart-metal-bottle-opener","title":"K's Merchandise Mart Metal Bottle Opener","description":"GhostCorp Apparel - resurrecting iconic corporate ghosts.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBring a small reminder of regional retail history to your next gathering with this K's Merchandise metal bottle opener. The company began in Decatur in 1957, founded by Raymond “Ray” Eldridge Sr. and his son Kay, and grew into a multi-state catalog showroom chain. Its story reflects a distinctive chapter in Midwest shopping, from a family-founded department store to its 2006 liquidation. A fitting conversation piece for K's collectors and local history enthusiasts.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eK's Merchandise Mart, Inc., commonly known as K's Merchandise, was a catalog showroom department store based in Decatur, Illinois. Raymond \"Ray\" Eldridge Sr. and his son Kay founded the company in 1957. It sold furniture, jewelry, electronics, and other general merchandise. By the time it closed, K's had 17 stores across Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, and Kentucky. The company also operated four Bargains Only stores in Illinois: Mt. Zion, Champaign, Springfield, and Peoria. Their assortment included clothing, household goods, and furniture. By the 2000s, competition from big-box stores had eroded K's sales for years. Boston's Gordon Brothers Group took over the company from the founding family and appointed Bill Weinstein as president. After an effort to turn around store operations, K's announced on October 3, 2006, that it would liquidate and close to pay its creditors in full. Bargains Only stores closed ahead of their parent stores; the final one, in Mt. Zion, closed in October 2006.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis slim, all-metal bottle opener feels like the trusted tool you reach for when friends gather and stories start. Forged from heavy-duty stainless steel, it slides into a pocket or bartending apron without bulk, then delivers confident leverage when a cold drink needs freeing. The flat surface accepts crisp laser engraving, so names, dates, or logos stay sharp through years of use. Use it behind the home bar, at backyard tailgates, or hand one to each member of your wedding party — it’s built to take commercial-level wear while still looking clean and refined. Simple, sturdy, and ready for the next toast.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eProduct features\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e- 100% heavy-duty stainless steel resists rust and bending\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Flat surface optimized for permanent precision laser engraving\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Ergonomic all-metal grip provides strong leverage\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Slim, ultra-flat profile fits pockets and bar drawers\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Commercial-grade durability for frequent use\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-row=\"1\" style=\"padding: 10px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-row=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 500; font-size: 15px; padding: 10px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eOne size\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-row=\"2\" style=\"padding: 10px; font-size: 15px; border-top: 1px solid rgb(237, 237, 237); word-break: break-word;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(82, 82, 82);\"\u003eWidth, in\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-row=\"2\" style=\"padding: 10px; font-size: 15px; border-top: 1px solid rgb(237, 237, 237); word-break: break-word;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(82, 82, 82);\"\u003e5.50\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-row=\"3\" style=\"padding: 10px; font-size: 15px; border-top: 1px solid rgb(237, 237, 237); word-break: break-word;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(82, 82, 82);\"\u003eHeight, in\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-row=\"3\" style=\"padding: 10px; font-size: 15px; border-top: 1px solid rgb(237, 237, 237); word-break: break-word;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(82, 82, 82);\"\u003e1.50\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEU representative\u003c\/strong\u003e: HONSON VENTURES LIMITED, gpsr@honsonventures.com, 3, Gnaftis House flat 102, Limassol, Mesa Geitonia, 4003, CY\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct information\u003c\/strong\u003e: Generic brand, 2 year warranty in EU and Northern Ireland as per Directive 1999\/44\/EC\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Printify","offers":[{"title":"One size \/ Silver","offer_id":54644228161820,"sku":"32064465676169364684","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/2517\/5580\/files\/4373858090320436464_2048.jpg?v=1791043376","url":"https:\/\/ghostcorpapparel.com\/products\/ks-merchandise-mart-metal-bottle-opener","provider":"Ghost Corp Apparel","version":"1.0","type":"link"}