As lifelong residents of the Riverbend area, the Emerick and Robinson families thought it was a perfect opportunity to buy B&B Custom T's to continue to serve their community. Both families have been heavily involved with area school, sports clubs, and the Bethalto Boys and Girls Club where each has held various board positions and committee chairs. The purchase was a family decision as it's a family-run business with their new college graduate daughters leading marketing and design.        

While the business was purchased as of 4/1/2023, Kevan and Marsha Bennett stayed on to help transition and introduce their customer base to the new owners. Many people have asked - why keep the name? Emerick/Robinson felt passionate about ensuring that the existing customer base knew that the thirty-plus years of serving the Riverbend community was still a focal point. Kevan and Marsha spent almost 90 days walking through the existing customer services to ensure that those needs could continue to be met.        

While the name didn't change much, the address of B&B did. Emerick/Robinson took the opportunity to move locations to 237 E. Delmar (next to Alton Target). And, as their new name suggests: B&B Custom Gifts and Apparel, they've added another focus to the already broad array of products they offer. In addition to custom embroidery, screen printing, transfers, and all types of signage, they also offer custom gifts for any occasion and added engraving and canvas photo print to their robust portfolio.        Emerick/Robinson wants to continue the relationships that B&B has built in the community and that includes the RBGA. They hope to build a strong network with the business community and continue the partnership in serving the Riverbend community.