J.Crew, Don's cause retail changes in Lake Forest
By: John TerMaat, Proof Editor
Issue date: 4/24/08 Section: News
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The location, part of the Market Square shopping center in downtown Lake Forest, has been vacant since Macy's closed its doors in Feb. The store, which was originally a Marshall Field's, ran into problems during a rocky transition to a Macy's in 2006, according to a report by Crain's Chicago Business in March.
"A J. Crew store in Market Square will be a welcome addition to our business district for both students and residents alike," said Joanna Rolek, who serves as Executive Director of the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce.
Rolek is optimistic about the addition to the downtown scene. She also emphasized the cross-generational appeal of the store and its allure for both male and female shoppers, adding, "Its broad appeal, reputation and the national chain's marketing support will also infuse the Square with new shoppers who might prefer to shop in a community setting rather than the nearest mall location in Northbrook."
The shopping center is owned by Shawgate Partners, a local real-estate firm based in Lake Forest that is affiliated with the Chicago firm Broadacre Management Company. Although Shawgate has submitted an interior construction permit application to the city according to Crain's, representatives from Broadacre declined to comment until the lease is signed by J. Crew.
Don's Finest Foods closes
Local supermarket Don's Finest Foods closed in Feb. when its owner fell behind on bank loan payments, according to a report in the Chicago Tribune. The Tribune reported that more than 60 employees of the store lost their jobs.
The store, located on Western Avenue in downtown Lake Forest, had many devoted customers in the community. But its expensive specialty merchandise aimed for an upscale clientele and limited the attraction for students.
Senior Karen Cone recalled once browsing Don's for popcorn but chose to keep shopping when she saw the price tag. "It's expensive," she explained, adding that she hasn't shopped there since.
For others, the store offered an alternative selection when chain supermarkets weren't enough. "It was more expensive than Jewel, but if I was looking for a more specialty item I would go there," said senior Nick Primrose of Don's. Still, Primrose acknowledged he won't miss the store now that it's gone. "I didn't go there on a weekly basis. I do most of my weekly shopping at Jewel."
Although the owners still are negotiating loans with Northern Trust Bank, Joanna Rolek says the owners still hope to reopen the store. "There is a large support group of former customers and local citizens who are hoping that they will [reopen]."
To unify their support, members of the community created "supportdons.com," a website devoted to raising funds for reopening Don's and sharing community feedback on the closing.
Many supporters share the sentiment that Don's has become an integral part of the town's history.
"[Don's] seems to be as much a part of Lake forest as the Train Station, the Lantern, or West Park," one person commented in a supportive email posted on the website.
The same supporter observed that Don's "helps to define our community as a caring neighborhood where each [customer] is valued and treated as a special friend," and pointed out that Don's has historically donated to local charitable organizations in need.
Don's also has sympathizers among College students, even when they may not have frequented it. "I think it's too bad that it closed," Primrose said. "It was a local store, and now we just have one chain grocery store."
"I'd always wanted to check it out until it closed," said junior Natalie Molina. "It will remain a mystery to me."
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
DZ
posted 4/25/08 @ 8:45 PM CST
Why would any community try to "save" a store that has closed because of the owners poor business decisions? They defaulted on their loan from 10 years ago! Trust me the owners are not in dire straits! They paid themselves first, the bank second. (Continued…)
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