Big Lots to open store in C’ville
By Erin Sauder For The Courier-News October 25, 2012 2:16PM
Updated: November 27, 2012 10:54AM
CARPENTERSVILLE — The building on Route 31 in Carpentersville that previously hosted a Circuit City electronics store will now be home to a closeout retail chain.
Big Lots is expected to open at 200 S. Western Ave. in November. The store will be stocked with merchandise that typically sells for 20 to 40 percent less than discount stores and up to 70 percent below traditional retailers, said Toni Fink, Big Lots spokeswoman.
The department store is not the only retail chain making its way into the village. Carpentersville officials recently learned Wal-Mart will relocate from East Dundee to Carpentersville, with a tentative opening of spring 2014.
Assistant Village Manager Joe Wade said it’s an exciting time for the village.
“It’s getting better and we’re hopeful, but there’s still a ways to go and a surplus of retail space” in Carpentersville, he said. “When a store like a Circuit City or a Borders goes out of business in a municipality, they leave in their wake vacant spaces.”
Last fall, the village saw the closing of a Dominick’s food store on Randall Road. And a Dollar General store, which had been in the same strip mall on Route 31 near Huntley Road that Big Lots is moving into, recently closed.
“There is always turnover within a municipality’s retail base,” Wade said. “Even in the best economic times, or worst economic times, there’s always a cycle of turnover.”
Other new business openings in Carpentersville include Amor Caliente, a lingerie and adult toys store on Besinger Drive; Ali Baba Grill on Binnie Road; and two tattoo shops on Route 31.
Big Lots has scheduled a grand opening ceremony at 8:45 a.m. Friday, Nov. 16. Fink said the ribbon cutting will include a $2,500 donation to Parkview Elementary School in Carpentersville.
