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Major changes greet mall shoppers
Shoppers can expect to see a host of changes during their visit to the mall, all of which are geared toward a modern, clean look. | Provided
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Updated: February 4, 2013 1:16AM
LINCOLNWOOD — A classic small-town shopping mall and a staple in the community since it first opened in 1990, Lincolnwood Town Center has made some major changes over the past year in an effort to adopt a more modern look in time for the holiday shopping season.
Shoppers can expect to see a host of changes during their visit to the mall, all of which are geared toward a modern, clean look and focused on maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere.
The food court has been made over, new stores have been added and the faux palm trees that used to greet shoppers at the main entrance have been removed to create the cleaner look that customers requested, said Nadia Seniuta, director of marketing for Lincolnwood Town Center.
“Our goal is to become more of a community hub, and that’s very important – to be as much of a shopping center as a community center,” Seniuta said. “We’re going to continue to be a valuable part of the community, and part of that means catering to the modern shopper.”
Starting with the mall exterior, shoppers will notice repaved parking lots and cleaned and refinished Pace and CTA bus stops.
Inside, the food court was redesigned with earth-tone colors that have replaced dreary gray and blue-toned walls, in addition to some architectural updates. Bistro-style tables to accommodate 300 people were also added to create a more inviting eating space.
Yogurt and smoothie chain Freshens reopened last month after an extensive two-month remodel. It now offers crepes as part of its menu, and Atlanta-based American Deli will be added to the food court line-up when it opens sometime this winter, Seniuta said.
Among the family-focused additions is a children’s play area added in April, which has digital features including touch screens, keyboards, charging stations for electronic devices, and WiFi hotspots for adults to use while their children play in the traditional soft play area.
The digital-focused play area was a new design concept created by Simon Property Group, the company that owns the Lincolnwood Town Center.
Two new stores have been added to the more than 90 retailers housed in the mall. Seasonal shop ToysRUs Express will be open for the holidays, and Gymboree spin-off store Crazy 8 is set to open this week.
In the lower-level Kohl’s wing, shoppers can enjoy a new larger Victoria’s Secret, which added a new store front for the college-age focused PINK brand connected to its existing lingerie store.
Anchor store Carson’s has made the most comprehensive changes seen throughout the mall, with an expanded shoe department that is twice the size of the original area, the addition of energy-efficient lighting, new larger fitting rooms and electronic kiosks that let customers search for and order items with the touch of a button.
The mall will host “Let’s Move!” Holiday Dance Party with Saint Francis Hospital, from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8 in the center court area.
Performing Arts Limited, a local dance and fitness studio, will have a dance instructor on the stage to lead the group in aerobic exercises and teach fitness techniques to children and adults, and WTMX 101.9 The Mix will provide the music.
