Brenden Moore
The State Journal-Register
Despite a rash of high-profile closings in Springfield’s retail sector over the past few years — part of a larger trend of consumers moving toward online marketplaces like Amazon — there has been a slew of good news for brick-and-mortar in town. Take toys, for instance. While TOYS R US closed its doors a couple of weeks ago, a new independent toy store is slated to open at 3450 Liberty Drive, near Target, this September.
Named LITTLE LINCOLN’S TOY SHOP, the store will feature specialty products from across Illinois and around the world, according to owner Ryan Leake.
Most of Leake’s business will focus on the brick-and-mortar with limited online sales, with the focus being on “experience of going into a toy store.” He said there will be planned activities, playdates and the opportunities for people to host birthday parties at the store.
Like many places in Springfield, the store’s name was inspired by Abraham Lincoln. But, there is a connection: Lincoln would often go to a toy store in Washington with his son Tad, Leake said.
“During the Civil War, it was one of those places he could just go to clear his mind and get all the pressure that was on his shoulders there,” Leake said.
Earlier this past week, it was revealed that MARSHALLS, a discount clothing retailer, signed a lease to become the latest tenant in a new shopping center constructed at Wabash Avenue and Veterans Parkway, on the site of the former KMART.
MARSHALLS’ parent company, TJX COMPANIES, has not officially announced the new store and a company spokeswoman declined to comment on the news. But Springfield Ward 7 Ald. Joe McMenamin, who represents the area, said Marshalls will occupy a space next to Burlington Coat Factory.
The company also owns the TJMAXX and HOME GOODS chains. Springfield already has a TJMaxx in the White Oaks Plaza, and HOME GOODS plans to open on Iles Avenue just west of Veterans on July 22. Construction should begin in the fall or early winter, and the company hopes to open the store in June 2019, he said.
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Joe McMenamin for Ward 7 