The announced demolition of the interior of Sandburg Mall was a shock to many of the businesses that call the mall home.
Some are looking for new shops, some are calling it a day and some aren’t quite sure.
Gift store Chasin’ Rainbows says they will close completely.
There are some businesses that have said they are potentially looking for a new space but have not finalized anything yet. Some of those include Universal Sporting Goods, American Hands, CA Nails and GNC.
Several corporate chains have left employees guessing as to their future in Galesburg. Among those are Holmes Shoes, Zales and Christopher and Banks.
Hibbett Sports didn’t have a manager available who could comment on their future plans.
Most interestingly perhaps, Bath and Body Works staff says that as of right now, they will stay in their current spot in the mall.
What that means is unclear since a consultant working with the mall’s owner says they are planning on demolishing the mall, other than the three anchor stores.
One mall occupant that has already landed a new spot is Defender’s of Freedom’s Resale Shop, who is moving into the building that once housed Costa Catholic Academy’s elementary grades, near the intersection of Broad Street and Carl Sandburg Drive.
Defender’s of Freedom raises money to fund local veteran’s homes and other veteran assistance services. The move will give their resale shop significantly more space.
Executive Director Bob Spears says the 56,000 sq. ft at the Costa building is nearly five times what they had at the mall.
The moving process has already begun, with 12 trailers hauling items over to the new spot for the past two weeks. DOF’s last day at the Sandburg Mall will be Christmas Eve.
“Then we’ll have Christmas on Sunday, starting Monday we’ll move everything off the sale floor and move it over there,” Spears says.
He says the plan is to be open sometime near the end of January.
Every room will have a different theme like women’s clothing, men’s clothing, furniture, Christmas and things for a man cave.
Also the Veteran’s Affairs Office, currently at the Galesburg Readiness Center on Linwood Road will be moving in with Defender’s of Freedom as well as the Veteran’s Assistance Commission.
Spears says the sign above the door will read “Defender’s of Freedom Veteran’s Center.”
The entire staff at the shop are strictly volunteer but Spears said they are always looking for extra help.
