RETAIL DEVELOPMENT | Wayfair Marks One of Its Initial Flagship Locations in Wilmette, Illinois

Village of Wilmette Announces Wayfair Store Coming to Edens Plaza

WILMETTE, IL–In a strategic move to tap into the physical retail space, online furniture giant Wayfair is set to open its first large format store in Wilmette this May. This initiative marks a significant shift for the company, filling over 150,000 square feet of vacant space at Edens Plaza left dormant since Carson Pirie Scott's closure in 2018.

The move is part of a collaborative effort between Edens Plaza owner WS Development and the city of Wilmette aimed at revitalizing the local strip mall. Wayfair's upcoming store will offer a wide range of furniture, decor, home improvement items, and engaging interactive features, setting itself apart as a destination for home enthusiasts.

Notably, Wayfair's expansion includes plans for an in-store restaurant, mirroring successful models like Ikea. As the umbrella company for renowned home decor brands such as All Modern, Perigold, and Birch Lane, Wayfair boasts a substantial track record, generating $12 billion in revenue last year.

While the Boston-based company recently underwent layoffs due to over-hiring in response to the online shopping surge of 2020, the forthcoming Wilmette store is projected to generate around 200 new job opportunities, further solidifying Wayfair's presence in both the digital and physical retail landscapes.

Photos: Wayfair