A sense of sadness and nostalgia fills the air inside the once bustling Stratford Square Mall in suburban Bloomingdale as the end of an era approaches. After nearly four decades of operation, the mall is set to close its doors at the end of this month.
Stephen Miller, a janitor at the mall for almost 40 years, reminisces about the mall’s glory days. He remembers how the parking lot was always packed during Christmas, and how the mall was filled with a variety of stores that shoppers couldn’t resist. “If I ever wrote a book about working here, no one would believe me. This mall was totally different back then,” Miller says.
Over the years, Miller has witnessed the mall undergo several changes, from new stores opening to renovations and even accidents on the escalator. “I’ve seen fires, store robberies, and other things that I’d like to forget. But I’ve also seen heartwarming moments, like a person buying a puppy from Furry Baby and the joy on the puppy’s face,” he recalls.
Since its opening in 1981, the mall has been a staple in the community, anchored by popular department stores like Sears, Marshall Fields, and Carson Pirie Scott. However, like many malls across the country, Stratford Square has faced challenges in keeping up with the evolving retail landscape. The rise of online shopping and economic changes have taken a toll on the once bustling mall.
“It’s heartbreaking to see the mall go through this. It’s like watching an old friend fade away,” Miller says, with a hint of sadness in his voice. “But I still believe that with some effort, the mall could have been saved.”
Earlier this year, the Village of Bloomingdale acquired the property and consolidated it. The village administrator shared that they are currently working on a redevelopment plan for the property, which includes a mix of restaurants, entertainment venues, housing, and public open spaces.
“This is the wave of the future, and we don’t know for sure what’s coming, but we are hopeful and excited for the possibilities,” says Sandy Hoffman, who spent 15 years working at Marshall Fields before transferring to Woodfield Mall. She now walks around the mall with her friends, reminiscing about the memories and history that the mall holds.
“When Stratford Square opened in 1981, we were thrilled. Our kids would spend the whole day here, and we felt that it was a safe and fun place for them. But now, parents don’t let their kids go to malls anymore,” Hoffman adds, with a tinge of disappointment.
As the remaining stores prepare to close their doors for the last time, Miller continues to work until the very end, ready to close this chapter of his life. He will miss the people he has met and interacted with over the years at the mall.
With just a few days left until the closing date of April 21st, the community is filled with mixed emotions. Some are sad to see the mall go, while others are hopeful for what the future holds for this property. Despite the closure, there is a sense of gratitude for the memories and experiences that Stratford Square Mall has given to its customers and employees over the years.
As we bid farewell to the mall, let us remember the joy and happiness it brought us and anticipate the new and exciting opportunities that lie ahead. Thank you, Stratford Square Mall, for being a significant part of our community for so many years. You will be missed.
