GapKids coming to Algonquin Commons

Trendy moms in and around Algonquin this week will have a new destination when it comes to snagging the latest fashions for their children.

GapKids is setting up shop at the Algonquin Commons lifestyle center and it will occupy the rear portion of the mall's existing Gap store.

Right now, combination BabyGap/GapKids stores are in place in Geneva and Schaumburg, while the Deer Park store offers clothing for adults, children and babies.

A Gap representative said it was Algonquin's upscale demographics that attracted them to the village with this venture.

That was the same reason Gap relocated to Algonquin Commons when it opened in 2005 - it previously was at Spring Hill Mall in West Dundee.

As well, Spring Hill's joint BabyGap and GapKids store closed its doors in 2007.

Algonquin's newly reconfigured store opens at 10 a.m. Thursday.

"We're always looking for better ways to serve our customers and we felt it would be a great market to add kids to our existing adult store," said Gap spokeswoman Kim Terry. "We're really excited to be bringing Kids to Algonquin Commons and being able to better serve our customers there."

GapKids offers clothes, shoes and accessories for boys and girls.

It was slated to open Monday, but officials pushed it back because the children's merchandise had not yet arrived, Terry said.

Meanwhile, Village Manager William Ganek says the move proves Algonquin is a desirable place to do business.

"I think that's all positive," Ganek said. "It shows that Algonquin still has the market, even in these tough times, and that businesses are willing to locate here."