Elgin Wal-Mart won't open this year, but work is progressing

You might not see anything happening at the corner of Randall and Bowes roads in Elgin.

But behind the scenes, Elgin officials and Wal-Mart representatives still are working on bringing the new super center to the Randall Road corridor.

Originally, the store was scheduled to be open by now, but still no construction is happening on site.

There has been delay after delay, with Wal-Mart officials first needing to work out plans for the busy intersection with the county's transportation department.

Once again, many of you have been calling and e-mailing wondering what's happening and if the project is still even going forward.

Especially with the warmer weather - you want to know why nothing is happening at the site.

Ray Moller, director of economic development for the city of Elgin, said city officials still are working with Wal-Mart officials on finalizing the project.

They've looked at preliminary plans and are waiting to see the final plans, Moller said.

"They continue to talk to us," Moller said. "They're making changes to the exterior of the building.

"We're trying to schedule a meeting soon to go over some of the issues."

Moller said he expects that meeting to happen within a couple of weeks.

Once the plans are finalized, Wal-Mart is expected to proceed with building the project, Moller said.

Moller said the project will take about 12 months to build from the day Wal-Mart begins construction.

So, for those of you out there counting, you won't see the store open any time in 2009.

It looks a little better for a 2010 opening.

"We're eager to see this through," Moller said.

Win a shopping spree: Geneva Commons is giving away a $250 shopping spree to the outdoor mall, along the Randall Road corridor.

To win, you'll need to head to the mall office, located near H & M, by Friday and fill out an entry form.

One winner only will be chosen on Sunday, May 10 through a random drawing.

If you're the lucky winner, you'll be notified by phone.

The winner will receive a $250 gift card, which you can use at any of the businesses throughout the mall.

If you're looking to purchase a gift card in case you don't win, you can do that at the mall offices at both Geneva Commons and Algonquin Commons.

Give some, get some: J. Jill stores along Randall Road in both Algonquin Commons and Geneva Commons are accepting your gently worn J. Jill items.

All of the donations you bring in, will be given to a local charity that helps women in need.

For each J. Jill item you donate, you will receive something in return.

You will get 10 percent off a new item for each piece you donate for this charity event.

In Illinois, the event is helping to support the organizations The Enterprising Kitchen in Chicago and Housing Opportunities for Women, also in Chicago.

For information, visit your local store or call the Geneva store at (630) 262-9203 or the Algonquin store at (847) 854-4555.

• Amy Williams' column covers all the news of business along the Randall Road corridor from Batavia to Crystal Lake. Contact her at randallbiz@comcast.net or (847) 894-5036.