Apple store coming to Naperville in mid-August

Not even the recession is turning down the volume on the iPod.

Apple plans to open a new store this summer in downtown Naperville.

The company will open a store in mid-August at 120 W. Jefferson in the space most recently occupied by Sharper Image, said Katie Wood, executive director of the Downtown Naperville Alliance.

"We're thrilled to have Apple coming here. It will service a need in the far Western suburbs," Wood said.

Other area Apple stores operate at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, Oakbrook Center, Westfield Old Orchard in Skokie, Deer Park Town Center in Deer Park and on North Michigan Ave. in Chicago.

The maker of iPods and iPhones has been a bright spot in the depressed retail arena. Apple recently announced plans to open 25 stores in 2009. Despite the severe economic downturn that has slashed retail sales, they have not closed any stores.

Apple is traditionally tight-lipped about store openings that have attracted crowds of shoppers on opening day.

"This has been under wraps for a while," Wood said of the downtown deal.

She added that there is a lot of work being done at the new Naperville location. "The store will be dramatic," she said.