Cost Plus World Market to reopen in Hoffman Estates

If all goes well, Cost Plus World Market could reopen its Hoffman Estates' store by Halloween.

Representatives for the chain dropped by Hoffman Estates village hall to pick up a liquor license application, Mayor William McLeod said. They'll appear Tuesday, July 6 before the liquor commission for a hearing, he added.

McLeod touted the application as a positive sign for the village which is struggling, like many other municipalities, to fill big-box vacancies during the recession.

"It's nice to get them back," McLeod said Tuesday. "It's a great, great business. Hopefully, it will be a sign of good things."

Known as a quirky chain good to pick up anything from imported chocolate to a wicker chair, the Hoffman Estates' branch at 2780 N. Sutton Road closed in February 2009, when the chain shuttered 26 stores across the country and left eight market areas.

The Schaumburg store at 1055 E. Golf Road closed in spring of 2008, and is now occupied by Hobby Lobby.

However, the Hoffman Estates storefront has stayed vacant inside the Poplar Creek Crossing strip mall.

A spokeswoman for Cost Plus World Market declined to confirm the Hoffman Estates store reopening Tuesday.

The chain started in the late 1950s in San Francisco and sells furniture, food, wine and other gifts. It now has more than 260 stores across the U.S.

In other Hoffman Estates business news, McLeod said the Bob Rohrman Used Car Superstore at 155 W. Higgins Road will receive a boost. While the dealership focused on selling used cars, starting on Thursday it will also sell new Kias.