New South Barrington mall still plans September opening

A rainy spring and a slowing economy has only slightly dampened plans for the area's newest shopping center.

The Arboretum of South Barrington, near routes 59 and 72, is moving ahead to open on the weekend of Sept. 12.

While the stores are under construction at the upscale center, The Jaffe Cos., owner and developer of the project, is placing a heavy focus on landscaping for the project. A handful of area nurseries are supplying a total of 2,700 trees and 30,000 shrubs, perennials and grasses at the 86-acre center with a price tag of about $200 million.

"The economy is strained, but we didn't cut a dime out of the landscaping budget," said Mike Jaffe, president of Jaffe Cos. in Northbrook.

Landscapers attempted to incorporate the history of the area into the design. The Arboretum occupies a portion of a 610-acre site that once belonged to Klehm's Nursery. In the late 1990s, the Klehms sold the tract to a residential development called The Woods of South Barrington. A portion was designated for commercial use and in 2006, plans for The Arboretum of South Barrington were announced, paying homage to its roots.

"The landscaping will really make the place stand out, with counts and mixes that are designed to give interest throughout the year. We are also trying to incorporate The Arboretum's nursery history in the design of the entire site," said Lee Keenan, landscape contractor for the project.

As the planting process kicks off, contractors continue construction. The first phase of the outdoor mall, known as a lifestyle center, is about 80 percent occupied. By the end of the year about 40 stores and restaurants will be open for business.

Many of the stores will be ready for the grand opening set for the weekend of Sept. 26. The latest retailers to sign leases include Anna Shea Chocolates, Francesca's Collections and Sur La Table.

A key component of this type of shopping center is to offer a selection of stores not found at traditional malls. For instance, Anna Shea Chocolates, a chocolate lounge and wine bar, is making South Barrington its first home in the Midwest. Sur La Table will open its fourth Illinois location at the new center.

Jaffe believes the overall project coupled with the demographics of the Barrington area are attracting tenants.

Retail experts agree this isn't the prime time to launch something of this magnitude.

"It's not the optimal time to be opening a shopping center, but the location is good," said Will Ander, senior partner at Chicago-based McMillan Doolittle retail consultancy.

It's a tough time in retail, Ander said. "We're at the verge of recession. It looks like things are bottoming out," he said.

Family incomes are shifting more to gasoline and food. As a result, retailers at the new mall may see lower sales than they originally anticipated, Ander anticipated.

But when the mall was planned several years ago, spending was strong.

"The economy is now in a lull, but who can predict that," Ander said.

Used book fans: The Little City Used Book Sale is set to take place June 6 through June 15 at Westfield Old Orchard in Skokie.

Tents filled with hundreds of tables stacked with more than 125,000 books will line the west parking lot by Lawler Avenue.

Change your mind: Because of increasing prices of gas and groceries, consumers are altering their plans on how to spend their tax rebate checks.

Shoppers plan to spend more of their checks on necessities such as gas and food rather than on discretionary items, like electronics and apparel, according to a National Retail Federation survey.

Shoppers have changed their spending plans since February.

In February, 4 million people said they plan to use their check to purchase furniture. Three months later, only 2.7 million people still have furniture on their list. About 3.2 million people said they planned to buy a vehicle in February. That number has now dipped to 2.4 million.

Many retailers have already announced creative promotions to give customers an extra incentive to shop with them.

According to the survey, women are more likely to spend or save portions of their check, while men are more likely to pay down debt.

Sale dates: Nordstrom is preparing for its half-yearly sale for women and kids.

Shoppers can expect to find 40 percent off or more at the 6-day sale that starts Wednesday.

If you're planning ahead, here are some key dates:

• The half-yearly sale for men begins June 13.

• The store's biggest sale of the year, the anniversary sale runs July 18 to Aug. 3.