Yorktown Lands' End store opening with charity event

Lands' End is going back to its roots, albeit with a distinctly female twist.

The retailer specializing in casual clothing, luggage and home furnishings, now based out of Dodgeville, Wis. but founded in 1963 in Chicago, is opening a stand-alone store next week in Yorktown Center in Lombard.

It is the company's first stand-alone store in a mall, with a format catering exclusively to women's apparel and accessories. Located on the second floor of the JCPenney wing, the 5,000-square-foot store will open at 10 a.m. Nov. 15.

Some proceeds from its grand opening will go toward the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry.

“What's great about the stand-alone is it will offer very personalized customer service,” said Michele Casper, senior director of public relations. “The previous Lands' End Inlet store we had at Yorktown had kind of an assortment of merchandise. This shop will have a focus on women.”

With more than 300 stores across the country, Lands' End already has a presence in the area. In addition to a Land's End Inlet store at Yorktown, which will be closing Nov. 14, the company has a store inside Sears at Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook.

Casper said the new Yorktown store will feature women's apparel for petite, regular and plus sizes. It also will include a full range of footwear, jewelry, the company's canvas tote and holiday gift items such as its peppermint crunch cookies and toffee.

“Our customers will have the experience of walking in and seeing what's brand new, and having a really strong shopping experience,” Casper said. “We know this is a great market. They love our quality, and love our service. This was a win/win opportunity.”

As part of its grand opening at Yorktown, Lands' End is sponsoring a charity shopping event.

For each sale at Lands' End Yorktown from 6 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 15, the store will donate $50 to the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry for a Thanksgiving food box meal. The goal is to raise money to feed 100 families.

“We try to make sure when we are in local markets that we can do things to help the community,” Casper said. “The timing of the meal is important. This is a great opportunity for us to partner with them.”