Rainbow takes over former Fashion Bugs

Rainbow has replaced Fashion Bug stores in Bridgeview and Orland Hills.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

The Fashion Bug stores at 9295 W. 159th St. in Orland Hills’ Orland Towne Center and 8735 S. Harlem Ave. in Bridgeview’s Southfield Plaza didn’t stay vacant very long.

Those locations, and another in Merrillville, Ind., were quickly snapped up by Rainbow Shops, a Brooklyn-based retailer that saw an opportunity to expand and seized it.

“When we saw Fashion Bug was going out of business, we entered into a deal to pick up about 100 of its unexpired leases,” said Adin Goldberg, senior vice president and chief human resources officer. ‘Separately, we worked with landlords to acquire another 20 to 25 sites that no longer had leases.”

“We looked at it as an opportunity to expand,” Goldberg said. “It was a good opportunity for us.”

Rainbow even worked with Fashion Bug to retain as many employees as they could in the new stores.

Goldberg said the former Fashion Bugs tend to be larger than usual Rainbow stores and employ eight to 13 associates either full-time or part-time.

He said the new stores also carry a wider selection of Rainbow offerings including junior and plus sizes, children’s apparel and shoes.

Rainbow Shops were founded in 1935 and with the current expansion now have 1,150 stores nationwide and in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

Blockbuster closing in Evergreen

The downsizing of Blockbuster continues with the closing of the Evergreen Park location at 2650 W. 95th St. A going out of business sale is in progress until April 21 or sooner, if the inventory runs out. For information, call the store at 708-423-0022.

Bayberry Pantry closed again in Tinley

Bayberry Pantry, 8004 W. 171st St. in Tinley Park, is closed again. The convenience store had reopened in Bayberry Plaza in August 2011 after being closed.

Clark station closed in Orland

The Clark gas station at 14800 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park is closed and the property has been fenced off.

If you see a new business in town or wonder what happened to an old favorite, drop me a line at bobbong@hotmail.com.
 
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