New Retail Chains Coming to Skokie Blvd.

Two of the largest retail vacancies on Northbrook’s east side will soon be filled, Village President Kathryn Ciesla announced in February. Barnes & Noble is taking over the former Old Navy space at Village Square Shopping Center, while a Fresh Market grocery will move into the former Marshall’s store.

The Fresh Market will be the second food store at Village Square, joining Trader Joe’s. The new store promises an upscale experience; according to the chain’s website, “The Fresh Market is a destination for those looking to discover the best, including convenient, restaurant-quality meals, hand-picked produce, premium baked goods, fresh-cut flowers, custom-cut meats and carefully curated offerings for holidays and special occasions.” Northbrook will be the fifth Illinois location for the chain, which has previously opened on the North Shore in Wilmette and Lake Forest.

Crain’s Chicago Business reported that Barnes & Noble, one of the original book superstores that flourished in the 1990s, will open four locations in the Chicago area this summer including the new Northbrook store. The company currently has over 600 stores around the country. While several local locations were closed in wake of the pandemic, Barnes & Noble has more recently been expanding with new stores featuring a reimagined design and layout, such as the Old Orchard location that opened in 2023.