Business Owners Say Low Foot Traffic Causing Them To Flee Glenview Shopping Center
GLENVIEW, Ill. (CBS) -- It was supposed to be the epicenter of Glenview known as The Glen, an ambitious project filled with shopping, housing and entertainment, but some say, it hasn't lived up to expectations. Now there's fear more retailers will leave.
CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker reports some store owners are concerned about the center's future.
Salon owner Pascal has a thriving business in downtown Glencoe. It used to be one of two he owned, but last weekend he closed his salon at The Glen because it lacks one thing: foot traffic.
Pascal moved to The Glen 10 years ago, attracted by its billing as a lifestyle center with 181 rental units, townhouses, restaurants and stores. But now he's among those leaving.
"It was not doing the numbers…so we finally made the decision that it was time to move on," Pascal said.
Salerno's Pizzeria is moving too. Owner Mike Nabat says the center hasn't live up to the hype.
"Last few years it has just gotten worse and worse…not a lot of foot traffic, businesses moving out," Nabat said. "I'm moving to Libertyville."
Store owners blame the lack of foot traffic on the center's location, not close to a major highway. They also criticize new management for a lack of signage and advertisement.
"The foot traffic, it ebbs and flows with the weather," said Glen Town Center Manager Abass Kanji.
Manager Abass Kanji also argues that 37 of the 40 storefronts are occupied, some with national merchants.
"These were all huge drivers of traffic and they've renewed," Kanji said.
The Glen gets mixed reviews from shoppers.
"Especially in the summer there's people always here," said shopper Kaila Delavega.
"I don't come as often as I thought," said Cindy Vanzelst. "There's no stores in there that I am attracted to."
The manager of the center says he is confident they will be able to replace those who are leaving. Those who are staying hope so.
