Following the opening of Free People in Market Square next Friday, Starbucks and Lululemon will no longer be the only stores in town catering to young adults. With a bohemian style, Free People attracts both teens and older women.
Market Square is one of the first shopping centers that was designed as a unified commercial center in the United States. The center is home to many independent retailers and small boutique stores, many of which attract an older demographic. Junior Ruth Walgreen says that Free People’s opening will help attract more female teenagers to the square. With few nationally recognized clothing stores in Lake Forest, many residents are more inclined to either shop online or travel to other towns.
“I [am] so excited that it [is] opening in town because I don’t have to drive all the way to Old Orchard to shop [now],” Walgreen said.
Walgreen isn’t the only one having this reaction.
“I try to shop locally, but I feel like sometimes it can be hard when there are only a limited number of shops near us, so I was super excited to hear that a store that I love is coming close to us,” junior Mia Morse said.
Recently, some retail spaces in the square have been empty for an extended period of time. Some students say that Free People will attract more visitors from both Lake Forest and neighboring communities.
“I definitely think that Free People is a good addition to Market Square. It will bring more foot traffic just because of the excitement of having a well-known store in town,” junior Morse said.
The retail space that will house Free People has held many businesses over the years, such as Toy Station, Jolly Good Fellows, Sweet Pete’s, and Fill a Heart 4 Kids. Considering the fact that this space has had a relatively fast turnover rate, some people have expressed skepticism about how long Free People will last in the location. However, others argue that, since Free People is so popular, it may not face the same struggles that past independent businesses have experienced. Community member Chris Whidden acknowledged the quick turnover of past businesses in that location but said that brand recognition can help Free People succeed.
“I personally think and hope it does great. I think Free People has been a relevant and super popular store especially for people our age. I’m super excited for it to open and go shop,” junior Madeleine Axus said.
