By Adrienne Fawcett

Sad news in Lake Bluff: The Village Market is closing.

“It’s this new economy; it makes it very challenging,” said proprietor Rob Douglass, who made the announcement on Tuesday. “Since the fall of 2008, spending habits have changed and the store has not been able to adapt. It’s been on life support and we just can’t do it any longer.”

The Village Market is selling its inventory at a 30% discount and will close for good once everything is gone–perhaps as early as Saturday. And then … what’s ahead for the building that has been a general store since it was opened in 1888? Mr. Douglass said he’s had conversations with people who are interested in the space for other uses, but the reality is the store’s future is unknown. Likewise the future of employees Tudy Gallardo, Jennifer Pettit and Sherry Trenchard, old-fashioned shopkeepers who knew many customers by name, coffee preference and whether they liked paying with cash or credit.

“That’s the human side, which obviously we’re concerned about. They’re going to be out of work with this store,” said Mr. Douglass. “Tudy has a full-time job at Jewel, which is good, and we will do what we can to help transition all three of them along.”

Village Administrator Drew Irvin, like many in the community, is taking the news with a lump in his throat. “It’s horrible,” he said. “It’s an institution in our downtown, and we can only hope someone comes in and picks up the pieces and tries again.”

Board of Trustees President Christine Letchinger echoed that statement. “We are grateful for Sue and Rob for their outstanding restoration of the Village Market and we are sad to see it closed. The Market is an intricate part of the fabric of Lake Bluff and we hope to see it reopen soon.”

The Village Market has an exceptionally high emotional quotient among the residents of Lake Bluff–and not just the teens and tweens who stop by the store after school to purchase candy and drinks, and to hang out. People of all ages were thrilled when Mr. Douglass and his wife, Sue, purchased the building at 24 E. Scranton in 2005 and completely renovated it before reopening in July of 2006.

Joanna Rolek, president of the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce, said the Douglasses did more than renovate The Village Market; they brought Lake Bluff back to life.

“To say that that Rob and Sue have been instrumental in the vibrant resurgence of Lake Bluff’s downtown is a tremendous understatement as they have served as catalysts on so many different levels. Alongside our other wonderful merchants, their vision, creative talents, enthusiasm and perseverance have served to transform the energy in the business district. We can only hope that the next owners to pick up the torch will infuse this beloved town landmark with the same exuberance and style that is the now the Douglass legacy,” said Ms. Rolek.

Rob and Sue were the sixth owners of the building. Here’s a brief history of The Village Market from its website:

“The history of the store’s ownership is a short one. Originally, Adolph Rosenthal built the store in 1888. In 1902 Rosenthal’s son-in-law, Charles Helming took over and managed it for the next 45 years. Following Mr. Helming, Bill and Marlene Hanson operated the Village Market for the next 26 years until the store was sold to Marv Hackbarth. Mr. Hackbarth ran the store for 18 years and sold to Augie Aviza in 1991. Local family, Sue and Rob Douglass, bought the building in 2005 and did a complete rehabilitation of the existing structure. Work was completed and the store reopened in July, 2006.” (Visit www.thevillagemarket.net for photos and more information.)

Mr. Douglass said it’s hard to say exactly when the store will close. “It depends on how quickly the shelves are cleared,” he said. “We will maintain regular hours up through Saturday and take a look from there what needs to be done from that point on.”

(PS: If you’re interested in hiring Tudy, Jen and/or Sherry, contact Sue Douglass at suedouglass@mac.com for their info)

By Rob and Sue Douglass, proprietors of The Village Market,

It is with great sadness that we are announcing the closing of The Lake Bluff Village Market effective immediately. The restoration of the Village Market building and the reopening of the Village Market
store has been one of our favorite projects within our own community.

The current economy, the unknowns of the future economy and the shifting buying trends of consumers has been a hardship on the store for the last eighteen months. It is now time for us to bow out with
the knowledge that through it all we gave it our best, we enjoyed what we did, we met some amazing people and have some wonderful memories.

Being a part of the Lake Bluff Merchants has been a great experience as well. Please remember that when you and your family shop, dine or need services to do so here in our great Village of Lake Bluff. The
benefits of having a thriving downtown are contingent upon all of us supporting what we currently have and what is yet to come.

Thank you to all The Village Market friends, neighbors and visitors who have supported us and most importantly to our employees, you have been the best part of it all.