by Skokie, IL — Shoppers at Westfield Old Orchard Mall are in for a nostalgic surprise this holiday season. A beloved retailer from the early 2000s, Abercrombie & Fitch, is making its long-awaited return to the shopping center — just in time for the Thanksgiving weekend rush.
The comeback marks part of a broader retail refresh as the suburban Skokie mall undergoes a major transformation, adding new stores, restaurants, and entertainment options in the coming months.
Abercrombie & Fitch Returns to a Refreshed Space
Once a fixture on the west side of Old Orchard, Abercrombie & Fitch will reopen in a “newly refreshed space”, according to a statement from mall officials. The fashion brand, known for its laid-back American style and loyal following, plans to welcome customers ahead of the Thanksgiving shopping weekend, one of the busiest periods of the year.
“We’re thrilled to bring back a favorite that many of our guests have been asking about for years,” mall representatives said in a release.
New Additions: LEGO Store, Sweetgreen, and More
In addition to Abercrombie’s return, three other major openings are set to debut this winter at Old Orchard.
- A full-service LEGO store and Sweetgreen restaurant are slated to open in early December, giving shoppers both a creative outlet and a healthy dining option.
- Blue Bottle Coffee, the specialty roaster known for its minimalist cafés and high-quality brews, is expected to open by late December.
- Global collectibles retailer POP MART will also launch its first suburban Chicago location at the mall, offering designer toys and pop-culture collectibles.
Holiday Festivities Kick Off Later This Month
Old Orchard will ring in the holidays with a tree lighting ceremony on November 29, featuring live music, ice skating, and fireworks.
Families can visit Santa Claus from November 28 through December 24, and the mall will also host a Menorah lighting each night starting December 14 to celebrate Hanukkah.
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These events are part of a larger effort to make the shopping center a community gathering spot, not just a retail destination.
A Mall in Transformation
The openings come amid Old Orchard’s ongoing redevelopment project, which includes plans to demolish the former Bloomingdale’s building to make way for new stores, restaurants, and residential apartments. The project aims to give the mall a modern, mixed-use identity while maintaining its long-standing appeal to North Shore shoppers.
With its latest mix of familiar favorites and fresh concepts, Old Orchard Mall is positioning itself as one of Illinois’ premier retail and lifestyle hubs — just in time for the holiday season.
What do you think about Abercrombie & Fitch’s return and Old Orchard’s new lineup? Share your thoughts at mikeandjonpodcast.com.
