Burlington to open Crystal Lake store at Toys R Us, former Marshall's location

CRYSTAL LAKE – National clothing and home goods retailer Burlington plans to open a 58,411-square-foot store in the Commons of Crystal Lake this fall that could employ up to 100 people.

The Burlington, New Jersey-based company made the announcement Wednesday. The store will be at 6120 Route 14 in Crystal Lake. It will take over the 30,000-square-foot Toys R Us store and the adjacent vacant 28,441-square-foot space that was formerly occupied by Marshalls. Toys R Us plans to close its Crystal Lake store at the end of January when its lease expires.

The new store will bring 50 to 100 new jobs to Crystal Lake when it opens this fall, according to a news release from the company.

"We are thrilled to open a new Burlington in the Crystal Lake community," Tom Kingsbury, chairman and CEO of Burlington Stores, said in the news release.

Crystal Lake officials had been working with Burlington for about a year to find the company a place in the city.

"We're excited for Burlington Coat Factory to join the Crystal Lake business community," Crystal Lake Mayor Aaron Shepley said in a statement. "The city has been working with Burlington Coat Factory for the past year to secure a location in Crystal Lake. The Brixmor Property Group has done an excellent job in working out a long-term deal for Burlington Coat and they have a bright future here in Crystal Lake."

The mayor also praised the efforts of city staff members and hinted at more new businesses coming to the city this year.

"Burlington Coat is one of a number of new retailers that will be joining the Crystal Lake market in 2015," he said in the statement. "The arrival of the Burlington Coat Factory is the result of a conscious effort on the part of the city to develop meaningful relationships in the business community."

Several big-box retailers have left Route 14 in recent years, leaving some large vacancies along the city's main commercial corridor. But the city has worked to bring new businesses to the area and retain existing ones using grants, fee waivers and other incentives. It also has made a push to get residents to shop within the city limits.

A representative from Burlington couldn't be reached for comment Wednesday.

Kristen Moore, a spokeswoman for Brixmor Property Group, confirmed Burlington would be opening in the fourth quarter, but declined to comment on terms of the lease.

Burlington Stores Inc., a publicly traded company, typically looks for store locations with 50,000 to 65,000 square feet of space with 10-year leases with four- to five-year options in markets with more than 200,000 people in the trade area and populations with "Middle America incomes," according to its website.

Burlington stores have departments including ladies' dresses, suits, sportswear, juniors, accessories, menswear, family footwear and children's clothing. Stores also sell baby accessories at Baby Depot, home decor and gifts.

Burlington calls itself "a national off-price retailer offering style for less with up to 65 percent off department store prices."

Burlington has 543 stores in 44 states and Puerto Rico, according to its website. The Crystal Lake location will be one of 30 stores in Illinois.