Carson's Offically Opens New Prototype Store in Evergreen Park

EVERGREEN PARK, IL -- Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. is readying the new Carson’s store for it’s grand opening in Evergreen Park on Sept. 14. The store opening marks the first stage of redevelopment for the old Evergreen Plaza, re-christened Evergreen Park Marketplace.

A ribbon-cutting is set for 7:45 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14, with remarks from company executives and Evergreen Park Mayor Jim Sexton. The Evergreen Park High School marching band will kick off the ribbon-cutting festivities. The public is invited and the first 250 customers in the store will receive a free gift card valued between $10 and $500.

Until then, Carson’s is holding a furniture clearance sale through next Tuesday, Sept. 13, at its existing location, which remained open throughout construction of the new space. The new 119,000-square-foot Carson’s building has been relocated across the parking lot and will be the first store to open in the new Evergreen Park Marketplace.

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Carson’s has been part of the Evergreen Park community since it opened in 1963 at the storied Evergreen Plaza. One element that won’t be missing in the new store is the hometown shopping experience that loyal customers came to expect from the old Evergreen Plaza store, according to Kathryn Bufano, president and CEO of the Milwaukee-based Bon-Ton Stores, Inc..

“Carson’s has been in this community for over 50 years and we are delighted to be opening the company’s new prototype store for our Evergreen Park customers to enjoy,” Bufano said in a news release. “We want to be the best hometown department store, for the family, for the home, for generations by creating an exceptional shopping experience.”

During the grand opening on Sept. 14, experts will be available for complimentary consultations and make up lessons from Fashion Fair, Clinique, Estee Lauder, Lancome and Elizabeth Arden.

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The new store has a whole slate of special events planned throughout the week tailored for all ages, including cosmetics demonstrations, a fall fashion and trend show, Effy fine jewelry trunk show, kids face painting, Ugg boot customization, along with a special appearance by men’s suit designer, Nick Graham. Fashion celebrity and Chicago native, Giuliana Rancic, will also be putting in an appearance in Carson’s new Celebrity Fragrance shop. Customers will be able to register for a chance to win over $4,000 in prizes.

Carson’s is marking the Evergreen Park location’s grand opening with the company’s Goodwill Sale, the largest, longest-standing donation drive supporting Goodwill. Customers are encouraged to bring gently-used apparel donations to the store on Wednesday, September 14 through Saturday, October 1 to support Goodwill’s mission of providing job services and training in the community.

For every item donated, customers will receive coupons for up to 25-percent off apparel, 20-percent off shoes, handbags and accessories and 15-percent off cosmetics, fragrances and home store merchandise.

What to Expect

The new Carson’s is unique to any other store in the company reflected in the store’s prototype design. The exterior touts a clean modern aesthetic. Shoppers can anticipate large open windows allowing natural light to pour into the store and providing a more welcoming entrance for customers. The architecture is framed with Carson’s signature red band.

The interior of the store offers customers a bright, modern store environment with a neutral color pallet of soft whites and tonal grays complemented by off-white merchandise fixtures with shiny chrome detailing that showcase the merchandise. Fitting rooms are spacious and anchored with a comfortable living room setting with leather chairs and local photography.

The new Carson’s also showcases an updated merchandise assortment, including new brands, trendy styles, and the addition of Big and Tall for men and Young Contemporary plus sizes for women. New apparel brands include Marc New York, Lauren Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger, Jessica Simpson, Calvin Klein, Guess, Democracy, Hippie Laundry, Nine West Jeans, Under Armor, Polo Ralph Lauren, Nautica, Buffalo Jeans, Kenneth Cole, Nick Graham and more.

An updated shoe department offers comfortable seating and one of the best shoe selections in the area, including such designer brands as Vince Camuto, G by Guess, Jessica Simpson, J Renee, Ugg, Nina, BCBGeneration, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Stacy Adams and Polo Ralph Lauren.

The newly redesigned cosmetics and fragrance department has been updated with an open concept, including treatment consultation stations where customers to relax and interact with the store’s beauty professionals.

The new Carson’s store is located at 9500 S. Western Ave., Evergreen Park (95th Street and Western Avenue). Redevelopment of the former plaza is expected to follow quickly, with 30 to 40 new stores planned for expansive site.

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