Fitwell Fashions Closes In Downtown Joliet

JOLIET, IL — Fitwell Fashions clothing store has been a part of downtown Joliet for several decades, but that tradition appears to be ending. The store windows for Fitwell's, 160 N. Chicago St., inform downtown pedestrians of "Closing Sale."

Jae, one of the owners, told Joliet Patch that his business closed at 6 p.m. Monday, June 29. He has owned Fitwell's the past 13 years, he said.

Jae told Patch that he decided to retire rather than keep the business going. Fitwell's had been closed to walk-in customers for several weeks during the new coronavirus pandemic. Jae told Patch that he reopened the store in June, but business was down.

Fitwell's was known for its shoes, slacks, suits and dress hats. The store also sold belts and jackets.

Building owner Mike Petry told Patch that Fitwell's has been a part of downtown Joliet for several decades. Prior to 2007, it had been operated by different ownership.

Petry told Joliet Patch that Fitwell's is now available for lease. The rent is $2,000 per month for 3,800-square-feet of building space, he added.

Petry said that Jae was an excellent tenant, and he had a great retail store.

"Jae just wanted to retire," Petry said.

If someone in the Joliet community wanted to step forward in an effort to keep the Fitwell's clothing store going, that could probably happen, Petry said.

According to the For Lease sign in the window, the Fitwell's property is available through real estate agent Mark E. Koenig of The Koenig Group. Koenig can be reached by phone at 815-546-1679. His email is mark@markekoenig.com.