H&M to Open in Joliet Mall; Sports Authority Joins Fresh Thyme

An H&M clothing store will open later this year at the Louis Joliet Mall, Mayor Tom Giarrante announced last week.

The Swedish fashion retailer, which sells clothes for men, women, teens and children, is the second largest clothing store in the world and has locations in 53 countries, Giarrante said.

The Joliet location will be 23,000 square feet, according to the mayor, who said the average size for non-anchor stores at the mall is 3,000 to 4,000 square feet.

“They are expected to open just prior to Thanksgiving. My wife Rose is excited about it, so I know where she’ll be on Black Friday,” Giarrante said on Facebook.

Meanwhile, Sports Authority will join new grocery store Fresh Thyme in the former MyGofer location at 2700 Plainfield Rd. The grocer could open by early 2015.

The sporting goods store will be close to 50,000 square feet, according to Giarrante.