Business & Tech
No More Spirit Halloween, Old Toys R Us Gains New Tenant
The old Toys R Us storefront was considered the biggest Spirit Halloween store in the region, a store manager told Joliet Patch in 2018.
JOLIET, IL — It's been five years since the Joliet Toys R Us store went out of business near the Louis Joliet Mall, and now there's going to be a permanent tenant taking over a large portion of the property.
City of Joliet Economic Development Director Cesar Suarez told Joliet Patch during Tuesday's interview that Planet Fitness will be moving into the Toys R Us, leaving its location next to the Bed, Bath & Beyond storefront at the nearby Louis Joliet Pointe shopping center.
Suarez said it's his understanding the Planet Fitness could open inside the former Toys R Us store aroond September.
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"They were looking for a bigger location," Suarez said.
There are two Planet Fitness locations in Joliet. The other opened last year next to the new Tony's Fresh Market grocery store at Jefferson Street and Larkin Avenue, the former Kmart store.
Find out what's happening in Jolietfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
In addition to Planet Fitness, there will be a second business that will also use the Toys R Us property, according to Suarez.
However, Suarez said it remains unknown just what type of business will occupy the other portion of the subdivided Toys R Us store.
"The other tenant, I'm not really aware of at this time," Suarez told Joliet Patch on Tuesday morning.
With the addition of the Planet Fitness, Suarez said the Toys R Us location would be ideal for a nutrition store or a cafe-health restaurant.
As for Planet Fitness, its move away from Plainfield Road will obviously create another vacancy there, however, Suarez is optimistic the property will be filled quickly.
He pointed out that Grand Appliance announced plans in June to fill the vacancy at 2731 Plainfield Road. The new Grand Appliance is occupying the former location of Famous Footwear. The new Grand Appliance will be near the Louis Joliet Mall property and next to Five Below.
"I'm so glad to see the Toys R Us become a Planet Fitness, but it does leave a vacancy," Suarez said. "That's a high visible, high traffic area. It seems those vacancies are short-lived."
Related Joliet Patch coverage:
Joliet Toys R Us Now Spirit Halloween Seasonal Store
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