Sid’s Greenhouses to Close Retail Garden Centers

Sid's Greenhouse, which has been a Palos Hills fixture on Southwest Highway for 50 years, announced Tuesday that economic ills are forcing the company to close its retail nurseries and garden centers.

Company president Philip Schaafsma Sr. said in an announcement on the company's website:

“It is with a great deal of emotion that I must tell you that Bill (his brother William) and I have been forced to close the stores.

Lagging sales over the last several years along with declining property values on which our loans and credit lines are based are among the factors leading to this difficult decision.

"We thank all of our employees and customers for the wonderful memories associated with our stores, and wish all of our employees the best as they seek new opportunities in the coming weeks.”

The closings will affect about 110 full and part-time workers, including many who have worked there for 20 years or more. The Bolingbrook location will also be closed.

Sid’s will begin a total inventory liquidation store-closing event this week at their stores. Discounts will range from 30-50 percent off regular prices, with some items discounted more.

Sid’s “reward bucks” promotion, which started Monday, has been modified — customers can still use them for up to 50 percent of their purchase based on Sid’s regular prices. Customers may pay with cash, check, and bankcards, as well as Sid’s gift cards and certificates; store charges will not be accepted.

Sid’s was founded in 1961 by Sierd “Sid” and Bernice Schaafsma as a fresh fruit and vegetable stand in the front yard of the family home on Southwest Highway, which is now part of the Palos Hills site.

Over the years, greenhouses, a garden center, floral shop, nursery and landscaping business were added, along with a second location in Bolingbrook.