Comings and Goings: Badlands Closes; Goldfish Swim School Coming Soon, Downsize Fitness Open

Badlands Outfitters Closes

After six years in business, Badlands Outfitters has shuttered its doors. The outdoor clothing and gear store was located at 24 W. Gartner Road. Owners Eric and Lori Torcasio both had extensive experience in the retail industry.

On June 19, the owners announced on Facebook and through e-mails that they would be closing the store and were selling everything in stock. Then on June 25, an announcement was made on Facebook that the store was closed.

In the Facebook announcement the owners said: “We are now officially closed! Thank you Naperville for 6 great years! It's been a fun ride...we love you! Keep playing outside and keep shopping local! We'll see you around town!”

Goldfish Swim School Opening Soon

A new swim school will open in August in Naperville. Goldfish Swim School plans to open in August at 1688 Quincy Ave.

The company was founded in 2006 by husband and wife team, Jenny and Chris McCuiston, Goldfish Swim School provides swim lessons and water safety instruction to infants and children ages four months to 12 years.

“We wanted to open a swim school where children would not only feel comfortable, but would be genuinely excited to come and learn how to swim,” Chris McCuiston said in a news release. “Our facilities offer a bright, welcoming environment where young swimmers can have fun and learn at their own pace.”

The company now has 13 locations in the midwest with plans to open additional locations in 2013-14, according to the company. Locally, there are also locations in Chicago and St. Charles.

The Naperville location is owned by Randall Barba and Chris Cukrowski, according to the company.

In March, it was announced that the company had purchased the 20,000 square-foot warehouse for $1,595,000. According to Goldfish Swim School, the company’s typical investment in a community is $1.2 million and the swim schools create up to 60 new jobs.

Goldfish Swim School keeps its pools set at 90 degrees to offer an inviting swim environment for its students, according to the Goldfish Swim School website. The swim school offers classes to children of all ages and abilities.

Goldfish Swim School is located at 1688 Quincy Ave., phone: 630-305-9775. Learn more online. 

Downsize Fitness Opens Gym in Naperville

A gym devoted to helping those who are overweight get into better physical shape is opening July 1 in Naperville.

Downsize Fitness provides exercise facilities and specially trained staff to assist individuals who are at least 50 pounds overweight, according to the company.

The gym is located at 1960 Springbrook Square Dr., Unit 104, in Naperville. It opens July 1.

Downsize Fitness also has locations in Chicago, Dallas and New York City, according to the company.

The Naperville location will have specially designed equipment for larger individuals, the news release said. In addition, the facility offers customized group classes, nutritional coaching and community support.

"Our goal is to help members change their lifestyle," Francis Wisniewski, company owner said in promotional materials. "It's not just about following a diet or working out; it's about teaching members new habits they will embrace in and outside of the gym. Our goal is to give our members a new quality of life and we have the resources and unique trainer support to do that for everyone who walks through our door."

According to Downsize Fitness, the company is modeled after "The Biggest Loser" but  is structured to be more realistic in terms of cost and time.

Downsize Fitness opens July 1 and will be located at 1960 Springbrook Square Dr., Unit 104, Naperville. Community memberships are $59 per month, which includes access to Downsize Fitness’ facility and monthly health assessments. Unlimited memberships are $250 per month. Group classes and group nutrition classes are $19 each. Find out more online.

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