Naperville Plass Appliances Shuttering its Doors

The appliance retailer, in business since 1938, is set to close its Chicago-area stores in the next month or two, said company President Dale Plass.

Naperville Plass Appliances Shuttering its Doors

The appliance retailer, in business since 1938, is set to close its Chicago-area stores in the next month or two, said company President Dale Plass.

By Mary Ann Lopez Plass Appliances is shuttering its store in Naperville and throughout the Chicago area and plans to focus its energies on a new location it has opened in Florida. Get news in your inbox. Sign up for the Patch newsletter. Like Naperville Patch on Facebook. The appliance store, which opened a showroom in Villa Park 1938, has locations in Naperville, Geneva, Elmhurst, Addison and Northbrook. “We just made a decision that now was a good time to close,” said Dale Plass, company president. The announcement of the closure was made about a month ago, he said, adding he expects the stores to close in the next month or two. The company is advertising special liquidation sales with in-stock merchandise up to 30 percent off.  “We …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (1)

Tim Mitchinson

9:08 am on Sunday, April 14, 2013

I bought my first stereo at Plass when in college (Dale Plass sold it to me). My parents often bought their appliances from Plass when they lived in Elmhurst. It was a quality store with very helpful employees. I am sure it will be missed by many. Best wishes for your new ventures in Florida.   more ›

The Naperville Beat: Weekly Podcast Covers All Things Naperville

Naperville resident chats about local businesses, events and much more in weekly half-hour Internet radio podcast.

Did you know there is an Internet radio podcast specifically for Naperville?  It's called The Naperville Beat, and we definitely recommend that you tune in.  The podcast is hosted by Naperville resident Nick Augustine who is a local freelance writer, broadcaster, publicity and marketing strategist.  Every Friday at noon, Augustine chats about Naperville area businesses, events and society as well as the stories of Naperville neighbors and community leaders.  "There's a very rich history to this town," Augustine said during his Feb. 15 podcast. "My in-laws are Naperville natives and for years I've listened to their stories and now I want to keep going and learn all of your stories and talk about things that matter to people who live and …

• Photos (1)

Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce 'Parts Ways' With CEO

John Schmitt served three years in the leadership role at the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber's Board of Directors voted unanimously Wednesday to release Schmitt.

The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has voted unanimously to release Chamber President and CEO John Schmitt from his duties. Schmitt served in the leadership role for three years.  The board and Schmitt could not come to an agreement on compensation and chose to “part ways,” according to an e-mail sent to Chamber members Thursday morning. The vote was made during a special meeting on Wednesday.  In the e-mail Shane Beard, the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce’s chairman of the board said the Chamber is similar to other businesses that are reviewing the cost of benefits, pension funding and working to balance budgets. He said that though the Chamber is financially stable, it is challenged with budgetary issues and …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (1)

Comings and Goings: Yogen Früz Set to Open in Naperville

The franchise known for its frozen yogurt has signed a lease in Freedom Commons.

A company known for its frozen yogurt will soon be opening a location in Naperville. Yogen Früz announced earlier this week that it has signed a lease agreement to open a shop that will be located in Freedom Commons, on Naperville’s north side near I-88. The company, which started in Toronto, Canada in 1986, offers an extensive menu and flavors, which also includes items for those watching their weight or who want to add a boost of antioxidants, protein or a “slim enhancer,” according to Yogen Früz. Products include frozen yogurt, shakes and smoothies, which according to the company range from an extremely healthy frozen yogurt to decadent, custom blended artisan recipes. One of the fastest growing franchises, Yogen Früz developed a …

• Photos (1)

Visions for Vacancies

Visions for Vacancies: Washington Street

Our series asks readers for ideas, thoughts and opinions on what should fill vacant storefronts in Naperville.

We have a unique Vision for Vacancies this week with the former clothing boutique A La Mode, which just closed on Saturday, April 21.  Earlier: Visions for Vacancies: Borders Books Tucked away in a quaint alley at 236 S. Washington St. Suite 107, A La Mode can be found across from Amber Waves Hair Salon and behind Potbelly. This storefront is hard to spot for those walking along Washington Street, or any other nearby street for that matter. But one positive is the store's close proximity to the Central Parking Facility, which is accessible from both Jefferson Avenue and Chicago Avenue.    With this week's vacancy being "off the beaten path," it's going to take a special type of business or attraction to be successful. We've received some …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (1)

Mary Ann Lopez

11:35 am on Thursday, April 26, 2012

This is a quirky location. I wouldn't mind seeing a store that sells bath products, like special soaps and things like that. Kind of more like a L'Occitane.   more ›

Downtown Naperville Boutique to Close Doors at End of Month

Lillians of Naperville set to close on April 28, but owner will continue fundraising events.

Almost three years to the day she opened Lillians, Ursula Schroeder is closing her doors. The owner of the women’s clothing and accessories boutique - tucked away at 32 W. Chicago Ave. – said she’s closing mainly because she’s ready to start a new chapter in her life. “My lease was up and it just seems like a good time to take a break,” she said. “It’s just time to take a step back.” Schroeder also mentioned the difficulties with running a store on a street known for restaurants rather than shops. Another issue for her and customers was sharing already limited street parking with bars and restaurants such as Features, Frankie’s Blue Room and Jimmy’s Grill. According to her, customers are also worried about the new development located next …

•  3 Comments
• Photos (1)

Visions for Vacancies

Visions for Vacancies: Borders Books

Our series asks readers what should fill vacant storefronts in Naperville.

In this week's Visions for Vacancies we travel to the west portion of Naperville to focus on the former Borders Books, located at 336 S. Route 59.  Earlier: Visions for Vacancies: Jefferson Avenue Early last year Borders Books filed for bankruptcy protection and eventually went out of business permanently. The company closed down all of their 399 locations across the county. This location still remains vacant and is surrounded by Buy Buy Baby as well as a Petco. It has plenty of parking and easy access to Route 59, so what should move in? We've received some great feedback in previous Visions for Vacancies, so keep the ideas flowing. What would you like to see at this Naperville vacancy? Let Patch know! Share your vision for this Route 59 …

• Photos (1)

Visions for Vacancies

Visions for Vacancies: Bally Total Fitness

Share your thoughts and ideas for this vacant storefront in Naperville.

For this week's Vision for Vacancies we're mixing things up and traveling outside of the downtown Naperville area. Near the intersection of West Ogden Avenue and North Aurora Road is the former home of Bally Total Fitness.  Earlier: Visions for Vacancies: Washington Street LA Fitness acquired Bally Total Fitness along with their 171 nationwide locations in November of 2011. The Bally Total Fitness at 1531 North Aurora Rd. now sits vacant as LA Fitness already has a location in Naperville. Businesses neighboring the unoccupied space include a Dominick's, LA Tan and Caribou Coffee. Should another fitness center fill the vacant outlet, or something completely different?  What would you like to see in this Naperville vacancy? Let Patch know! …

•  2 Comments
• Photos (1)