As small business owners in Wicker Park, we're very sorry to report the Staples at 1300 N. Ashland Avenue is closing this Saturday May 3rd. They've been the perfect place to go when you run out of ink or printer paper at just the wrong time.
Staples announced earlier this year that 225 stores would be closing nationally so the office supply retailer could focus more of their business online. However, this is not the only reason the Wicker Park location is closing. Staples representatives stated the increasing rents in this shopping center were another reason they have decided to close this location.
Because Staples has a number of retail stores in the area (including 2484 N. Elston and 4610 N. Clark), they just aren't willing to pay the increase in rent stated one of their managers.
Last year we reported Centrum Partners LLC had purchased the shopping center at 1272 N. Milwaukee Avenue (including Jewel, K-Mart, Stapes, The Vitamin Shoppe and now Potbelly's). Following the renovation being done this year, businesses have opted to leave that location versus paying the higher rents now expected by Centrum Partners.
Staples is joining Blockbuster and Oberweis who left the shopping center earlier this year. There is no official word on who will be moving into this location.
Wicker Wire- July 30, 2013