RoomPlace opens store in Chicago suburb

Replaces older store, which becomes outlet center

Clint Engel -- Furniture Today, July 1, 2009

LOMBARD, Ill. — The RoomPlace is opening a 27,000-square-foot showroom in the Chicago suburb of Hillside, replacing an older store that was converted to an outlet center.

The store, on Mannheim Road in Hillside Town Center Shopping Plaza, will soft-open Thursday and have a grand opening July 17.

It features a new design with "a fresh contemporary look and unique architecture that allows for an enhanced shopping experience," the Top 100 company said. RoomPlace has added new paint colors, ceiling treatments and more hardwood surfaces to the design.

"The updated design and layout will make the shopping experience easier and more enjoyable for our customers," said Bruce Berman, president and CEO of the Lombard, Ill,-based chain. RoomPlace has 24 stores, including two outlet centers.

The store also includes a new bedding gallery, called The MattressPlace, which was introduced earlier this year at the retailer's Cicero Avenue store in Chicago. Its design features a more private shopping experience for consumers to test bedding, with a spa-like feel and product displayed by comfort level.

RoomStore has another new store planned for Avon, Ind., later this summer - its third Indianapolis-area store - and also plans to expand The MattressPlace concept with freestanding bedding stores, though it hasn't said when.