Store 1003 Vernon Hills is now shuttered. The lights are off, the parking lot empty.
A lot of good people came and went. You were the first job for many a teenager in high school getting ready for college. You were also a high sales store in your heyday, A+ I was told your designation. A training ground for many a manger's career, and the final chance to save one's job. "Store 1003: the store they send managers to die." was your unofficial motto. If you couldn't survive 1003, you wouldn't make it in the company. My fourteen years working there you went through thirteen store managers, including a downgraded district manager. You were tough, but damn you were a great store to work in. You attracted customers as far north as Racine County Wisconsin, west McHenry County and south Cook county. When asking those customers who traveled so far to shop in you why? The consistent answer was always "We love this store and the customer service is great! Everybody is so helpful here". It was a team effort to get those compliments. I will remember you for the good, funny, and educational experiences you provided. Goodbye 1003, you were the best in the district, state, and country.
3 replies (most recent on top)
isn’t that where Darrin ended up? i worked with him in gurnee and kenosha, one shuttered and the other in the process; he was always cool to me, that guy pushed through so much for this cr-p a-s company, i hope he’s doin well
good luck to everyone in the chicago/milwaukee area, there’s pretty much nothing left save for a few chicagoland stores and i think one or two outside of milwaukee, for however much longer they last
Take care. A positive way to close down a store. Best of luck to you.
One of your former managers wanted me to transfer there from 53. Just too long a drive. RIP.