I'm so saddened to see how dead Stratford Square has become. I have been coming here ever since it opened in 1981. I have so many memories of this place. I remember buying videos at Suncoast Video, getting pictures done at Glamour Shots and buying my wardrobe at New York and Company. I saw so many movies here. It used to be so busy and full of life. Praying the Village of Bloomingdale will save this mall!!
Wow! Glamour Shots!? We got stuff done at Woodfield (I think) called Head Shots! Still have those pictures with the name on back! I loved Stratford because it was much easier to navigate and quieter! I loved Suncoast and B Dalton Books! I don't remember any of what he showed though! The inside is almost unrecognizable!
It's sad about Stratford Square Mall there was such a happening place when we were younger I remember when the huge waterfall was from the top to the bottom
I had many memories of this place. Occasionally visiting here as a kid, now that I live nearby, I remember when i hung out with friends at the Round One, watch movies and ate there. Not visiting there for a year, seeing this is a stark reminder how life changes too fast and how nothing lasts forever. Kinda melancholic I think.
Thanks again for doing this as I've been requesting an update about Stratford. I used to admire this mall a lot back in the 90s because it had 6 of the major department stores my mom would shop at.
And they still are not all of them are dead. I was at Gurnee Mills not too long ago and it was busy. You got to remember this mall is very close to Woodfield.
Very sad. Remember when this mall first was being built late 1981 to early 1982. What good is to just have a huge mall with no stores in it. How is this profitable?
Yeah, this place keeps getting worse. I was there yesterday (day you filmed the mall) Spring Hill is getting worse with Barnes closing and kohan owning the mall (like you mentioned in the video)
I work at a NAMDAR disaster mall in las cruces, NM right now, and it is absolutely terrible. If your interested in knowing more I'd be willing to give you info, footage, photos ect.
Unfortunately they did, however the good news is that the village isn't giving NAMDAR any tax incentives until they have a plan and execute it. In 2019 this wasnt doing half bad, although had its struggles, but when I went back and watched the October 2019 video, I was flabbergasted by the shear number of stores that have fled. When bath and body leaves a mail, its over. There's malls worse than this that still have bath and body works
With Round1 and Cinemark closed, I’m afraid this mall is really headed for the end. Round1 is a great place and it attracts lots of people, it works for Fox valley so. Cinemark, movies are always great, that section of the mall is lovely, I wish it would’ve stayed, with all those things it could have brought it attention to the other remaining stores. The dead end they cut off for woodmans, the chunk they left of it, at least the upper part, is dead too. Journeys, Express, Victoria’s Secret, and Pink closed. I remember there used to be a justice, a salon, the old bath and body works location, wet seal and more. All of it at least for the upper part is gone, If you walk straight to the other end where Carson’s used to be, that’s now dead too. Spencer’s closed, Furry Babies closed. This mall used to be so full of life, and even while it was struggling, it was still a fun place to go. Namdar sucked the life out of it and now all there is left is this somewhat dead and depressing building.
On the brightside I just saw Stratford Square featured on the NBC show Chicago Fire tonight, they were supposed to be rescuing a woman caught in the escalator.
Update on Stratford Square was just there even more stores have closed since this video was filmed. The Auntie Anne's sign no longer there, T-Mobile on the lower level is gone, Total Wedding closed, Sports Central is going out of business. Someone that works at the mall said Woodman's isn't helping the mall at all. Bye Stratford Square.
The city of Bloomingdale is actually pressing charges against Namdar for “Neglecting the mall” “Not advertising leasing” and “not taking care of it” their words. The city tried to buy back the old JCPenney, but was refused by Namdar. Then they tried to buy the mall back, then Namdar said no. Obviously we know what Namdar’s plans are; to kill the mall and feel proud of it. I really hope the city of Bloomingdale gets back the ownership and kicks Namdar the fuck out of there. Their plans are to redevelop the mall and bring stores back.
Wow! That was a beautiful mall. Sad it’s dying 😢 Namdar has our only mall in town and it so gross and dirty. It’s busy, but full of stores like a swap meet.
The village of bloomingdale recently took Stratford over again.I have some ideas that could possibly change their fortunes.one includes demalling the reminder of the mall itself.a western theme.when Covid 19 numbers finally improve.something unique and different to the western suburbs.no more unaffordable apartments and such.a family/western theme.complete with a saloon,resort/hotel ,which would feature an indoor water park and a live music venue which would sponsor up and coming local musicians again with a country theme .Stratford just can’t remain like this.it has so much potential for redevelopment.
I don’t know what the future holds here.I still remember the grand opening.now only a “ ghost “!of a chance.how about outside plaza.why not an ethnic gathering place with an open market.
Yeah, what's bad is that the mall was starting to struggle due to loss of anchors, so naturally people thought that with new owners, things would be better. Namdar betrayed the community.
It makes me sad cause before I moved 3 years it used to be busy. I grew up going to that mall. Wish the council of Bloomingdale didn’t let this happen.
In the village of bloomingdale defense.the village had no prior notice about the secret sale of the mall.I believe freeman sold to Namdar.but then the village of Bloomingdale became involved and stopped the tax incentive.not until Namdar comes up with a master plan will they support their tax incentives.
I've definitely noticed giving I live just a 5 minute drive from here, it's pretty much over at this point for Stratford, they're lucky Burlington hasn't founded another location to relocate at and Kohl's is probably gonna be there until the very end, and yes Spring Hill was already starting to die in the past 2-3 years especially after the closure of Macy's but Kohan will definitely be the final nail in the coffin for sure
The Burlington keeps shrinking their floor space, but looking at how Burlington is trending, they'll eventually leave for greener pastures once the lease is up.
@@mallaholicretailadventures I'd say their lease may be up as early as next year giving they opened in 2002 and leases usually last about 20-25 years, plus the shrinking size is definitely a sign that their going to leave sooner rather than later, I'm gonna bet they'll relocate to the former HHGregg/Circuit City space on Army Trail Rd just to the SE of this mall
Mall a holic! Stratford is slated to close in roughly 4 weeks or less!Bloomingdale bought out the rights to the property from Namdar. The heat has been turned off and the roof was particularly leaky by the old, YES OLD FYE when I went yesterday night. Fye closed on the 13th. Everything is practically gone. You gotta go check it out before its too late!! Go in on the 25 west brewery side, the fix 4 less (that was next to urooj) took that old spot and theres a medieval fight club in the old harley Davidson store. Dont know whats up with that??
@@mallaholicretailadventures I knew it burlington would close I mean like theres like nothing left there it's still sad and khols is the only department store left ):
NAMDAR is a commercial real estate firm that buys malls that are struggling with promises to the community to redevelop and bring in new tenants. They promise the world and they don't deliver. They have done this to several malls in the US. Then they don't pay mortgage and taxes and end up getting liens filed against them. As your can see in the video, maintenance lacks, look at the escalators. They have been broken for many months now. This type of thing causes tenants to leave. They raise rents.
Spring Hill was October of 1980.but that Mall possibly may have a developer interested it was announced recently in the daily herald.and Barnes and Noble is moving to Algonquin Commons in less then 2 months.
Fox valley mall doing way better then Stratford. We have a new place to drink beer and wine at mall in lower level. And furniture store is using Carson building. And toys r us Building is now a covid 19 testing site
They buy properties that are struggling with promises of redevelopment only to raise rents and not maintain basic things like escalators. They tend to foreclose and not pay bills resulting in liens and time in court which further delays any redevelopment of property. They have done this to several other malls in the US. unfortunately there are other slumlord mall owners out there, namely moonbeam capital and kohan.
What are the outside factors killing this mall? Is it not near a major highway? Surrounding areas declining/ losing population? Big boxes like Wal-Mart or Target siphoning foot traffic nearby? Better managed mall with intact anchors near this one? I ask because I have a thriving near full occupancy mall near me and those factors matter. The blame Amazon explanation doesn't always tell the full story about a dead or dying mall like this. Amazing architecture and design in this one by the way. Reminds me of the 70's and 80's malls I grew up with.
@@Ben12670 Very good question. The area surrounding the mall is still a very nice area. In fact most of DuPage County is very nice. There are a lot of surrounding big box stores. However, the main reason the mall is dying is that there are simply too many malls in close proximity. Woodfield isn't far from this mall. That was built in 1971. Yorktown isn't really that far either. That was built in the 60s. Oakbrook isn't really too far either and that was built in the early 60s. Stratford was built in 1981. In 1990, Charlestowne Mall was built in St. Charles, but that is a dead mall because it was built on the wrong end of town and Geneva Commons killed it. Also another problem is that it isn't right off a major highway. So, before Amazon, and before Namdar took over, it was already on the verge, but poor management from Namdar is finishing it off.
I'm so saddened to see how dead Stratford Square has become. I have been coming here ever since it opened in 1981. I have so many memories of this place. I remember buying videos at Suncoast Video, getting pictures done at Glamour Shots and buying my wardrobe at New York and Company. I saw so many movies here. It used to be so busy and full of life. Praying the Village of Bloomingdale will save this mall!!
Wow! Glamour Shots!? We got stuff done at Woodfield (I think) called Head Shots! Still have those pictures with the name on back! I loved Stratford because it was much easier to navigate and quieter! I loved Suncoast and B Dalton Books! I don't remember any of what he showed though! The inside is almost unrecognizable!
It's sad about Stratford Square Mall there was such a happening place when we were younger I remember when the huge waterfall was from the top to the bottom
you KNOW your mall is in trouble when Bath & Body Works closes!!
And Claire
Well... when there's no anchor store unfortunately...............this is the result!😭😢🥺
Namdar, Kohan, Moonbeam and Hull: the four horsemen of the mallpocalypse.
PREIT, Washington Prime, Simon, and Macerich are some of the best mall owners.
@@humanshrek1836And GGP and Brookfield
I had many memories of this place. Occasionally visiting here as a kid, now that I live nearby, I remember when i hung out with friends at the Round One, watch movies and ate there. Not visiting there for a year, seeing this is a stark reminder how life changes too fast and how nothing lasts forever. Kinda melancholic I think.
We are watching an entire era disappear before our very eyes.
Great video thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you. This was a sad one indeed.
Thanks again for doing this as I've been requesting an update about Stratford. I used to admire this mall a lot back in the 90s because it had 6 of the major department stores my mom would shop at.
So sad to see malls becoming the typewriters of yesterday. Malls were always a fun place to go.
And they still are not all of them are dead. I was at Gurnee Mills not too long ago and it was busy. You got to remember this mall is very close to Woodfield.
@@dvferyance The word Mills suggests that you have a Simon Property Group mall. Simon actually cares about its malls and tries to take care of them.
Sad, whenever Namdar realty takes over, a mall is near the end.
Very sad. Remember when this mall first was being built late 1981 to early 1982. What good is to just have a huge mall with no stores in it. How is this profitable?
My wife worked at Stratford back in the 80s at a store called Gantos and the mall was really busy then.
place was filled
Wow, haven't heard that name in a while, gantos.
@@mallaholicretailadventures she also worked at Main street where Kohl's would be.
You can still see where gantos used to be.
Yeah, this place keeps getting worse. I was there yesterday (day you filmed the mall) Spring Hill is getting worse with Barnes closing and kohan owning the mall (like you mentioned in the video)
It's sad. I worked in Carol Stream in the 80's and 90's. I'd frequent this mall. So sad.
I work at a NAMDAR disaster mall in las cruces, NM right now, and it is absolutely terrible. If your interested in knowing more I'd be willing to give you info, footage, photos ect.
What mall is it?
Thank u so much for keeping us updated on this mall . Much appreciated
Wow I haven’t been to Stratford in about 20 years, but back in the 90s we were there all the time. Crazy to see it that dead.
I actually grew up with this mall as a kid, it’s so sad to see how it is today, I miss it.
I worked security there and it’s sad how dead this mall is now. All the main anchor stores left so that means that malls going down
Stratford Mall is starting to look a lot like Golf Mill albeit cleaner.
That's really sad, but only to be expected. The village of Bloomingdale got a bad deal out of this.
Unfortunately they did, however the good news is that the village isn't giving NAMDAR any tax incentives until they have a plan and execute it. In 2019 this wasnt doing half bad, although had its struggles, but when I went back and watched the October 2019 video, I was flabbergasted by the shear number of stores that have fled. When bath and body leaves a mail, its over. There's malls worse than this that still have bath and body works
With Round1 and Cinemark closed, I’m afraid this mall is really headed for the end.
Round1 is a great place and it attracts lots of people, it works for Fox valley so.
Cinemark, movies are always great, that section of the mall is lovely, I wish it would’ve stayed, with all those things it could have brought it attention to the other remaining stores.
The dead end they cut off for woodmans, the chunk they left of it, at least the upper part, is dead too. Journeys, Express, Victoria’s Secret, and Pink closed.
I remember there used to be a justice, a salon, the old bath and body works location, wet seal and more. All of it at least for the upper part is gone,
If you walk straight to the other end where Carson’s used to be, that’s now dead too.
Spencer’s closed, Furry Babies closed.
This mall used to be so full of life, and even while it was struggling, it was still a fun place to go. Namdar sucked the life out of it and now all there is left is this somewhat dead and depressing building.
The theater is Century Theatres, and not Cinemark
All that wood is unique.Damn shame the mall is almost empty
Great video on one of my old haunts! Though bittersweet memories now. Especially after seeing this! Doing anything on Woodfield?
Man I havent been here since highschool it's sad to see it dying.
I want to own a business where I buy things and just let them sit and rot, losing value, becoming a blight. Losing money!!! WOOOT WOOOOT!!!
Such a beautiful mall.I wonder if Namdar will sell it back to the village of Bloomingdale.
Those of us that work there hope so
@@Glennerb my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.thank you for being essential to the community.
@@markmatuga2595 thank you
On the brightside I just saw Stratford Square featured on the NBC show Chicago Fire tonight, they were supposed to be rescuing a woman caught in the escalator.
Red Robin closed at Stratford recently
I don't think Stratford is going to stay open for much longer. It's great to see Too Cool and FYE still open.
Update on Stratford Square was just there even more stores have closed since this video was filmed. The Auntie Anne's sign no longer there, T-Mobile on the lower level is gone, Total Wedding closed, Sports Central is going out of business. Someone that works at the mall said Woodman's isn't helping the mall at all. Bye Stratford Square.
@@brianlomedico6400 you mean sports central just moved to lower floor u mean
@@brianlomedico6400 it isnt closing I went there weeks ago and sports central is still open
This was on a Saturday? How depressing
The city of Bloomingdale is actually pressing charges against Namdar for “Neglecting the mall” “Not advertising leasing” and “not taking care of it” their words. The city tried to buy back the old JCPenney, but was refused by Namdar. Then they tried to buy the mall back, then Namdar said no. Obviously we know what Namdar’s plans are; to kill the mall and feel proud of it. I really hope the city of Bloomingdale gets back the ownership and kicks Namdar the fuck out of there. Their plans are to redevelop the mall and bring stores back.
I love that Disney Store wall with the shape and color!
I don't remember Disney ever being here! I only remember it in Woodfield Mall!
I can’t believe this mall is closing in April. So sad 😢
Wow! That was a beautiful mall. Sad it’s dying 😢 Namdar has our only mall in town and it so gross and dirty. It’s busy, but full of stores like a swap meet.
The village of bloomingdale recently took Stratford over again.I have some ideas that could possibly change their fortunes.one includes demalling the reminder of the mall itself.a western theme.when Covid 19 numbers finally improve.something unique and different to the western suburbs.no more unaffordable apartments and such.a family/western theme.complete with a saloon,resort/hotel ,which would feature an indoor water park and a live music venue which would sponsor up and coming local musicians again with a country theme .Stratford just can’t remain like this.it has so much potential for redevelopment.
I don’t know what the future holds here.I still remember the grand opening.now only a “ ghost “!of a chance.how about outside plaza.why not an ethnic gathering place with an open market.
Whenever Namdar realty takes over, it is the end of the mall.
Yeah, what's bad is that the mall was starting to struggle due to loss of anchors, so naturally people thought that with new owners, things would be better. Namdar betrayed the community.
@@mallaholicretailadventures I agree. It is sad.
The mall looks beautiful. Can’t believe at how many vacancies there are.
It makes me sad cause before I moved 3 years it used to be busy. I grew up going to that mall. Wish the council of Bloomingdale didn’t let this happen.
In the village of bloomingdale defense.the village had no prior notice about the secret sale of the mall.I believe freeman sold to Namdar.but then the village of Bloomingdale became involved and stopped the tax incentive.not until Namdar comes up with a master plan will they support their tax incentives.
I love That Store when I drink it's Good
I've definitely noticed giving I live just a 5 minute drive from here, it's pretty much over at this point for Stratford, they're lucky Burlington hasn't founded another location to relocate at and Kohl's is probably gonna be there until the very end, and yes Spring Hill was already starting to die in the past 2-3 years especially after the closure of Macy's but Kohan will definitely be the final nail in the coffin for sure
The Burlington keeps shrinking their floor space, but looking at how Burlington is trending, they'll eventually leave for greener pastures once the lease is up.
@@mallaholicretailadventures I'd say their lease may be up as early as next year giving they opened in 2002 and leases usually last about 20-25 years, plus the shrinking size is definitely a sign that their going to leave sooner rather than later, I'm gonna bet they'll relocate to the former HHGregg/Circuit City space on Army Trail Rd just to the SE of this mall
@@ProspectElevators wow, time flies. Yeah, montgomery wards filled their empty stores every quickly after they bankrupted.
Woodman not gonna save this place? Dang
@@Dudj3 probably not but they'll definitely be a mainstay in Bloomingdale for generations to come
Great video!
Thank you
Your welcome 😘
There’s a scoobys red hots on north avenue .
The mall was already dying before Namdar took over and Scooby's moved out because he was paying more to employees and rent than he was taking in.
Mall a holic! Stratford is slated to close in roughly 4 weeks or less!Bloomingdale bought out the rights to the property from Namdar. The heat has been turned off and the roof was particularly leaky by the old, YES OLD FYE when I went yesterday night. Fye closed on the 13th. Everything is practically gone. You gotta go check it out before its too late!! Go in on the 25 west brewery side, the fix 4 less (that was next to urooj) took that old spot and theres a medieval fight club in the old harley Davidson store. Dont know whats up with that??
Kohls has also shut its mall entrance to keep their employees and patrons safe from the lack of heat circulating throughout the in line mall
April 22nd is the confirmed closing date as of now. Food court is totally empty and Lids is closing the 24th of this month.
I went to this mall every weekend from 2016 to February of 2022 and it's sad how many stores have closed since then
Only in the last 3 years it's accelerated
There is an episode of mike and Molly where they filmed there
interesting
I just read that Burlington is relocating to the old Kmart space across the street from the mall later this year.
Yeah. That wont be good for the mall. Unfortunately they have been only using a small part of their space.
@@mallaholicretailadventures I knew it burlington would close I mean like theres like nothing left there it's still sad and khols is the only department store left ):
I live right by here and when I was younger we would go here every weekend, sad to see it dying
What is the ( NAMDAR ) disaster
NAMDAR is a commercial real estate firm that buys malls that are struggling with promises to the community to redevelop and bring in new tenants. They promise the world and they don't deliver. They have done this to several malls in the US. Then they don't pay mortgage and taxes and end up getting liens filed against them. As your can see in the video, maintenance lacks, look at the escalators. They have been broken for many months now. This type of thing causes tenants to leave. They raise rents.
Super great video.
Thank you
What's a / the NAMDAR Disaster?
That is the name of the company that owns it. They are known to be slumlords
Namdar recently bought the mall I do security for and it's been nothing but downhill ever since they purchased it
Nice to meet you. Anyway, the economy was never recovered after the pandemic.
Yeah. The pandemic was the nail in the coffin for this mall
It celebrated 40 on March 9 th of 2021.
A few other malls opened in 81 as well. Chicago Ridge and Spring Hill
Spring Hill was October of 1980.but that Mall possibly may have a developer interested it was announced recently in the daily herald.and Barnes and Noble is moving to Algonquin Commons in less then 2 months.
Fox valley mall doing way better then Stratford. We have a new place to drink beer and wine at mall in lower level. And furniture store is using Carson building. And toys r us
Building is now a covid 19 testing site
14:39 wonder how long those gum balls have been there
The Covid-19 Outbreak has led to dwindling popularity of the mall!
Freaking sketchy elevators in there don't use elevators be appreciated by escalators and stairs
Someday, all of the towns in the US will rise up and get rid of Namdar.
Why is NAMDAR a bad property group?
They buy properties that are struggling with promises of redevelopment only to raise rents and not maintain basic things like escalators. They tend to foreclose and not pay bills resulting in liens and time in court which further delays any redevelopment of property. They have done this to several other malls in the US. unfortunately there are other slumlord mall owners out there, namely moonbeam capital and kohan.
@@mallaholicretailadventures that doesn’t sound like a very good business model. Is namdar making money with that model?
What are the outside factors killing this mall? Is it not near a major highway? Surrounding areas declining/ losing population? Big boxes like Wal-Mart or Target siphoning foot traffic nearby? Better managed mall with intact anchors near this one? I ask because I have a thriving near full occupancy mall near me and those factors matter. The blame Amazon explanation doesn't always tell the full story about a dead or dying mall like this. Amazing architecture and design in this one by the way. Reminds me of the 70's and 80's malls I grew up with.
@@Ben12670 Very good question. The area surrounding the mall is still a very nice area. In fact most of DuPage County is very nice. There are a lot of surrounding big box stores. However, the main reason the mall is dying is that there are simply too many malls in close proximity. Woodfield isn't far from this mall. That was built in 1971. Yorktown isn't really that far either. That was built in the 60s. Oakbrook isn't really too far either and that was built in the early 60s. Stratford was built in 1981. In 1990, Charlestowne Mall was built in St. Charles, but that is a dead mall because it was built on the wrong end of town and Geneva Commons killed it. Also another problem is that it isn't right off a major highway. So, before Amazon, and before Namdar took over, it was already on the verge, but poor management from Namdar is finishing it off.
Our local mall here isn’t much better