Introduction to Market Place Shopping Center
Market Place Shopping Center, located at 2000 North Neil Street in Champaign, Illinois, opened its doors to the public in 1975.
At the time, it was anchored by three major stores: JCPenney, Sears, and Bergner’s, which set the stage for the mall’s success as a central shopping hub in the region.
Over the years, it has grown into the second-largest enclosed mall in Central Illinois, offering a variety of retail options for visitors from all around the area.
The mall is currently managed by Brookfield Properties, one of the largest real estate companies in the world. In terms of size, the Market Place Shopping Center covers over 887,000 square feet of retail space and houses over 90 stores.
Shoppers today can find a mix of well-known brands, including Macy’s, JCPenney, and Dick’s Sporting Goods, along with newer additions like Costco Wholesale, which opened its doors at the mall in 2020.
If you’re looking for things to do in Champaign, IL, the Market Place Shopping Center offers more than just shopping. Visitors can enjoy dining options, seasonal events, and a modern shopping experience.
With its easy access through the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District, the mall remains a key destination for both residents and visitors.
Development and Expansions at Market Place Mall
Since opening in 1975, the Market Place Shopping Center has undergone numerous changes and upgrades. One of the most notable expansions came in 1999 when the mall underwent a major renovation that brought new life to the property.
This project introduced a Tuscany-themed design, giving the mall a more upscale look and adding a Famous-Barr department store to its lineup of anchors. By the end of the renovation, the mall’s retail space had expanded to nearly 1,000,000 square feet.
In 2004, JCPenney made a comeback at the mall. After a brief departure from the Champaign area, the well-known retailer reopened its doors at Market Place, restoring its presence as one of the key anchor stores. This return helped solidify the mall’s status as a premier shopping destination for the region.
Further changes came in 2006 when Macy’s took over the space that Famous-Barr had occupied. This transition was part of a broader move by Macy’s to expand its brand after acquiring May Department Stores, the parent company of Famous-Barr.
The rebranding brought Macy’s signature department store experience to shoppers in Champaign, enhancing the mall’s appeal.
In early 2018, Market Place Shopping Center saw a series of changes in its retail landscape. On January 12, it was announced that Loft would be closing its store on January 27.
Soon after, on January 24, H&M revealed its plans to move into the mall, specifically into the Dick’s Sporting Goods wing, taking over the spaces previously occupied by Gymboree, Banana Republic, a temporary Christmas store, and Forever 21.
Gymboree closed by the end of January 2018, while Forever 21 temporarily relocated to the JCPenney wing before moving into its new permanent store in the Payless ShoeSource space within the Dick’s Sporting Goods wing.
Payless ShoeSource took over the former Loft store, and Day Spa moved into the MasterCuts space, which had closed on January 26.
Shifts in Anchor Stores
Anchor stores play a crucial role in a mall’s success, and Market Place Shopping Center has seen its share of changes in this department.
One of the biggest shifts occurred in 2014 when Sears closed its doors for good. Sears had been one of the mall’s original anchors, and its departure marked the end of an era.
The space left by Sears was quickly repurposed, with Dick’s Sporting Goods and Field & Stream moving in by October 2015.
More changes came in 2018, when Bergner’s, another original anchor, closed as part of the nationwide shutdown of Bon-Ton stores.
This closure was followed by the demolition of Bergner’s building in 2019 to make way for a brand-new Costco Wholesale.
By October 2020, Costco had opened its doors, offering shoppers a wide range of products in bulk—a new addition that catered to the changing shopping habits of the local community.
Recent News and Future Outlook (2023 – 2024)
In recent years, Market Place Shopping Center has adapted to the changing retail environment, including the rise of online shopping.
One of the most notable developments was the rebranding of Dick’s Sporting Goods to Dick’s House of Sport in 2023.
This new concept introduced more interactive features, like indoor sports activities, making the store an experience-driven destination rather than a typical retail outlet. This shift reflects the mall’s efforts to stay competitive by offering unique experiences that online stores can’t provide.
The Market Place Shopping Center Carnival in Champaign took place earlier this year and wrapped up on June 8, 2024.
Held annually in the mall’s parking lot, the carnival is always a popular event for locals and visitors alike. It featured a variety of rides, games, and food stands that created a festive atmosphere for attendees of all ages.
During the event, families enjoyed thrilling rides and classic carnival games, along with carnival treats like cotton candy and funnel cakes.
The carnival brought a vibrant energy to Market Place Shopping Center, offering a fun break from everyday shopping and dining activities.
Even though the carnival is over for this year, it remains one of the community’s favorite events. It brings people together and adds a special touch to the summer season in Champaign. Many will be looking forward to its return in 2025.