For decades there has been a large number of shoppers going to Chicago. Igvsoll only increase over time. There is also a fair number even to Tyson's Corner which really surprised me when I first heard about it.

@cjsummers :
I can't say I'm surprised, but it's still pretty sad.
Sales tax revenue has been down already. The losses from both Bergner's, as well as from the closing Toys 'R' Us, aren't going to help.

@billybob : Yes, Von Maur has been in Bloomington since I was in high school so a very long time! They probably saw Bergners as their biggest competitor in Peoria so with them gone, this market may be more appealing to them.

I think there are probably a fair number of members and lurkers here who remember Bergners old downtown store on Adams St and even the opening of the store at Sheridan Village. The closing of the downtown store was sad too but this is worse.

I just can't bring myself to go to a liquidation sale. Too many people lose their jobs, so a company can make $$$ in a few months time and then move on. I do remember Bergners, Carsons, Schratzkis(sorry, I don't know how to spell it), Widmers, Jacquins, Grants, and I think it was a Woolworths down on Adams. I'm going to guess most of those stores were gone by the time I was 12 or so. I also have very fond memories of Sheridan Village. I'll never forget sitting at the counter at the dime store and Santa came up to me and knew my name! That kept me believing for quite a while longer! (My parents were sneaky!)