DEERFIELD, IL-It was one year behind schedule when it opened in mid-October, and now, after only four months, the new children’s superstore Wonder! has already shut its doors. The 135,000-square-foot big box opened in a former Great Indoors, and had boasted more children’s products than any other, led by ex-Walmart executive Bill Colaianni.

The company’s Facebook page still offers coupons and stories about children’s events at the store. However, the firm’s Web page acknowledges that the store has been closed for a “restructuring.”

In a statement emailed by a spokeswoman, the company today explained the closing. “Due to balance sheet considerations that impacted dwindling product availability, technology systems and planned improvements, the company was no longer in a financial position to sustain operations,” according to the statement. “The company will be undergoing a financial restructuring process.”

Shane Christensen, founder of Wonder!, said in the statement that the store identified a need within the children’s retail market. “Simply said, customers loved the store,” he said. “I am hopeful for the future of WONDER! and remain dedicated to ensuring that WONDER! will indeed see another day.”

Colaianni, who had been a spokesman for the store, did not return calls or emails for comment. He told GlobeSt.com in August that the new company planned to open 19 stores in five years, and up to 120 stores nationwide. Former Toys R’ Us president Bruce Hall is on the Wonder! board of directors.

However, the company had already seen a problem in raising funds to open in late 2010, and had to delay the opening by a year. In early February 2012, a number of contractors reportedly sued Wonder! for not paying more than $275,000 in costs to remodel the former Sears-owned property.

The store had an extensive social marketing push, with email lists and the Facebook page trying to draw in customers. The property may have had too grandiose plans, however, as it had promised to feature an enormous amount of children’s products, including more than 100 varieties of strollers, and walkabout purchasing from associates with tablet computers. Colaianni had said a big draw was to be a 7,000-square-foot play area, basically an indoor park, as well as party rooms and a coffee bar. “Think of it as Cabela’s for kids,” he said in August.

Instant Insights /

New Big Box Wonder! Closes After Only Four Months

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