DEERFIELD, IL-The short-lived Wonder! big box store apparently won’t be coming back as promised. A four-day final liquidation sale will be held at the 135,000-square-foot children’s store starting May 29, and the company’s Web site and social media pages have been removed.

The property opened to great fanfare and a large marketing push in November 2011 in a former Great Indoors property at 250 S. Waukegan Rd. here. President and CEO Bill Colaianni had said the store could be compared to a “Cabela’s for kids” with thousands of children’s items, and there were plans for up to 120 stores nationwide. However, the company couldn’t raise funds to keep up with opening costs, and the store closed after only four months.

A company statement had proclaimed at the closing that the store was only being shut for a “restructuring,” but Tuesday a spokeswoman sent out an email from a Wonder email advertising the store’s final liquidation sale. All items are being sold for 50% off, cash and check only. “We are unable to hold any items, and we will not have associates available to assist you to your car,” said the spokeswoman in the statement. “All associates have been hired by a third part trustee of the estate.” The name of the third party is not available.

The spokeswoman did not respond for comment. Colainni, a Lake Forest, IL resident and former Walmart executive, also didn’t answer questions for comment. His LinkedIn profile now lists him as the founder and principal of marketing firm Arawak Consulting LLC.

The closing represents a swell of big box closings in the Chicago area, including Sports Authority, Office Max, Lowe’s and of course Borders Books. Joe Parrott, SVP with CBRE in Bannockburn, IL, tells GlobeSt.com that large store failures have increased, but should stay level with openings this year.

Instant Insights /

Failed Big Box Wonder! Store Liquidates

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