Dismal Economy, Property Values Force Local Nursery to Close

Slumping sales and declining property values will force longtime Bolingbrook nursery  to close its doors before the end of the summer, officials announced Tuesday.

“Lagging sales over the last several years along with declining property values on which our loans and credit lines are based are among the factors leading to this difficult decision,” said company president Philip Schaafsma. “We thank all of our employees and customers for the wonderful memories associated with our stores, and wish all of our employees the best as they seek new opportunities in the coming weeks.”

The company also will shut down its Palos Hills location. Bolingbrook’s location is at 550 S. Naper-Plainfield Road.

Schaafsma said more than 100 employees—both full-time and part-time—will be without a job.

“The closures also mean a loss of millions of dollars in retail sales and accompanying tax revenues to the local economy,” a company release said.

Sid’s will begin a total inventory liquidation store-closing event this week at their stores—discounts will range from 30 to 50 percent off regular prices, with some items discounted more, the release said.

The company was founded in 1961 in Palos Hills.