Should a Mattress Store Open in Old Borders Space? (COMMENTS)

A mattress chain may open this fall in the former Borders Books space at 1144 Lake St. in downtown Oak Park, the Chicago Tribune reported last week. 

READ: "MATTRESS CHAIN COULD OPEN IN OLD BORDERS SPACE"

Patch asked readers on Facebook, "What do you think of the idea of a mattress store opening in the old Borders space?

Here's what people had to say: 

• Missy said, "It's an awful idea. One of the main corners in Oak Park for a store that sells an item you buy less than a handful of times in a lifetime. So unbelievably stupid."
• Edward said, "While they may be a fine business, my family and I typically go to Lake St. for eats/drinks, festivals, or the movies. I don't think of Lake St. when I am considering a furniture purchase."
  
• Amanda said, "Doesn't go well with the other business's on Lake st! What about a restaurant, bar/lounge, live music venue, anything but a mattress shop."
• Artemis said, "Bring Marshall Fields back.."
  
• Joel said, "Considering no other retailers seem willing to lease there, it might be better than nothing. With the new development planned across the street, there will certainly be plenty more vacant space to fill on that corner."
  
• Eric said, "They're welcome to locate there, but they'll probably be firing whoever made that decision in about a year, two years tops, when they close the store. Just from a logistical standpoint, that location makes no sense for a mattress store."
  
• Jim said, "At least the storefront won't be empty. Go for it."
  
• Art said, "Terrible idea."
  
• Matt said, "I'd have to sleep on it..."
  
• Erika said, "Terrible idea. The location is worthy of something better."
  
• Barbara said, "No."
  
• Chris said, "There were a lot of comments on the Wednesday Journal site about this, almost all negative. I'm with Joel Cunningham - the spot has been vacant for two years, it's time to bite the bullet. I would prefer something better - but it's likely not coming. A vacant spot is worse than a mattress store. I do, however, agree with Eric Anderson that the store will probably not survive. But - bottom line, if a cooler retailer wanted that spot, they would come get it."
  
• Todd said, "I agree with Chris. It's not a good retailer for that spot but it's better than nothing. It's sat empty for too long. I know OP approached Apple about putting a store in there but they didn't bite. I'm sure it's not cheap."
  
• Missy said, "I don't agree that it's better than nothing, hope of something better is better than a mattress store!"
  
• Chris said, "They can put a sign on the building: "I know this giant space looks vacant, but it is actually occupied by . . . HOPE!" Ha! Well, maybe they should hold out for something better. I always thought an H&M would be great - although there is already a GAP and an Old Navy close by. Still, I think an H&M would do really well there. Still - one can hope, but there has to be some actual potential for some other retailer to occupy the space. The mattress store would be much better closer to the DSW and so forth though."
  
• Rachel said, "No!"
  

What do you think of a mattress store opening in the old Borders space? Tell us in the comments below.