RIP to These 10 Stores Rockford Has Already Lost in 2017

A month ago, when I found out that Gordman's was going to be closing both of it's stores in the Rockford area, there was a part of me that was excited; all I could think about was snatching up all the farm feel home goods that would soon be on sale at blowout prices during their giant liquidation sale.

It didn't take long for that excitement to turn into sadness. As I was driving down 173 in Machesney Park last weekend, I couldn't help but notice a woman standing on the corner near Kelly's Mobile; she was holding one of those giant yellow "Store Closing, Save up to 50% Off" signs and as much as I wanted to go check it out, I couldn't bring myself to go inside the store.

I'm not sure what came over me, I just remember thinking how heartbreaking it was to know that soon those employees would be without a job; and it's not just Gordman's.

WREX reminded us there are 10 stores/retailers/restaurants that have announced closures in Rockford.

Regardless of the reason for their closing, whether it's due to online competitors, the economy or crime, we never want to see our favorite places go out of business.

Which businesses did I miss and which are you saddest to see gone?