Walter E. Smithe to Open New Showroom in Wilmette

The Illinois-based furniture and design company Walter E. Smithe is planning to establish a new location in Wilmette’s Edens Plaza.

This announcement was made during a Village Board meeting on April 28, where officials stated the company aims to occupy Suite 390.

This suite was formerly home to The Great Escape, which vacated the space in late 2025.

According to Lisa Brosnan, Wilmette’s business development planner, Walter E. Smithe hopes to open its doors in 2027.

The Great Escape’s relocation to Northbrook has left a substantial space available for new opportunities.

Brosnan expressed enthusiasm about the new development, saying, “We’re really excited about this because that’s such a big space.”

She added, “I think they’re going to make some improvements as well to make the space nicer.”

During the presentation, Brosnan confirmed that Walter E. Smithe’s lease has been “recently signed.”

In a letter to the Village dated April 20, Edens Plaza owner WS Development announced Walter E. Smithe’s intent to modify both the interior and exterior of the suite.

The letter included a “34-page submission package titled ‘Proposed Walter E. Smithe Showroom.’”

Following The Great Escape’s exit, WS Development had considered dividing the large storefront into multiple spaces.

However, with Walter E. Smithe’s plans now in place, there is no indication that WS Development will pursue this strategy.

In fact, WS Development previously employed a similar tactic to occupy a former Bed Bath and Beyond storefront.

The addition of Walter E. Smithe marks another significant tenant joining Edens Plaza.

Since WS Development finalized a tenant agreement in late 2021, the shopping center has attracted several high-profile tenants.

In 2024, online retail giant Wayfair opened its first brick-and-mortar location at Edens Plaza in the space abandoned by Carson Pirie Scott in 2018.