Round Lake Introduces New Target and IKEA

Gurnee introduces new stores to allow people to shop stores more locally.

Elliott Johnson, Features Writer

April 21, 2026

In recent months, the Target Shopping Corporation has been working on taking over several of the former retail locations, such as the former Sears, Kroger and Macy’s. In December of 2025, Target officially purchased the former Super Kmart property at 400 E. Rollins Rd, in the Rollins Crossing Shopping Center, Round Lake Beach, IL.

Fast forward to early 2026, Target officially applied for the demolition permits in order to break down the old building. This new addition will allow residents who live closer to the Round Lake Beach area to have closer access to a Target location, rather than an average 20-minute drive to get to the Gurnee, Illinois Target location.

Along with these Target advancements, Gurnee Mills, IL, is going forward with improvements to the mall, creating an IKEA furniture location as well. This IKEA is intended to have a more “Central planning area”, unlike other IKEA stores, which feature a more “maze-like” floor plan. The new IKEA is also said to open sometime in 2026 and provide a closer place to shop for Northern Illinois residents.

Overall, we can expect a positive impact within the Round Lake Beach & Gurnee areas thanks to these new renovations being built.

About the Contributor

Elliott Johnson, News Writer

Elliott is a sophomore who’s excited to be starting his first year on The Bark. He writes about the latest news and important updates happening around the school. He got into journalism because he loves writing and enjoys sharing his thoughts and ideas with other people who love writing too. When he’s not working on articles, Elliott spends his time as a singer/songwriter, combining his passion for music with his creativity.