Holiday shops bring unique merchandise to Peru Mall

 Peru Mall is ringing in the holiday season with an array of boutique-like shops, filled with distinctive gifts. Shoppers will find a bevy of gift ideas from accessories to licensed sports apparel in specialty stores scattered throughout the mall. The stores will remain open throughout the holiday season. We have an eclectic mix of stores coming to Peru Mall this holiday season, said Phil Hileman, Peru Mall general manager. Shoppers will find many unique items to fill their gift wish lists, he added. Shine a light on the holiday dinner table with a hanging fixture from Luv A Lamp. The eclectic lamp is available in various colors, shapes and sizes to complement any décor. Find this merchant near Claires in center court. Even cold, bright winter days call for sunglasses. Check out the trendy shades at the aptly named Cool Shades, located across from Zales. The boutique also offers fashion scarves and personalized holiday ornaments. Take a coffee break at Grinders, located across from Claires. The eatery offers an array of treats including frozen fruit drinks, smoothies, ice cream, muffins and its specialty, espresso based coffee drinks. Hickory Farms is the place to find the perfect thank you gift for a teacher or a hostess. The store, located between Bath & Body Works and Sterling Optical, offers an array of edible treats and gifts, including chocolates, appetizers, meat and cheese trays and spiral sliced hams. Power down from holiday shopping with lunch at Bayou Express, located next to Urban Jungle. The eatery serves freshly made Chinese fare including sushi, orange chicken, friend rice and chicken teriyaki. While guests are snacking on pot stickers, chicken egg rolls or cream cheese Rangoon appetizers, they can watch the chef cooking their orders on a grill. Friends of all ages will treasure a wood sign with their name from Wood Specialties, located near Spenser's. For those youngsters on the gift list, select a wood airplane or well crafted box. Wine connoisseurs will appreciate a cork popper, the easiest way to open a bottle of wine. Find a broad assortment of accessories, jewelry, shoes, boots, hand bags for the gal on your list as well as caps, customized tee shirts and hoodies for guys of all ages at Fame. The store is located next to rue21. For the person who has everything, check out the assortment of gift ideas at Off the Wall. The store, located next to Sears, offers clever and practical gifts from licensed sports apparel to novelty tee shirts, collectibles and jewelry, to posters and wallets. Go! Calendars/Go! Games is the headquarters for calendars of every size and style and an assortment of games, puzzles and toys. For the busy person, check out the Do It Later Weekly Planner. Start a family tradition with a gift of Beat the Parents board game or Marvel Comics Trivia. The boutique is located near Claire's in center court. More information about extended holiday hours, Santa?s hours and events is available at www.perumall.com or (815) 223-7600. Peru Mall offers value shopping close to home. Located at Route 251 near 1-80, Peru Mall is home to Bergner?s, JCPenney, Marshalls, Sears, Book World and a variety of specialty shops and services. Recently opened stores include CherryBerry and Justice. Peru Mall supports the community with multiple programs throughout the year including: Back to School giveaways; Battle of the Books; Adopt A Husky, Inc.; and numerous IVCH health programs. Peru Mall is owned and managed by GK Development, Inc. About GK Development, Inc. GK Development, Inc. has a portfolio of 6.4 million square feet of space in eight states. The Barrington, Illinois-based real estate company was founded in 1995. For more information, visit www.gkdevelopment.com. # # #