Westfield Old Orchard seeing a flurry of recent activity

• Reprints

Updated: November 3, 2011 6:25PM

Don’t tell Westfield Old Orchard that the economy is as bad as it’s always been, because recent retail development there suggests otherwise.

Skokie’s largest shopping center has seen a flurry of activity in recent weeks with new openings or announcements of openings for the future.

Its largest symbol of change is the transformation of the old — and many would say outdated — food court into a new Wilde & Greene eatery, food market and bar on the east end of the mall. The facility opened this summer and has eased into its regular hours.

Wilde & Greene provides a plethora of food stations on its first floor where customers can choose their meals and pay using a swipe card. The bar is located on the roof and offers an overhead view of Old Orchard.

But other recent openings have also marked an uptick in activity at the shopping center.

A new Timberland store occupying 2,300 square feet made Skokie its latest home this month. Timberland sells outdoor apparel, accessories and footwear for men and women, including the brand’s popular Earthkeepers collection of shoes and boots made from environmentally-friendly materials.

Shoppers can also buy the latest outdoor performance footwear and elite collections there, including the Timberland Boot Company Collection for men and women and the Abington Collection for men.

“We are thrilled about this opportunity to grow our presence in the Chicago area, which is one of our strongest markets worldwide,” said John Pazzani, vice president of retail and e-commerce for Timberland. “Chicago is filled with dynamic people who love the outdoors and the lifestyle it embodies, whether they’re in the city or on a weekend getaway.”

Timberland officials say the store is designed to reflect the company’s long-standing commitment to a sustainable environment by using recycled materials and other sustainable building practices.

Old Orchard recently announced it will become home to the first Madewell boutique in the state this fall.

Part of the J. Crew Group, Madewell will occupy 3,300 square feet and sell jeans and accessories as well as shirts, boots and bags.

“Westfield Old Orchard is delighted to have been chosen for the exclusive location of Madewell in Illinois and Chicago,” said Deb Mattes, general manager of Old Orchard.  “We are eager to debut this extraordinary jeans emporium and are certain it will be very popular with our shoppers.”

Other recent additions to the shopping center have included The Art of Shaving, Skechers Fitness, Tumi and Vera Bradley. A new Epic Burger eatery is also planned for the shopping center.

For more information about Westfield Old Orchard, access www.westfield.com/oldorchard.