Pere Marquette Liquidation Sale Draws Massive Crowd
By: Kim Behrens
Updated: April 13, 2012
PEORIA--It's the next step in the downtown hotel project.
Staff must empty the Pere Marquette in preparation for a new Marriott Hotel.
A huge liquidation sale kicked off at the site Friday morning.
From rugs, to bountiful plants everything's up for grabs and everything must go.
But before the doors even opened, a line of eager customers ready to spend had formed down the block.
"Everyone's looking for a bargain," said customer Richard Hammonds. "You know, prices are high and if you can find a good deal go for it."
To keep crowds under control, only small groups were let inside, which caused greater anticipation for the people left outdoors.
"By the time we get in there probably most of it's gone!" laughed customer John Mensour.
But upon entering the historic hotel, rooms filled with furniture reassured people there's plenty for the taking.
"You got wonderful deals. And some nice stuff! I will be coming back tomorrow,"
said customer Willie Hopson.
Hopson and her daughter love shopping for bargains.
With hard wood dressers priced at $85 dollars and end tables for $38, the women say, they're glad they made this sale a top priority.
"We were like, the first ones here," admits Hopson. "My daughter says, 'Oh mom! You're too early.' But we wanted to be first."
And while some are eager to score a deal on a cheap couch, others say they've come to the hotel for sentimental reasons.
"I'm nosy. I want to see what they have and I'd like to have something that says Pere Marquette on it," said customer Sue Weideman. "Maybe a wine glass or something with a Pere Marquette logo."
Although the sign says "All Sales are Final," these customers know when they walk out of the Pere Marquette, it could be their final time inside the hotel.
The sale will be open daily from 10 AM to six PM.
It will continue till the end of April or until all items are gone.
Staff must empty the Pere Marquette in preparation for a new Marriott Hotel.
A huge liquidation sale kicked off at the site Friday morning.
From rugs, to bountiful plants everything's up for grabs and everything must go.
But before the doors even opened, a line of eager customers ready to spend had formed down the block.
"Everyone's looking for a bargain," said customer Richard Hammonds. "You know, prices are high and if you can find a good deal go for it."
To keep crowds under control, only small groups were let inside, which caused greater anticipation for the people left outdoors.
"By the time we get in there probably most of it's gone!" laughed customer John Mensour.
But upon entering the historic hotel, rooms filled with furniture reassured people there's plenty for the taking.
"You got wonderful deals. And some nice stuff! I will be coming back tomorrow,"
said customer Willie Hopson.
Hopson and her daughter love shopping for bargains.
With hard wood dressers priced at $85 dollars and end tables for $38, the women say, they're glad they made this sale a top priority.
"We were like, the first ones here," admits Hopson. "My daughter says, 'Oh mom! You're too early.' But we wanted to be first."
And while some are eager to score a deal on a cheap couch, others say they've come to the hotel for sentimental reasons.
"I'm nosy. I want to see what they have and I'd like to have something that says Pere Marquette on it," said customer Sue Weideman. "Maybe a wine glass or something with a Pere Marquette logo."
Although the sign says "All Sales are Final," these customers know when they walk out of the Pere Marquette, it could be their final time inside the hotel.
The sale will be open daily from 10 AM to six PM.
It will continue till the end of April or until all items are gone.
