New Chicago stores spark long lines and retail frenzy
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Interior of Michigan Avenue store. Photo: Courtesy of Uniqlo
Excitement around new retail stores in Chicago has led to long lines, and in at least one case, police on the scene.
The big picture: New tenants continue to fill storefronts on Michigan Avenue, and shops with very loyal followers are popping up in neighborhoods and the suburbs.
State of play: The much-anticipated March opening of Uniqlo on the Mag Mile wasn't the only new Chicago-area presence for the Japanese brand.
- Uniqlo also opened at Oakbrook Center on May 15.
The latest: While that opening certainly attracted attention, it was a pop-up event at the suburban mall that led police to disperse customers.
- Watchmakers Audemars Piguet (AP) and Swatch dropped their new collaboration at stores across the world last week, but long lines that started early Saturday morning led Oakbrook to call off the event.
State of play: Neighborhood openings include sustainable clothing brand Reformation in the Southport Corridor (3452 Southport Ave.) and Fulton Market (833 W. Randolph St.). Also:
- Popular stationery spot Paper and Pencil opened a new, larger location Saturday at 5208 N. Clark St., attracting a line down the block.
- A few blocks north, antique shop Vintiques & Company opened this month at 5432 N. Clark St.
- British menswear brand Charles Tyrwhitt opened a store last month at 625 N. Michigan Ave.
What we're watching: What will move into the Saks Fifth Avenue space on the Mag Mile, whether American Eagle will possibly move to the Mile as well and whether Gap will take over the former Express store at the Landmark in Lakeview.