Amazon’s announcement that it will close all its Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go stores may sound, at first glance, like a retreat from grocery. More broadly, it’s perhaps better understood as a strategic refocus toward where Amazon is most differentiated, and an acknowledgment of how…
Chicago’s retail landscape continues to evolve this fall with two distinct additions: Kith, the New York-based luxury streetwear and lifestyle brand founded by designer Ronnie Fieg, and Jellycat, the British plush label known for its whimsical designs and cult social media following. Both openings underscore…
As Chicago-based retail consultants, we closely monitor store openings across the city, especially when brands make their Chicago debut. Which neighborhood do they choose as their first home? Are they poised to connect with the Chicago customer? In this blog, we spotlight recent arrivals to…
Department stores have long been iconic players in global retail—but their relevance and resilience vary greatly by region. In the United States, these stores continue to face declining foot traffic and fierce digital disruption. In Mexico, as we witnessed on our recent visit, department stores…
Our McMillanDoolittle team braved the long wait times to visit the newest Harry Potter Shop. As Chicago-based consultants, we’re eager to see if this new store can continue to bring much-needed energy and excitement to Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. Take a virtual photo tour of the…
Long associated with traditional recliners and comfort, La-Z-Boy is actively repositioning itself as a lifestyle brand with a focus on modern aesthetics, evolving consumer preferences, and new retail experiences. As part of this transformation, the company has opened its first “Experiential Store” in Chicago’s Lincoln…
Within just three weeks, Vancouver-founded women’s apparel brand Aritzia has opened three new flagships: SoHo (NYC) on November 26, Michigan Avenue (Chicago) on November 30, and Fifth Avenue (NYC) on December 16. These flagship locations serve as ultimate brand destinations. Aritzia’s US Geographic Expansion Strategy…
London-based women’s activewear brand Sweaty Betty has returned to U.S. brick-and-mortar retail with the opening of two new stores this past weekend: one in Georgetown, Washington, D.C., and the other in Chicago, located in the Southport Corridor. Our team visited the Chicago store to better…
A slew of new stores have opened during October and November – just in time for holiday shopping! Several retailers are establishing their first locations in the city, and as a Chicago-based firm, we’re excited to see this expansion. Contact us to learn more about our Study…
Amazon recently opened its first small-format grocery store, Amazon Grocery, in Downtown Chicago. The 3,800-square-foot location offers a streamlined, 3,500 SKU assortment of convenience and grocery basics. The first-of-its-kind concept is located on the ground floor of the One Chicago building at 3 W. Chicago…
