Party City and Staples announced a partnership this week that will bring Party City balloons, décor, and party supplies into more than 700 Staples stores and onto Staples.com by year-end. The assortment includes balloons, décor, tableware, gift bags, costume accessories, and favors, while Staples adds…
Across Asia, retailers are redesigning stores from the ground up, rethinking how people shop, how employees work, and what a physical store is meant to be. From Singapore to Seoul, the store is no longer just a place to buy things. It is becoming a…
Across categories and geographies, leading brands are transforming physical spaces into dynamic environments that spark emotion, build community, and reignite the unique power of brick-and-mortar. Retail Innovations 2026 illustrates 16 brands and retailers prioritizing experience and competing on reasons to visit. For this week’s #ThemeThursday…
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…
