Another Shoptalk in the rearview mirror. After a busy and productive week in Las Vegas, here are my takeaways from one of the most important shows in the retail calendar. I organized my thoughts based the factors that are important to our consulting and our…
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…
By 2030, Gen Z and Millennials are expected to account for nearly half of U.S. consumer spending. Gen Z will wield significant buying power as the largest and wealthiest generation globally. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z is not just brand-conscious, but rather value and values-driven,…
Back-to-school shopping is one of the biggest spending events of the year. According to the National Retail Federation, total college spending is expected to reach $87 billion this year—a slight dip from last year’s $94 billion but still significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. As college…
Pleasing – Harry Styles’ beauty and lifestyle brand – recently arrived in Chicago with a retro, space-themed pop-up dubbed the “Pleasing AstroMilk Bar.” Located in Wicker Park, this imaginative and immersive pop-up introduces Pleasing’s latest product line – the AstroMilk nail polish collection, named for…
The latest census data revealed a surprising trend: consumers are still selectively spending money on discretionary items despite inflationary pressures. Notably, purchases of toys – such as building sets, plush toys, and outdoor games – fall into this discretionary spending category, with 43% of adults…
Wayfair opened the doors to its first-ever brick-and-mortar store yesterday in the Chicago suburb of Wilmette, IL. Located in the revitalized Edens Plaza, the massive, two-level store spans 150,000 sq. ft. of space previously occupied by the department store Carson Pirie Scott. Described by the…
Happy Earth Day from the McMillanDoolittle team! We’re thrilled to announce the release of our latest global publication that provides a blueprint for a more sustainable retail industry. This collaborative market study with the Ebeltoft Group, a consortium of global brand and retail experts, represents…
Technical outdoor apparel brand Arc’teryx opened a new location in Chicago’s Southport Corridor this month, marking the retailer’s 4th Chicagoland area store. Our McMillanDoolittle team attended Arc’teryx’s engaging and community-centric Grand Opening event. If you’re a retailer looking to design a memorable and customer-centric experience, contact…
