Eileen Fisher’s Block 37 Store Now Open in the Loop

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Sustainable apparel retailer, Eileen Fisher opened its second Chicago location this weekend at Block 37. The interior design of the store features recycled wood and other “green” materials, fresh flowers, and warm earth tones meant to evoke a feeling of nature. Eileen Fisher is known for her eco-friendly designs, particularly the use of organic cotton fabrics in 70% of the clothing. The company’s fair-trade project in Peru works with indigenous farmers to source cotton and produce high-quality knitted sweaters. Eileen Fisher also ensures all international factories conform to the SA8000 workplace standards, demonstrating a strong commitment to human rights.
Eileen Fisher first selected this State Street location three years ago when store executives toured Block 37 in hard hats while the giant shopping center was still under construction. Lured by promises of the Olympics, Eileen Fisher executives signed a lease for a storefront on State Street. Although many other retailers pulled out of the Block 37 after Chicago lost its Olympic bid Eileen Fisher continued with plans to open their second downtown Chicago location inside the mall complex. Originally from Des Plaines, Eileen Fisher herself believes strongly in Chicago and wanted to be a part of the Loop’s retailing renaissance. The State Street location’s target market is local Chicagoans who work or shop in the Loop, in contrast to the more tourist-oriented shop in Water Tower Place. It’s widely known that Magnificent Mile stores cater to out-of-towners whereas locals tend to favor State Street locations, which are more easily accessed via the CTA public transit system. - Amy Creyer
· Eileen Fisher [Official Site]
· All Eileen Fisher Coverage [Racked Chicago]