Before The End of The World, Here's What Happened This Year

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As we near doomsday, we'd like to fondly look back on some highlights of one of the best years for shopping in Chicago we can remember. There were exhilarating highs and unfortunate lows. From judging the hottest, sweatiest, sexiest bodies in the fitness scene to flaky almond croissants on opening day at the very first CityTarget in the United States of America. Yes, the drama was thick, and the summer was spicy, so now without any further ado, we'd like to give recognition to the top shopping stories of 2012.

First, Niketown suddenly closed, mass confusion ensued, until the details started to trickle out and finally the store reopened. Then, 'round the beginning of summer, The Vintage Bazaar threw one of the most gargantuan markets we've seen at the Aragon Ballroom featuring over 100 vendors right before we introduced the ultimate list of independent shops and people hocking their wares; The Indie 38. This all-local hippie action was only one side of the coin, the flip side being represented by CityTarget in the Loop. We got the first look and the nation watched on opening day as we toured the historic Sullivan structure, tasted the Pret-A-Manger almond croissants and talked to the first customers. Also, around the largest Fashion's Night Out Celebrations the city has ever see, we also got the largest Walgreens the City has ever seen, which quickly overshadowed Chicago's first Walgreens to employ a sushi chef, aesthetician, and bartender. Oh, and there was a ton of sex happening during our Hottest Fitness Trainers Contest. Here's to a hell of a year, and may 2013 be just as productive. [The Management]