Eight Store Openings We'll See Before the End of the Year

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So far this year, we've seen several stores open at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago and quite a few store openings on Oak St in Gold Coast, including Alexis Bittar, Alton Lane, and most recently, Zadig & Voltaire. And in the last few weeks, we've seen discount retailers TJMaxx and Nordstrom Rack open new Chicago stores.

Before the end of the year, we'll see eight new stores open in Chicago - three from brands new to the city!

Athleta
Gap's sporty brand Athleta will replace Juicy Couture on Oak Street. With high-end neighbors like Dolce & Gabbana, Tom Ford, and the aforementioned stores, it'll be interesting to see how the 5,400-square-foot, two-story shop settles in.

Dylan's Candy Bar
This November, you can be a kid in a candy store, a very big candy store. The New York-based confectionery founded by Dylan Lauren, daughter of Ralph, will be opening a store at 445 North Michigan Avenue. The former museum space will turn into two floors and 13,000 square feet of sweets from around the world and include a cafe and bar for private parties.

Lou & Grey
New LOFT-brand, Lou & Grey will be opening a store at 3442 Southport Avenue in Southport this fall. It will be one of seven stores in the nation, according to its website. We like the looks we saw online and look forward to seeing them in person!

M.A.C.
Slated to open at The Shops at North Bridge this fall, the 1,500 square ft store will have four makeup stations, a lash bar, and a private makeup room.

True Religion
Also joining The Shops at North Bridge, True Religion will open a 1,437 square ft store with menswear and womenswear.

New Balance
The athletic footwear brand will be opening its second Chicago location in Hype Park at 55th Street and Lake Park Avenue later this month.

Shinola
There will soon be another retailer selling American-made goods in Wicker Park besides American Apparel! Next month, the Detroit-based company will open up shop at 1619 North Damen Avenue near the busy Six Corners. The store will sell watches, bikes, and leather goods, as well as items from other manufacturers. We hear the company plans to make its store like a community hub. We can't wait!

St. John
The upscale American brand is scheduled to open an outlet store at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago later this month. We'll have details for you in the coming weeks.

If you've got more info on any of the stores covered or one we missed, leave us a comment or email your tip to chicago@racked.com.
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