T.J. Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods plan to open thousands of new stores

In an age when brick-and-mortar retailers are struggling, one company has just announced aggressive store opening plans. TJX Companies, owner of T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods among other brands, plans to grow its number of stores by more than 50%. It will have 5,600 stores when it is finished expanding, up from the current total…

Southern Tide coming to Naperville’s riverfront Water Street District

A brand of activewear that’s difficult to find in the Western suburbs is coming to downtown Naperville’s Water Street District. Southern Tide apparel, “an active lifestyle brand with a little bit of southern, coastal influence,” is targeting a September opening on the south side of Water Street, under a new Hotel Indigo near a new…

It’s Your Business: Center’s growing at great clip

Tim Harrington, commercial services director for Coldwell Banker Commercial Devonshire Realty, said that Slim Chickens closed on the purchase of the last available lot remaining in the Carriage Center project on May 9. Slim Chickens opened in 2003 in Fayetteville, Ark., with a focus on chicken. The menu includes fresh chicken tenders, Buffalo wings, sandwiches,…

This Week’s Local Design News, Trends, and Events

HomeGoods, a national retailer, is having a grand opening this Sunday at its new Lincoln Park location from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Shop affordable furniture, home décor, tableware, and bath accessories all while checking out their new space located in the Clybourn Galleria (1840 N. Clybourn). Chicago Magazine // Helena Kim // View The Full…

Huntley gives preliminary nod to updated Sherwin Williams store design

The Village Board advanced a revamped proposal for a Sherwin Williams store on Route 47 after the developer made requested changes to the plan. Last month, the board had directed developer Vernick & Associates to spruce up the design of the building, saying it was too plain. Northwest Herald // Caitlin Swieca // View the…

New Business: Summer Classics In HP

An empty storefront in the city’s downtown shopping district is empty no more now that Summer Classics has moved into 1850 Second Street, which previously housed Restoration Hardware. It opened on March 4. The retailer’s Highland Park location is its first to offer Summer Classics luxury outdoor furniture as well as indoor furniture and lighting. Daily North…

This Week’s Chicago Deal Sheet

Lee & Associates’ Joe Grody repped landlord Cameo Management, in a 10-year, 3k SF lease at 21000 S LaGrange Rd (pictured) in Frankfort with Orangetheory Fitness. The tenant was repped by Metro Commercial Real Estate’s Nathan Tonnies. BISNOW // Chuck Sudo // View The Full Article

Orangetheory Signs Lease in Frankfort

Orangetheory Fitness, a fitness center that provides 60-minute group interval workouts that combines cardio and strength-training, has signed a 10 year lease at 21000 South LaGrange Road in Frankfort. The tenant will occupy 3,000 square feet at the 11,000 square foot newly renovated strip center. Daily Herald // Daily Herald Staff Report // View The Full…

Summer Classics to Open its 1st Chicago Store

Summer Classics, a premier, luxury outdoor furniture manufacturer, is opening its first Chicagoland licensee store at Renaissance Place in downtown Highland Park, Illinois. According to Christiane Fischer, general manager of the shopping center, the retailer is scheduled to open in March 2016 in the 6,900-square-foot former Restoration Hardware space. Commercial Construction & Renovation // davidc@ccr-mag.com…

J.C. Licht planning expansion after sale by Benjamin Moore

J.C. Licht, a paint retailer with a centurylong history in the Chicago area, is opening a new distribution center and planning to expand its network of stores after its sale to a new owner last year. Benjamin Moore sold the J.C. Licht chain to Elliot Greenberg, formerly vice president of operations at East Coast home…

Skechers Named Company Of The Year

For the second consecutive year, Skechers has been named the Company of the Year by industry trade magazine Footwear Plus. This win marks the seventh time Skechers received the prestigious top award!  In addition, Footwear Plus awarded Skechers the 2015 Plus Award for Excellence in Design & Retail in the Athleisure category. SKECHERS – The…

New Development finally on the way for Buffalo Grove intersection

Buffalo Grove is beginning to see some long-awaited plans for development at the corner of Milwaukee Avenue and Deerfield Parkway. A proposal for the Berenesa Plaza property, which has lain dormant for about a quarter-century, came before the village board last year, and on Monday the board got its first look at a proposed retail…