So many opportunities to do your holiday shopping hand-made/local/independent this weekend! Come say hi to Gapers Block at the DIY Trunk Show this Saturday; pick up cool student art at SAIC's annual holiday show; or peruse the Modern Vintage Holiday Market for neat vintage stuff.
Logan Square denizens may be excited to know that they have a new neighborhood record store as of today. It's run by the folks behind Chicago Independent Distribution.
Joseph Freed & Associates will lose control of Block 37, despite the development's scheduled opening this month.
The South Side's unemployment rate is the second highest in the nation according to census data analyzed by the Chicago Reporter.
It seems Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (AKA McPier) is struggling to keep high revenue-generating conventions in Chicago, with the Society of Plastics Industry and the Chicago-based Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society moving their conventions to less costly locations. Dennis Byrne at Chicago Now has an idea of who's to blame. Meanwhile McPier, which manages conventions and trade shows at McCormick Place and Navy Pier, isn't doing so well themselves.
Members of the Graduate Employees Organization at UIUC are on strike after contract negotiations broke down over tuition waivers.
As Crain's says, "MillerCoors needs the quickie mart," and particularly so in Chicago.
The holidays are coming, and what better way to show your spirit for the season and the city with these charming Chicago Flag Snowflake cards from local paper good entrepreneurs 16 Sparrows.
Mayor Daley tried to answer calls for comprehensive snow removal through private bidding on side street clearance, but that didn't work. He promises overtime and some creative responses will get the job done.
Ork Posters is turning its studio into a temporary poster shop for the holidays -- details in A/C.
Apparently, Mutual of Omaha and Oprah are no longer sparring over the use of the phrase "a-ha."
A criminal crew got creative on the North Side Monday night by attempting to break into a jewelry store via the beauty shop next door . They didn't make it into the jewelers, but they made off with some beauty products, prompting some pretty funny one-liners at the end of the article.
If you were wondering why Chicago's Sonotheque club has no show dates after 11/15, well here's your answer -- the venue's been sold, according to Time Out. Will it become another of the new owner's Beauty Bar outposts? Only time will tell.
Mark Swimmer would like to remind you that your default phone system password is not secure.
The eBay Mobile Boutique will be at the Wrigley Building, 400 N. Michigan Ave., on Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 10-11, from 11am to 6pm. Folks'll be on hand to help you search, shop and ship for the holidays.
Or just throw it on the couch. With pillows like these from local crafter Beth Cummings of Diffraction Fiber, you can lie on your city pride. These pillows are made from 100% recycled plastic bottles so they're extra great. So are some of these other ones she'll be selling at the DIY Trunk Show on November 21st.
Despite Block 37's problems, the development announced 13 new leases, including a few Chicago companies like Bleeding Heart Bakery, the Comic Vault and local designers.
Crain's Chicago Business just announced its annual 40 Under 40 list, and our very own Andrew Huff was selected as one of the luminaries. Congratulations, Andrew!
Oprah viewers can save 50% off their entire purchase at Payless ShoeSource through close of business on Friday, Oct. 30 with this coupon.
Element Bars, a local customizable energy bar company, got a big boost from a recent appearance on the reality show "Shark Tank."
That's right: The former Kiddieland site may be the Chicago area's 13th Costco.
We have Joffrey Ballet's first-ever costume sale on the calendar for tomorrow, because that's when it's free, but for $20 you can get a preview and first pick tonight from 5:30 to 8:30pm.
Two venerable Chicago institutions officially have new owners: the Sun-Times and the Cubs.
Will the Trib be able to woo luxury advertisers? It hopes LX365 will make it happen.
Despite ShoreBank's international leadership role in community-oriented banking, it is facing serious problems.
Jewel's Urban Fresh market, part of its strategy to compete in a more specialized grocery field, will close by the end of the month.
While demolition preparation continues for nearly all of the Michael Reese campus, the city is considering keeping one Gropius building, the Singer Pavilion.
Guess which downtown development may be heading towards foreclosure.
The Sears Tower is the centerpiece of this magnificent commercial rendering. Enjoy. (P.S. Call it what you will, but I'm sticking with "Sears Tower" for now.)
In Mechanics, Sheila Burt talks with author Kari Lyderson about her new book on the takeover of the Republic Windows and Doors factory by laid off workers and its place in labor rights history.
There are dozens of multimillion dollar homes for sale throughout the region, and they're not selling. Two standouts are a suburban castle and a home named "Villa Taj" that will soon be auctioned.
The FBI wants to know what happened to the $1.1 million Illinois FIRST grant given to the Historic Pullman Foundation for the still unrestored Market Hall.
Do you really need that thing you just ordered on Amazon today? For an extra fee, Amazon now offers same-day Express Shipping.
Well, the Spire isn't done for yet, but its developer is in the news again. This time, its sales center is facing eviction.
Shawnimals just released a blind bag series of Moustachio "pocket stache" plush dolls, including a pirate mustache! Perfect for Halloween disguises.
Jailbreak Toys has now immortalized Michelle as well as Barack as action figures.
Crain's has an interview with skinnyCorp co-founder Jacob DeHart who's launching a new startup business website later this month: CulinaryCulture.com.
Woot's t-shirt today depicts hot dogs from around the country, with Chicago style getting prime placement. Makes sense, since the designer went to school here.
The economy may be in the tank, but 18 Chicago-area residents made the Forbes 400 list.
Whether you're a fashionable diva who occasionally takes a Sunday bike ride for joy, or a professional dame who commutes to work, you'll find the work of Maria and Emily who co-own Po Campo tres magnifique. Beautifully stylish bags for attaching to your bike handlebars or rack and available at a dozen local shops. Designed and manufactured right here in Chicago to help you buy local.
If you're looking for a downtown getaway, the new boutique hotel The Wit got a not too shabby review in the NY Times.
Illinois is known for a lot of great things, but one of them isn't nursing homes.
Steppenwolf isn't just a good place to see a show -- it's apparently also a great place to work. The Wall Street Journal named the theater one of this year's Top Small Workplaces. Radio Flyer made the list as well. [via]
The Chia Obama is returning to Chicago. Protests led Walgreens to drop it, but it looks like CVS is going to give it a shot.
Crain's profiles Lori Greiner, a local entrepreneur who's made a mint selling stuff on QVC.
Looking to snap up some cheap property? Or maybe just get a glimpse of just how much of a discount nearby units are going for? CondoShark has your answer.
It's hard to believe, but there's a new catch in the parking meter deal: When parking meters are removed or their hours reduced, somebody has to make up for the loss.
Freitag bags are pretty cool, but they're also pretty expensive. Check out Defy bags instead: besides being local, you can customize the flap with whatever you can come up with and send to them as a jpg.
Approximately 900 Unite Here Local 1 workers and supporters rallied for strengthened negotiations with local hoteliers as well as for recently fired non-union hotel workers in Boston. The 200 arrestees sat in Chicago Avenue in front of the Park Hyatt.
The Fineprint makes some pretty sweet Chicago-themed t-shirts and other gear. I'm particularly fond of this one.
The state's liquor tax increase is pushing alcohol prices higher -- but not nearly as high as wholesalers would like you to think.
You've heard that before, right? Coin That Phrase wants to help you make it a reality.
Chicago-based ReusableBags.com is a finalist for Green Business of the Year in Green America's 2009 People's Choice Awards. Help them win by voting today.
A Who's Who in Chicago business list may not sound particularly interesting to those outside the business world, but Crain's social networking map makes it worth a gander.
Two Chicago designers will debut their Spring 2010 collections tomorrow at Fashion Week in NYC. Maria Pinto will show at Banchet Flowers from 6-9 pm and Lara Miller's work will appear at King of Greene St at 11 am as part of a two-day event showcasing sustainable fashion.
The Pilsen Community Market will be hosting a community garage sale for the next two Sundays on a vacant lot at 18th and Peoria.
Rebeca Mojica started Blue Buddha Boutique after a successful PR career, a sojourn in Germany, and a curious run-in with chainmaille. Got that? Since, the Chicago company's gone gangbusters creating handmade jewelry, educating the masses, and supporting local causes. They're now nominated as an "inspiring small business" in the Shine A Light competition from American Express and NBC Universal, in the running for up to $100,000 in grants and marketing support. Learn more and endorse them (before Sunday the 13th) by following the instructions here.
The Trib is reporting that Bill Davies, the individual who purchased the post office last month, may not be the most reputable businessman.
Say what you will about what the recent Oprahpalooza on Michigan Ave. did to your morning commute, some of the retailers in the area are saying that having Ms. Winfrey on their street worked out well for their bottom line.
Tonight is Fashion's Night Out, Vogue magazine Editor-in-Chief's Anna Wintour international attempt to drive retail fashion. Although based in New York (naturally), Chicago has a few events and trunk shows lined up.
The Revolt on Goose Island may be over, but it looks like official problems for former Republic Windows & Doors officials may just be beginning.
Then you may want to consider buying Al Capone's Wisconsin retreat. It has "407 secluded acres with a 37-acre private lake, an eight-car garage and a guard tower."
In honor of this calendrical curiosity, Threadless has made all its shirts $9 for the day. Enjoy!
A group of investors including the CEO of Mesirow Financial has made a bid to purchase the Sun Times Media Group. UPDATE: And the next day, the Sun-Times management cut wages above $25,000 by 8 percent.
One of the greatest things about living in a big city like Chicago is that if you've got a niche interest, there's probably a store for you. Such as Robot City Workshop, your source for anything and everything robot.
A new study from researchers at UIC and elsewhere confirms that, among other problems, 25% of workers earn below minimum wage, 70% don't get the meal breaks they should, and half of bosses illegally retaliate when complaints are made.
According to the chief economist of the Australian Trade Commission, Chicago has three Os.
Appolicious is a Chicago-based social networking-ish site that helps you find the right app for your iPhone -- or whatever phone you have.
Speaking of shopping, if you're thinking about spending time on Michigan Avenue from Wacker Drive to Ohio Street anytime between Monday and Wednesday morning, the street will be closed to vehicular traffic in order to tape Oprah's new season kickoff. If you want to get in on the O action, the show will begin at 5 p.m. Tuesday and will be free and open to all. You can scope out the best seats ahead of time by reviewing this map [pdf] of the event.
South Siders are shopping less often in their own neighborhoods, a study by the Chicago Reporter and Chicago Public Radio found. The reasons are complicated, but one reason stands out: stores are following the white people.
In A/C, Lindsay Muscato talks with Busy Beaver owner Christen Carter about how she got started and the company's new store.
The good news: Chicago's unemployment rate went down in July.
The bad news: It's still up nearly five points over last year.
Midwest Generation, LLC, the Edison International subsidiary that runs the Fisk and Crawford coal-burning power plants on the South Side (and four others in Illinois), is being sued by the state and U.S. EPA for allegedly upgrading systems without meeting current Clean Air Act controls.
If you've ever had the desire to see a 2.7-million-square-foot post office auctioned, head to the Intercontinental Chicago O'Hare Hotel in Rosemont by 1pm today. UPDATE: The building sold for $40 million to an as-yet unknown bidder, Chicago Real Estate Daily reports.
Chris Ware fans had better head on over to shirt.woot.com right now; a limited edition T-shirt featuring Ware's artwork is on sale for today only.
A bankruptcy judge ruled this morning that Atalaya Capital Management made the winning bid for Creative Loafing, the corporate parent of the Reader. Here's a little background on their new overlords, and comments from now-former owner Ben Eason.
Daley's estimate of that the Olympics will provide $22.5 billion in direct and indirect economic benefits to the Chicago region is being greeted with signifiant skepticism.
No Manches is a t-shirt company specializing in designs with cultural relevance to Latin Americans -- but I think just about Chicagoan can get behind this shirt.
The heiress to the General Growth fortune recently lost $1.7 billion, $300 million of which she figures is the fault of a local law firm.
Twenty-three Chicagoland businesses made the Inc. 500 list this year; an additional 201 Illinois companies made the expanded Inc. 5,000.
Well, "history" may be a strong word, but Tony Rezko's 8,400-square-foot mansion just sold at auction for $2.8 million. Even after the sale, Rezko still owes more than $3 million on the house.
Want to get to know the Near North a bit better? The Local Tourist is hosting a meet & greet on Sept. 1, and you're invited. Pay a little extra for the swag bag and help out two great causes.
EveryBlock, the Chicago-based news and public information aggregator, has been acquired by MSNBC.com. Crain's has some more detail.
The Spire is drilling its way back into the headlines with a new lawsuit brought by Bank of America against Shelbourne Development for its failure to repay $4.9 million.
The Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, aka McPier, is in big financial trouble. Last month, the group needed $18.8 million from the state to make a bond payment.
Mechanics occasional contributor Mike Fourcher breaks down the numbers in the Creative Loafing (owners of the Chicago Reader) bankruptcy sale. [via] More from Michael Miner regarding Creative Loafings' owners' bid.
"O'Hare Staging Area #10," by Dmitry Samarov, is the first in a series of five works to be featured during Chicago Week, a collaboration between GB and Wall Blank. Each print will be available for one week through Wall Blank, with 10% of the proceeds benefiting Chicago Artists' Coalition. Check A/C every day this week for a new piece by and interview with a Chicago artist.
A stylist at Salon 64 in Edgewater is offering free haircuts for the unemployed. Full details here. (Thanks, Veronica!)
The Fineprint has some neat t-shirts for showing Chicago pride. Case in point: this shirt featuring a takeoff of Harold's Chicken Shack's famous "dude chasing after a chicken with a meat cleaver" logo. [via]
The Bears' practice jerseys feature a prominently placed advertisement, and there's some question about where the ads will stop.
As a stroll down any major street will tell you, Chicago is "heavily overbanked." Fortunately, that probably means we won't be getting many more banks anytime soon. Oh, and there's a bonus unrelated article at the end of the piece too.
"It's a blighted area, underutilized with vacant buildings." So clearly the answer is for the city to sell five acres to a developer for $1 so he can build new buildings.
New Chicago-based microblogging service Wooxie allows 155 characters instead of 140, and offers a photo gallery. We're testing it out.
Economic woes? Hipster aspirations? Check out part one of this Chicago thrift store guide.
Hey, Chicago music/bowling fans! Just a few hours left to order a special shirt titled "Bring Back the Fireside" at RIPT Apparel. [via]
Beyond the Pedway is a weekly video interview of local businesses, produced by Tim Jahn.
Local independent business resource Indylist is going national. So after you've had some fun at the GB Get Together, head over to Moxie to celebrate with the staff.
"We believe strongly that everyone should have access to affordable health insurance. Everyone." That line from a Wal-Mart executive at the National Council of La Raza convention here last weekend got big applause. And WBEZ is getting calls from Wal-Mart trying to stop the clapping.
Not a fan of PayPal or Google Checkout? Local startup mPayy might be your solution.
A Chicago-area company is producing a diamond ... from Michael Jackson's hair.
Just a couple more days for Chicago Innovation Awards nominations.
The latest version of the Ford Taurus has workers at a South Side auto plant keeping their fingers crossed that it becomes a hit. If it's a success with the public, it could mean more jobs at the Torrance Ave. factory.
In other sports news, John Greenfield of Vote with Your Feet recently interviewed Stephen Schier, co-owner of Lincoln Park's Dutch Bike Co. Chicago, about the shop, why he opened a store in Chicago and the future of European cycles in the U.S.
Chicago homeowners staring down foreclosure can access free help and perhaps on-site loan modifications at McCormick Place this weekend.
If you run a small business, you might want to give yourself a long lunch and visit the City Treasurer's Small Business Expo today. It's free, and runs till 3:30.
Midway Games, the company behind the Mortal Kombat video games, is closing its Chicago HQ and firing 60 employees. Fatality. Brutality.
As FoGB Annie said, "I've never seen the NYT take a Chicago retailer down like this."
Think you're the ultimate Cubs fan? Not until you paint your home with Valspar's limited edition paints.
If so, you're not alone ... even if the strip mall vacancy rate is nearly 11%.
Some Midlothian residents are not thrilled by the prospect of a "couples only" hotel going up in their village.
The Printed Blog has ceased publication. Brandon Copple of Crain's talks to founder Josh Karp about the project and his advice to entrepreneurs.
When the weather forecast is too vague, institutions from the city to universities are calling on private meteorologists to take some of the uncertainty out of the day.
EveryBlock's Knight grant ran out yesterday, and on that momentous occasion, they released the source code for the platform, allowing anyone to produce a similar site for their town. Read my profile of the company and their future plans in Chicago magazine.
The Illinois minimum wage will inch up 25¢ tomorrow to $8, 75¢ more than the new national minimum wage that goes into effect in July. For full-time minimum wage employees, that means an additional $520 a year in earnings.
The Chicago Report found that Wells Fargo gave high-earning black Chicagoans more sub-prime loans than it did to less wealthy whites -- and wonders why the City isn't suing.
A $19.3 million Barrington Hills estate called Horizon Farm just went into foreclosure, although it doesn't look like the owners are giving up anytime soon. The estate was in the news a few years ago when its sale was discussed as a way to save rare suburban farm, among other things.
Chicago is really making a name for itself in financial fraud. Last year there was Wextrust, and these days we have the Webio scandal and a recently exposed $300M ponzi scheme at one Lake Shore Asset Management. If this keeps up it may even rival our sterling political record.
Webio founder David Hernandez was reported missing by his wife one day after the feds announced an investigation into Webio and other companies.
After failing to sell the former main post office over the Eisenhower, the U.S. Postal Service is auctioning it off. The suggested opening bid is $300,000, although there is no minimum. That's right, you can potentially own 2.5 million-square-feet of historic space for a little more than Chicago's median home price.
Launched today, RIPT Apparel is a Chicago-based t-shirt retailer selling one-of-a-kind shirts designed by a community of artists. The beauty is that a single design is sold over a 24-hour period only; it is then retired, replaced and the cycle repeats.
Speaking of pizza (see below), the Pizza Executive Summit '09 is currently taking place here in Chicago. With a name like that, it sounds ominous...ominously delicious.
Sam Zell may be pushed out as head of Tribune Co. as part of restructuring during bankruptcy.
The economy is taking the toll on even the Mag Mile's ability to rent space. Its vacancy rate is up .9 percentage points from last year to 7.2%, the highest since 1992.
It's one thing to be a repo man who takes back cars and motorcycles. It's an entirely different, more difficult job if the vehicle is a jet. All in a day's work for Valparaiso-based Sage-Popovich.
Miller Lite's recent commercials featuring mobsters offering bartenders "protection" has met with protests from Italian-Americans, including the Italiean-American Human Relations Foundation. As a result, Miller is pulling the ads. Of course, it's not the first time beer and the mob have been linked.
Iconic international football (soccer) franchise Manchester United has tabbed Chicago-based insurance company Aon as their new principal sponsor. Let's hope there's no curse associated with the honor, considering the fate that befell their old sponsor, a little company called AIG.
Time Magazine notes a Chicago grocer trying to grow in the city's food deserts.
Com Ed is hastening the arrival of Skynet with a pilot program to test "smart" electric meters in 141,000 Chicago area locations by the end of the year. The meters will provide real-time information about electricity usage, among other features.
Today's Reader cover story takes a look at pushcart vendors' legal plight -- licensable in the parks, but not in the rest of the city.
Crain's recently released its list of the highest-paid area CEOs in 2008. Comparing compensation to shareholder return is particularly fruitful.
Aqua, the much admired Studio Gang showpiece, has nearly landed a hotel for 15 of its floors. If you don't have the cash to visit -- not to mention live there -- you can still experience the joy of belonging by regularly reading the Aqua Homeowners website.
The Sun-Times is working on an enlightening set of articles following nearly 200 units in University Village that were set aside for families who needed assistance to purchase a home. The paper finds 67% were sold to young, single buyers, including some who already owned multiple properties -- and that's just the beginning.
Farmers' market season is upon us once again, and in this week's Reader you'll find their annual guide to the city's markets. The Reader's list is organized by the day of the market; over at the city's official market site, you can find markets organized by neighborhood.
No lesser personage than Emperor Daley was present for the opening of the new Whole Foods.
It looks like sales of all of those new condos are going just about as well as you thought. More than half of all developments had units cancelled or didn't sell one unit in the first quarter.
The new Whole Foods Lincoln Park opens next week -- but we've got a sneak peek in Drive-Thru. If you want more, there's a preview party Monday.
I can get behind this sentiment.
A deserted Sears parking lot on the West Side has become a training ground for Chicago's next generation of entrepreneurs. Their stock in trade: honey-producing beehives.
... the Trib for its coverage of Chrysler closing 789 dealerships, 44 of which are in Illinois: "No-haggle end for hundreds of Chrysler dealers."
Well-loved vinyl toy, clothing and sneaker boutique and art gallery A.Okay Official will be open for the last time this Saturday. Come by for DJs, refreshments, and a blowout sale.
Besides providing crazy-cool t-shirts, Chicago's Threadless evidently also provides a killer place to work. TravelChannel.com named Threadless an "extreme workplace," citing their 25,000-square-foot warehouse and production space where employees play Wii, bring it in intense ping-pong championships, and even rock out on an indoor skate ramp. Chicago photo blogger Joe M500 is interviewed about his recent photographic journey of the warehouse (and confirms its coolness) here.
Beachwood Reporter points us to an interesting article in Casino City Times on Arlington Heights-based Incredible Technologies, makers of Golden Tee and other popular bar games.
Workers at the Des Plaines factory of Hartmarx, the 122-year-old company that made Obama's inaugural tuxedo, are following the lead of Republic Windows and Doors by voting to stage a sit-in if Wells Fargo liquidates their company.
So you heard about how Oprah unleashed a tsunami on KFC earlier this week, right? Well, El Pollo Loco is accepting KFC coupons for a free dinner on Mother's Day. And in case you haven't had it? Their chicken is crazy good.
CouponTweet, a site by former GB officemates PerkSpot, went into public beta yesterday, allowing you to search for coupon codes and special offers in the Twitter stream.
There's a big excavation project going on on Belmont -- right in the middle of the new American Apparel store's floor.
LAZ Parking officials have come to the oh-so-surprising conclusion that it wasn't ready to acquire the city's 36,000 parking meters in February.
If you were to guess what the the CEO of Caterpillar might want from the federal government, where do you think more construction funding would rank on the list?
Toghaus, maker of CTA stop t-shirts, is closing up shop May 2. Get your Damen stop hoodie now! (You can still get an El Boton button to go with it, for now.) You might also be interested in That's My Stop's shirt designs.
As GM ditches Pontiac and plans to eliminate 42% of its dealerships, local dealerships are wondering what to do.
Target is opening a "Bullseye Bazaar" pop-up store in the Tribune Tower space previously occupied by the McCormick Freedom Museum. The store will only be open May 7-9, and will feature products from designers that will be appearing in Target nationwide later in the year.
Felony Franks, a new hot dog stand to be staffed by ex-prisoners, is causing a stir over its name despite its positive mission.
Of late, turbulent home sales have resulted in hilariously contrasting headlines. For example: "sales skyrocket 38 percent" versus "home sales fall 26%."
The Jewels is cutting prices up to 20 percent on many items in order to better compete with Wal-Mart and Dominick's.
Provided Exelon gets federal stimulus funding, it is planning on building a 10 megawatt, 39-acre solar energy plant in West Pullman. The redeveloped industrial site would be the largest urban solar project in the U.S.
When the soaring Blackhawks hit the ice tonight in the third game of their best-of-seven playoff series against Calgary, it'll be one more boost to their ever-growing fan base. Crain's Chicago Business' Ed Sherman explains.
Chicago has decided to not offer another extension to the group that was planning to lease Midway Airport for $2.5 billion, the consequence being the plan will not come to fruition.
Have you ever wondered how much Chicago's top CEOs make? Wonder no more.
After much ado about Block 37, Apple has chosen North & Clybourn as the location of its newest Chicago retail location.
This Saturday, keep a keen eye open for these adorable bunny boxes from Chicago t-shirt shop Threadless. They'll be placed in random locations and they're filled with something better than chocolate: gift certificates!
Business is down on Michigan Avenue, but leasing demand is still strong elsewhere.
Hot Doug's has put a stop to unofficial delivery service, but it could blossom into something more. (Hot Doug's will remain the same, though.)
Those possibly questionable (but somewhat intriguing?) Barack Obama-head Chia Pets have been pulled from the shelves of local Walgreens stores after a "few complaints", despite the "nervous" customer surveying done by the company's owner. Bam! Instant collectors items.
A new report from Brookings demonstrates that the Chicago metropolitan area has the second highest decentralization of jobs in the U.S., with 68.7% of all jobs located more than ten miles from the central business district. Only Detroit is ahead of us, with a whopping 77.4%.
Hot Doug Drop is a new service that delivers Hot Doug's to drop-off locations at the Merc and CBOT twice daily for a small fee. But it's unaffiliated with the restaurant, and owner Doug Sohn says the service's days may be numbered.
Couldn't make it to the International Housewares Show last month? No worries, Craig Berman and Tobias Lunchbreath have drawn you some pictures.
Maybe the growth has something to do with General Growth's name?
From Morton Salt's beginnings in 1848, the company has always been headquartered in Chicago. Hopefully that will still be the case as its acquisition by the German K+S Group is finalized.
Well, maybe not all the time, but Groupon's side deal of the day is a week's monkey rental for just $50.
The Chicago office of the National Labor Relations Board ruled on Friday that Republic Windows & Doors violated federal labor laws when it created another company in order to skirt bargaining with its union.
If you missed it this weekend, it's worth listening to the most recent episode of This American Life, which offers "scenes from a recession" and includes a look at the limbo some Rogers Park condo owners are in, with half their building in foreclosure and the developer nowhere to be found.
A major financier of the redevelopment of the largest "open" land in the city, the former U.S. Steel South Works, has dropped out of the plan. To give you a sense of scale of the project, the other partners are continuing preparations to build "17,000 housing units, a million square feet of retail space and a 1,500-slip marina on the site."
It looks like the Tribune Company won't be selling the Cubs until after opening day. MLB insiders say the sale probably won't actually happen until mid-May at the earliest.
New Chicago breweries Metropolitan and Half Acre got some good press today, both in the Tribune and in the Wall Street Journal.
Willis Group CEO Jim Plameri takes to the web to talk about the renaming of the Sears Tower. [via]
Like David Barton Gym before them, British Columbia-based clothing retailer Lululemon says "meh" to joining in the Block 37 project.
The WSJ blog asks how Chicago's private equity market is like Chicago-style pizza, by which it means it has a "style all its own" as a result of its First Chicago Bank origins.
For a change of pace, someone's taking advantage of currency exchanges.
I never visited Old Chicago Mall, but a massive mall with "rides, a concert venue and circus performers--all under a glowing 16-story dome" sounds like a little kid's dream. If you have memories of the mall or want to read other people's recollections, Paul Drabek's roller coaster website collects them.
They talked about painting it silver, but this story isn't a flash in the pan. The Sears Tower's getting a new tenant at the end of the summer, and a new name. London-based Willis Group is moving nearly 500 employees to the iconic tower in the Loop, and as a reward, Crain's is reporting the building will soon be called The Willis Tower. [hat tip to Sarah]
If so, head to FedEx Office (formerly FedEx Kinkos, formerly Kinkos...) today for their free résumé printing service.
The Sun-Times is on the shortlist of newspapers that Time has predicted will either fold or go digital in the near future. Sun-Times tweets that they "don't buy it."
Can My Boss Do That?, a new website from Interfaith Workers Justice, answers the question with resources and information regarding hiring and firing practices, health insurance and other benefits, safety regulations and more.
The proposed Wacker Drive Shangri-La Hotel has been put on indefinite hiatus. Blair Kamin wants to know what would you do with the partially completed tower?
Some local indie sellers are doing just fine even as major chain bookstores struggle.
According to this somewhat confusing graph, Chicago is the world's third most innovative hub, behind only Silicon Valley and Tokyo, in terms of the number diversity of separate companies developing new patents. [via]
The Chicago HQ of McDermott Will & Emery is cutting free coffee in the lobby and evening meals, but the partners aren't pleased.
Remember the call for a Chicago Tea Party? Well, the idea's originator, Rick Santelli, is distancing himself from the ramifications of the statement.
Borders still hasn't made any progress subleasing its four troubled stores, but it is planning to close its Magnificent Mile location at the beginning of next year.
Serious Materials' purchase of the Republic Windows factory has been approved. The agreement will allow at least some of the workers to retain their jobs, with a plan in place to bring others back as "production demand increases."
Bankruptcy and the dismal real estate market have forced the Tribune Company to take the Tribune Tower off of the market.
Echo Windows, the company in Iowa created by the former owners of Republic Windows & Doors, closed its doors today.
WBEZ web producer Andrew Gill interviews Flameshovel Records' James Kenler about life for an indie label after the end of Touch & Go's distribution arm.
The mega development Lakeshore East is taking another step towards completion, with a Roundy's store in the works. Apparently, all they need now is "an Irish pub"...
This week's Economist soft-pedals our economic woes like this: "That Illinois is faring better than Michigan, Ohio and Indiana is small comfort."
Following emergency room organizational changes, the U of C Hospitals have been accused of coming "dangerously close" to deflecting uninsured and otherwise cost-intensive patients to other hospitals by the American College of Emergency Physicians.
Where I've Been is a new site that allows you to track and share your travels on a variety of social networks. They're hosting a Facebook Developers Garage tonight if you're interested.
Citybuzz.com tracked down Chicago's own Ikram Goldman at New York Fashion week for her thoughts on fall fashion.
Review site Yelp.com is taking some heat for allegedly pitching businesses to pay them to suppress negative reviews. Local entrepreneur and martial arts teacher Pek Pongpaet has a story to tell of a slightly different phenomenon. [via]
Table Fifty-Two has been swamped with reservation requests since word leaked about the Obamas' Valentine's Day dinner there. As of Monday afternoon, Saturdays were booked through the end of March. I wonder if they'd have the same effect at any restaurant they visited...
Crain's asks, can entrepreneurs save journalism?
It's not much of a surprise, but boutiques are in trouble for a new reason: their suppliers are demanding cash up front for purchases.
We know what some of you think about the Olympic bid, but most public critiques haven't spent much time on the architecture. Blair Kamin starts the discussion with a serious critique.
What happens when you get a dozen fabulous female cyclists together in Chicago, introduce some introspection and give one of them a camera? The Thought You Knew Us Pinup Calendar, of course. Twelve Chicago cyclists, ranging from road warriors to bike messengers to everyday saddle lovers got together to explore public perception of women cyclists and to raise money for the Chicago Women's Health Center which keeps many of them on the road. Learn more, including where you can get your own here.
This week's Reader feature investigates the financial troubles threatening the eviction of Loren Billings, the 89-year-old widow who lives in and runs the Museum of Holography.
The Trib's Mark Caro raises questions for Chicago radio stations, particularly Clear Channel's KISS FM, regarding whether or not they should play Chris Brown songs following the singer's domestic violence arrest.
Chicago-based video game developer Midway Games filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection today after a nearly five-year battle with their finances. The Mortal Kombat creator recently laid off 25% of their local workforce in an unsuccessful attempt to stay afloat.
That's the plan, although we'll see what City Council has to say about it...
The New York Times takes a look at the involvement and influence of Chicago boutique owner Ikram Goldman's in the sartorial choices of First Lady Michelle Obama.
Chicago BioMedicine (which includes the The University of Chicago Medical Center) announced a major reorganization with 450 layoffs -- 5% of its workforce.
The full extent of Bernard Madoff's ponzi scheme still isn't known, but there are more than two dozen victims in Chicagoland alone, the Tribune reports. Here's the official list of all victims.
"Ticket brokers calling your business arrangement shady is like the mob saying your methods of payment collection are a little severe."
Never expected to see a sex toy delivery service to get front-page treatment on the Trib's website, complete with (mostly SFW) video.
Yep, those new dolls from Ty that were coincidentally named after the two kids in the First Family were taken out of circulation after the company received complains about their using the Obama daughters' names. Of course, it could have been just another coincidence that the complaint came just as they were retiring the dolls....
If you have a small business or are thinking of opening one, the Jane Adams Hull House is offering 3 different programs in February that you maybe interested in attending. And because they care about you, the programs are free.
Uptown Update, the highly popular blog that has become a thorn in the side of Ald. Helen Shiller, particularly over the fate of the Wilson Yard Project, has been brought into that case by the attorney for the yard's developer, Peter Holsten. The attorney is subpoening records from Google about the ownership of that blog and another (apparently defunct blog) called "What The Helen".
The economic downturn is creating problems for wetland mitigation developers and leading others to question the practice.
Horse.com (which should probably know about these things) reports that the unique Noble Horse Stable might be closing its doors after 138 (yes, 138) years of operation. The facility, which in addition to providing downtown carriage rides also houses a horse-themed theater, is a victim of too much competition, says the owner.
Hartmarx Corporation,the company responsible for President Obama's suits, has filed for bankruptcy.
Father Time Antiques specializes in vintage watches — some beautiful timepieces in there.
Encyclopedia Britannica's new user-generated version of its online encyclopedia debuted today, but it's nothing like Wikipedia.
These new dolls from Beanie Babies maker Ty aren't based on Obama's daughters at all. No, not at all.
Chicago real estate firm The John Buck Company may soon add Boston's Hancock Tower to its portfolio, which includes a good chunk of the Chicago region.
OK, how about some news that's NOT about the goings-on in Washington, D.C.? WaMu is set to close 57 Chicago-area bank branches. On second thought, that probably does have a lot to do with Washington, D.C.
Republic Windows and Doors won't be reopening, but a green building materials company from California is in negotiations for the factory. The firm's current factories are non-union, however, so there may still be problems if the deal goes through.
Need a little extra help? Chicago Anytime Assistants can give a hand by picking up laundry, waiting for the cable guy, do a little shopping, whatever. As a special to GB readers, they're offering your first hour of service for free -- just mention you saw it on Gapers Block.*
Dentist James L. Orrington may like you to work for him if you will submit to Scientology, among other problematic practices.
The Post Family and One Design have opened a coworking space called COOP, appropriately enough. If a full-on office is too much, though, you might also be interested in Jelly.
You know that Olympic Village Daley wants to build? It'll be done with TIF dollars, Crain's reports. Ben Joravsky breaks it all down.
Chicago crowdsourcing startup crowdSPRING won Wired's Small Biz Program contest.
With all of the talk about the Chicago school's problems regarding the recent financial crisis, Raghuram Rajan wants people to know the U of C was also leading the warnings.
More rumors abound about the siting of the newest Batman franchise in Chicago, along with some other details.
Bernard Madoff's $50 billion fraud is having a trickle-down effect in Chicago: Many Palm Beach millionaires have been forced to sell their jewelry, so they've turned to House of Kahn Estate Jewelers for assistance. Some of the pieces have found their way to House of Kahn's Chicago location, where you might be able to purchase them at a 50-60% discount. Of course, in the world of high-end jewelry, that means they're now priced anywhere from $20,000-$100,000.
Last-minute holiday shoppers, take note: you can buy a Barack Obama caganer for those folks on your Christmas list who have everything. [via]
A bankruptcy judge denied a motion by creditors of Reader publisher Creative Loafing to take control of the company, despite a creditor's statement that CL "is really way under water." Yikes.
Like zombies from a George Romero movie, the good people at Wal-Mart keep coming back. They're going to try one more time to open their second store in Chicago.
The one upside of our struggling economy? Nicer sales clerks, or so an article in Crain's claims. Your own experiences may vary.
Midway Games' Chicago office laid off 130 full-time employees just in time for the holidays.
A sad but expected coda to the Republic Windows & Doors story: the company filed for bankruptcy today.
This weekend Facets Multimedia is having another one of its periodic video sales, where it sells off rare and out-of-print titles on VHS and DVD. A perfect opportunity to do your holiday shopping for all the cinephiles on your list! Details in Slowdown.
As part of Office Depot's plan to close 112 stores across the country, the Chicago area will lose 15.
The AP and Bloomberg are reporting that Bank of America has agreed to offer Republic Windows & Doors additional credit to pay its workers, now in their fifth day of sit-in. Of course, it won't matter if Republic doesn't take the offer.
Interesting development in the Republic Windows & Doors story: its owners may have already started a new company. (More updates in Mechanics.)
As was rumored to be coming, the Tribune Company filed for bankruptcy protection today. Editor & Publisher gives some background and analysis as to what's happened.
April Reed Cake Design is selling a gingerbread version of Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth House. The original, located in Plano, Illinois, was sold to local preservationists in December 2003 for $7.5 million. This edible treat sells for $4,320 - 15% of proceeds pays for repairs to the real house. [via]
Christie Hefner, chairman and CEO of Playboy Enterprises, Inc., will be stepping down in 2009. Update: Hefner spoke to the Tribune about her decision to leave Playboy. Read the interview here.
Stumped on what to get that hypochondriac on your Christmas list? How about a giant, plush microbe, created by University of Chicago law school grad Drew Oliver. Choose from The Common Cold, E. coli or Black Death. Hours of fun...
Crain's examines the linkages between Chicago and Detroit and the effect the current calamity with U.S. automakers could have on us.
Looking for holiday greeting cards? Local folks on Etsy have some great Chicago-themed designs available, no matter what your holiday.
Reason To Give has the perfect solution for those hard-to-buy-for people on your list. The Chicago nonprofit's new webstore offers an innovative alternative to traditional holiday gift exchange and a sweet chance to help out the Humboldt Park community. It's like Extreme Makeover Home Edition meets Amazon.com!
Christkindlmarket is officially open down in Daley Plaza.
Callpod is a local company producing some very cutting edge gadgets, including multi-device chargers and extra-strength bluetooth headsets.
I guess that jobs post was more urgent than I realized.
With the economy in such a sorry state these days, retailers are trying everything they can to get people shopping again. Frank Mancari, owner of Mancari's Chrysler-Jeep in Oak Lawn is no different. On Monday, he began selling slightly-used PT Cruisers for $1 to customers who bought an SUV-style Chrysler Pacifica at his dealership.
Who knew that employees at Chicago-based Potbelly Sandwich Works were so into DIY and being green?
If the end of your work day includes a stop at the mailbox, chances are you'll have to change your work routine: the postal service has cut 5 PM pickup times in Loop office buildings, thanks to economic troubles and security concerns.
Interested in a completely vegan winter coat that's still the height of fashion? Vaute Couture is the place to start; learn more on their blog.
Harris opened its first environmentally-friendly bank in Chicago, apparently in penance for opening branches in every available retail site in the city.
Chicagoland gamers, welcome to the Dice Doho.
The online version of The Oprah Store is all new, just in time for the holiday season. The Short Rouched Sleeve Button Front Cashmere Cardigan is rather sweet.
Sam Zell is sticking firm to his $1 billion asking price for the Cubs, even in the souring economy. But apparently Mark Cuban is out despite his $1.3 billion offer.
The major electronics store Tweeter is filing for bankruptcy and closing eight Chicago stores. Good thing the amphitheater already changed its name.
Those of you who miss Nau should check out new Wicker Park store Connect. It's run by a former Nau marketing manager, and carries the relaunched brand's lines.
Plans for the former Carson Pirie Scott & Co. building have hit a snag, as both clothing retailer Billabong and grocer Fox & Obel have decided not to open storefronts in the historical building at 1 S. State Street, which is currently undergoing renovations and is scheduled to reopen next fall.
Still haven't figured out what to dress up as for that costume party this weekend? Here are a couple last-minute resources:
• Hit one of Chicago Costume's locations for an off-the-shelf "sexy ___" outfit.
• Hit Clark & Belmont and troll through Ragstock, Hollywood Mirror and the like for something zany.
• Try places like American Science & Surplus or Uncle Fun for random bits and pieces.
• Fantasy Costumes in Jefferson Park is open 24 hours through Halloween for your absolute-last-minute shopping needs.
Actually, MillerCoors time, the mash-up of two of the biggest brewers in the country. The company has tabbed downtown Chicago as the site of its new headquarters.
The Wall Street Journal details how exchanges like the Chicago Climate Exchange don't always work how they should.
Fashion blog Mrs. O is all about what Michelle Obama has been wearing on the campaign trail. Mrs. O finally visited Chicago to do some more digging, and had nothing but lovely things to say about the city's fashionable finds.
How popular is Barack Obama? Even his suit is getting more attention than John McCain (OK, sorta...).
Sorry, that's the punchline to a bad lawyer joke. But the reality is that two Chicago law firms have laid off a significant number of their staff, a result of the current economic crunch.
The Wall Street Journal just released its list of the Top Small Workplaces 2008. Out of the 15 they selected, two are in the Chicago suburbs — Integrated Project Management Co. in Burr Ridge, IL and J.A. Frate Inc. in Crystal Lake, IL. Chicago-based Radio Flyer was a finalist.
...and bright green relish, chopped onions, tomato wedges, a dill pickle spear, sport peppers and some celery salt. [via]
The Sun-Times reports on the store's implementation of "My Macy's", which aims to reach out to Chicago shoppers by localizing store design and merchandising. Changes to be implemented include the expansion of offerings from local designers. "Macy's and other retailers are struggling to attract shoppers in what is expected to be worst holiday retail season in six or seven years."
Walgreens has removed one set of political toys familiar to the drug store's customers. I suppose the "Property of Barack Obama" sweatshirt and oversized "Obamaniac" buttons will need to find new places to hang.
If the Fuel question for today has gotten you thinking about your lunchtime eating options, consider that Potbelly has unveiled a new sandwich to complete with the piled-high-with-meat options at Quizno's and Subway.
Kidrobot's Chicago Pirate Store is now open (photos here), ready to serve your vinyl collectible needs through the holidays. Meanwhile, Rotofugi is expanding and is holding a big warehouse sale to make room. Stock up!
Looking for tickets to the playoff games? Or maybe a concert? Ticket start-up LiveStub might be your best bet -- and they don't charge a service fee.
Two "close friends" were filmed doing something they shouldn't have been doing at a suburban Neiman Marcus store. Now they're suing the company for a number of violations related to the video.
Mr. Clean actor House Peters died recently at the age of 92. In case you didn't know, Mr. Clean was created here in Chicago by Harry Barnhart and Ernie Allen at the Tatham-Laird & Kudner ad agency. The hairless, obsessive compulsive, controversial, and sexually ambiguous corporate mascot's first name is Veritably, by the way, and he's known as Mr. Proper in England and Don Limpio in Spain. There you go: more than you ever wanted to know about Mr. Clean.
Want to show some love to your favorite El stop (and if you have favorite El stop that might be a sign of something altogether different)? The CTA unveils its new online gift shop with items featuring various city stations. And who doesn't need a train system shower curtain?
Cameesa has a lot in common with Threadless: it's based in Chicago, makes user-submitted designer t-shirts and all web2.0-y. The difference is, Cameesa's shirts only get printed if they're pre-sold above a certain threshold within 31 days.
A new, green Jewel that took five years to build is open.
The Telegraph has no good financial news for the house that Hef built. With a crap economy, internet porn sites, and paltry pay-per-view profits nipping at its tail, could Playboy go belly up? Gawker has a somewhat graphic graphic to explain.
Next weekend, the Museum of Sustainable Style opens for a four-day look at sustainable clothing, accessories and furniture.
Well this should make Ben Joravsky happy. Due to lack of support from the governor we all love to hate, Daley and friends have decided to shut down the central loop TIF only a year and a half after its original expiration date. So we can actually see where some of our money is going? Amazing.
Something called the U.S. Chocolate Academy, created by the Barry Callebaut company, is coming to Chicago. It's the first one in the US.; the other is in Russia. Sweet.
Open Produce, a produce store opening in Hyde Park tomorrow, is modeled after the open source movement. As such, the owners will disclose price mark-ups, wages and other information typically kept out of the public sphere. Read about their travails testing for lead paint, visiting their wholesaler and other start-up business chaos on their blog.
Organic food may be all the rage these days, but according to the Chicago Reporter, the pesticide-free food is hard to come by in minority communities, for various reasons.
Kraft will be joining the Dow Jones Industrial Average on Sept. 22, replacing AIG.
With the temps dropping, I've been itching to start knitting again. If you find yourself with the urge, but no supplies, try calling on Knit Map to locate the LYS (local yarn store) nearest you. It's especially handy when you're stuck somewhere unfamiliar (suburbs) and you need some yarn distraction (awkward family gathering). There's even an iPhone version.
An enterprising Chicagoan realized the Kentucky sales tax on a pack of cigarettes is 30 cents, while the Chicago tax is $3.66 and the New York tax is $4.25. Unfortunately for him, taking advantage of that difference isn't legal.
If you're so green, you don't even use paper made from trees, than you're either carving grocery lists on stones, or you're using Ultra Green Film made right here in Chicago.
Fans of adult toys (no, not those kind) will be geeked to find out that Kidrobot is opening its first-ever Chicago-based pirate store here next month. The purveyor of vinyl art toys and apparel will open the store in Wicker Park from October 4 through December.
As The Mighty Starbucks Empire begins a withdrawal of sorts, closing 600 outlets including 18 in Chicago, stalwart Dunkin' Donuts is moving in to fill the gap with plans for four drive-thrus in locations previously earmaked for Starbucks.
If you've ever wanted a crash course in our part of the world's tendency to lease public property to private interests, the Trib has you covered.
In what's probably the most bizarre local fashion news story of late, Sears is releasing a line of clothing based on the Army's First Infantry Division uniforms.
Thinking of opening a restaurant? Unless you're able to luck out like Smoque, think again.
Crain's does a detailed analysis of the effectiveness of Chicago companies' advertisements during the Olympics.
Chicago's unemployment rate is up to 7.5 percent -- 2.1% over last year -- and we lost 2,700 jobs.
Chicagoan Jessica Dunne wanted to honor her grandmother, Eleanor, so she developed a custom perfume, Ellie D, on her own. You can order it online here or at June Blaker.
Today, Wikipedia is featuring former Elgin native Earl "Madman" Muntz -- engineer, entrepreneur, grandfather of the 8-track tape player (among other inventions), and the original television saleslunatic.
VegNews is currently accepting votes for the 2008 Veggie Awards, which feature the Chicago Diner, the Bleeding Heart Bakery and products from the Chicago Soydairy, among others.
Transitions, a new-age bookstore that was in dire straits in 2006, closed over the weekend, possibly for good.
Thinking about sprucing up your home? You might consider going more eco-conscious with your choices. Greenmaker Supply Company is a great resource for low-VOC paint, recycled building products and more. Or, if you've got the budget, you might get in touch with Green Home Chicago for the full design treatment. The Center for Green Technology is another good resource.
Crain's reports on the demise of independent boutiques in Bucktown, Wicker Park and elsewhere. Soaring rents and an invasion of national retailers take much of the blame, along with the sagging economy. [via]
Live in a highrise and don't want to go all the way downstairs to walk your dog? If you've got a patio, your problem is solved.
Apparently Chicago's stores are hot right now -- on the real estate market.
With gas prices still above $4, scooters are booming in popularity. Did you know that Chicago is home to one of the only scooter companies in the US?
With Montrose Avenue torn up for months, local businesses are once again worried.
PeekaCity allows you to search for particular amenities, from banks to parks to ice cream parlors. It's aimed at homesellers, but anybody can use it.
Singer Chris Brown's hit single "Forever" is also a paid ad placement for Wrigley's Doublemint gum; Wrigley has two more song-commercials in the works.
If you're a fan of Threadless, you'll probably be pretty into these limited edition bags from Timbuk2, too.
Jam Productions has acquired the long-shuttered Uptown Theater for $3.2 mil in a foreclosure sale, as reported by Crain's. (Thanks to Uptown Update for the tip.)
Deal hunters, start your browsing! The Waldenbooks at 900 N. Michigan Ave. is closing as of this Friday, 7/25 and its entire stock is 40% off (bargain books are 75% off). Now you can get that oversized book about Peru for mere pennies!
It's no CHI-TONW, but Jade Dragon's done it again, this time misspelling "tomorrow" on a customer. The tattoo artist insists the word was misspelled by the client. A trial will sort it all out.
Local urbanwear designer FormulaWerks is offering a t-shirt memorial to murdered street artist SOLVE for a limited time.
Nau fans will be pleased to hear that after basically shutting down in May, Nau will resume operations as a new company affiliated with Horny Toad. There are no plans for reopening the store on Halsted, so keep track of their activities on their blog.
The new beer giant MillerCoors has decided to call Chicago home. According to the Sun-Times, the company has considered a number of downtown locations for its headquarters, including the Sun-Times’ home at 350 N. Orleans. The deal may have also been brokered with substantial tax incentives from Gov. Blagojevich.
Brewtown may be an hour or two to the north, but their bosses might end up right here.
We're not the only ones who stand to benefit economically from getting the nod for the 2016 Olympics. According to a report, the cities surrounding Chicago might get to stand on the winner's platform too.
Boutiqueville blogs the latest news on the city's boutique scene.
The Chicago Reporter highlights the plight of renters caught up in their landlords' mortgage troubles, and offers tips should you find yourself in a similar situation.
The recent Cook County sales tax hike has some shoppers heading to Lake County, Indiana -- probably to the other collar counties, too.
El stop t-shirts from That's My Stop. (Link fixed.)
The Cusp Conference looks promising, but save your pennies or get your boss to pay for it: full price tickets are $1500 'til July 31, $1750 thereafter for the Sept. 10-11 conference.
Not sure I'd pay $50 for it, but this hat by graffiti artist Sket One is pretty sweet, with its Chicago-style stars. You can get shorts or hoodie to match, too.
We can't guarantee they're actually made here, but the company that makes them is based in Elmhurst, and was just purchased by a local investment firm.
Certain UNITE HERE Local 1 members may soon be joined by funeral home employees on Chicago's picket lines.
The Sun-Times uncovers that Jimbo's Lounge's landlord wants the 22-year-old bar out so he can bring in an outpost of John Barleycorn.
Possibly one of the best business names ever. Without a Trace will miraculously mend cigarette burns, small rips, holes from moths, etc. in your favorite garments that you just can't bear to discard. Their Before and After Gallery is quite impresive.
The Tribune Company is considering selling the Tribune Tower. Maybe a certain new media outfit should boost its profile...
Sam and Willy's, the pet boutique near the currently closed Paulina Brown Line stop, celebrates its 5th anniversary with a special Cinco de Sam & Willy's discount shopping evening. Tonight from 6:00 to 9:00 you can get money off of your non-food item purchases ($25 off every $100 spent). If you can't make it this evening, there'll be discounts and specials at the store all this weekend. So stop by and get your pet a treat!
Got an idea for a tech startup? You've got till Friday to apply for IL-Celerate, a 12-week program to get you up and running. You don't even need a business plan.
It seems Nike put some illegal ads on the lakefront path on Friday.
Spotted during Midsommarfest this weekend: T-Shirt Deli is opening an Andersonville branch.
Ever wonder what a tour of the Playboy office would be like?
Due to rising project costs the CTA is looking to private companies to develop the airport express project that will originate at Block 37.
The State's bid to buy Wrigley Field from the Tribune failed to make it out of the infield in a clash over how to finance the deal. Does this open the door for Mark Cuban to buy the team and stadium lock, stock and barrel?
Indylist.org helps Chicagoans find independently owned shops, restaurants and other businesses near them. Sweet!
Well, it really began on Saturday, but if you're a Monday-Friday commuter, now's your time to shine. Get information about bicycle commuter stations and events at the Chicago Bicycle Federation's website.
Chicago native Jane Alden Hodgdon created her line of Itty Bitty Bras for the less-than-C-cup women of the world.
Business Week TV profiles Optimo Hats, the company behind the hats Tom Hanks wore in Road to Perdition and Johnny Depp is wearing in that movie we're all aware is filming in Chicago.
The Community Media Workshop's Making Media Connections Conference takes place next week, so don't forget to register if you're planning on going. For an outside perspective on the conference, check out Nonprofiteer's assessment.
Plenty, apparently, particularly when it comes to redeveloping HP's Harper Court, as Hyde Park Progress points out.
So, you don't think you can afford a home in the city? Sure you can. Take a look at the cheapest real estate in Chicago.
Apparently fewer people are taking limos to O'Hare and Midway, thanks to rising fuel costs and shrinking pocketbooks.
Leo J. Shapiro, who holds a doctorate in sociology from the University of Chicago, has started WhoSpends.com as a way to support or debunk many of the purchasing myths that reside in popular media when talking about spending habits. He has more economy predictions available at 8Sages.com as well.
While our trader and hedge fund manager readership already knows we're the best city to live in as a trader, now it's official -- again.
A diverse clientele gets their kicks not on Route 66 but at an upscale athletic shoe store across from the Sheridan Red Line el stop.
The launch of the new Ritz-Carlton condo building means the end for the current locations for long-time Michigan Avenue staples Garrett Popcorn and Hanig's Footwear.
The real estate market seems pretty bad, but we're actually in better shape than a lot of other places, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The city sees eBay and StubHub as "reseller agents," as such, it argues they owe the city taxes.
Hopefully with a better experience than the ill-fated Neighborhoodies store, fabbo bag/clothing/accessories company Brooklyn Industries has recently opened a Chicago outpost in Bucktown.
Local poster site Posterbored launched its new line of t-shirts today. Poor Chromeo.
Threadless is now doing screenprinted posters of many popular designs. Hand-numbered editions of 250, for $35 each. Get'em while they're hot!
Remember Coleco, Brim, Nuprin and Salon Selectives? Even though the products died, Chicago-based River West Brands bought the rights to their names and other associated intellectual property. The NY Times Magazine features the firm in its exploration of resurrecting dead brands.
After today, Chicago Mercantile Exchange open-outcry traders will leave their home for the Chicago Board of Trade's floor. Check out the story's accompanying photo feature for some quirky historical shots.
Starting today, first-class letter postage has shot up to 42 cents. Hope you bought "Forever" stamps.
Hip Spanish clothing store Zara is finally coming to the Chicago area (Old Orchard to be exact). It also plans to open locations on North Michigan Ave. in Block 37, areas where its main rival, H&M, already has stores.
The Oprah Store has opened in West Town. Buy all her favorite things. Wear her cast-off clothing. Pretend a studio audience is with you at all times. It's healthy.
Oy! Chicago is a relatively new site for "Jews in the Loop," featuring articles, interviews and events. The latest feature profiles Web2.0 companies Planypus and 37signals.
Now that the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company will no longer be locally owned, who's Chicago's biggest name in candy? Tootsie Roll Industries, that's who.
Nau, the environmentally conscious clothing company with an outpost on Halsted, is closing due to limited investment capital. Head by the store today to say "goodbye" and receive 50% off of all merchandise.
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Mars, Inc. (makers of Snickers and M&Ms) and Berkshire Hathaway (Warren Buffett's company) have made a $22 billion bid for the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. (If only we could get them to buy the Cubs along with it.)
The New York Times has a story on Melrose Park's Stern Pinball, Inc., the last of the coin-op pinball game manufacturers
Garrett Kelleher's development group didn't meet property tax filing deadlines in March. Is it a sign of trouble, or is everything moving along just fine?
There's a lot of talk about what Chicagoans want in this article about Macy's plans to customize store offerings according in some markets -- but most Chicagoans would probably still say they want Marshall Field's back.
Carfree Chicago has launched a new line of L Stop buttons for fashionistas who are interested in displaying neighborhood pride, support for public transit, or both. The buttons' bright, bold colors are perfect for springtime.
No idea how this slipped by our notice, but today is Record Store Day. And with the plethora of great indie record stores in this fine city, you can put down the iTunes gift card for just one day and go crate-digging.
Goose Island's Clybourn Brew Pub, which it has occupied since 1988, will close by the end of the year.
Dick's Last Resort's plan to move into Marina City and add "garage-style" doors along the river is meeting opposition from residents.
There's apparently a lot of interest in those multi-million-dollar condos in the Chicago Spire -- in Malaysia.
Rationally, there's no reason these two businesses can't coexist.
Thanks to Ariel Capital, students at Ariel Community Academy get to practice investing with $20,000 that's given to each first grade class. Don't worry, they don't get to touch it until sixth grade.
Walgreens, everyone's favorite fine fashion and apparel boutique, is rolling out a new clothing line next week. What's it called, you ask? Casual Gear.
When it becomes official, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange's deal to buy Nymex (the New York energy exchange) for $9.4 billion will make the Merc the the largest financial exchange in the world, according to the Financial Times.
Motorola will soon be two separate publicly traded companies.
Just in time for Earth Day and Arbor Day, local sustainability company Live It Green, LLC has gotten Gerber Bars to offer the Treetini -- a martini for the environmentally conscious -- during the month of April at Whiskey Blue, Whiskey Sky bars and Mexx Kitchen at the Whiskey. Every Treetini sold results in a tree planted in India.
Starting on April 22, Earth Day, one will be able to purchase organic Frango mints at 70 Macy's locations, as well as online. Bonus: the Trib apparently believes the news to be so big it printed the last paragraph twice.
Two Northbrook men are among seven arrested in a bust of counterfeit art rings that sold thousands of counterfeit pieces to art buyers around the world.
I've always been a fan of Busy Beaver's collateral branding; glad I'm not the only one.
Vacant Lot Magazine takes a look at Wilson Yard, the 5-acre plot of now-vacant land next to the CTA tracks between Wilson and Montrose. [via]
Starting with the establishment of the Chicago Board of Trade in 1848, Reuters walks us through commodity exchange history.
Those ubiquitous Sonic hamburger commericals may finally have some relevance to the Chicago area when the company opens their first regional outlet in Aurora. All of which mean the two guys in the commercials, Chicago improv giants TJ Jagodowski and Peter Grosz, may finally be able to purchase some of the food they've been shilling.
Given that the Chicago Spire is a speculative building, there's the question of how to raise the funds. Apparently one way is to host exhibitions in a variety of cities, such as Dublin, Hong Kong and Singapore, about which this release was written.
The Sterling Private Residences can now claim the title of reigning Chicago Foreclosure King. Way to go! (If you are a premium subscriber to Crain's, you can read the full article.)
Well, at least if you live in Logan Square or Wicker Park.
A baker in Vienna may have invented the bagel, but it took a Chicago suburb to stuff it with cream cheese, flash freeze it, and sell it to you as a nutritious breakfast choice. Favorite quote: "The product is designed so that the cream cheese will stay cool even after long periods of heating."
The Chicago Loop Alliance recently released redevelopment suggestions for the Michigan Avenue side of the Illinois Center. One sample idea: a "modern adaptation of the Spanish Steps in Rome."
Crain's has posted their annual list of the best places to work in Chicago.
Reviewing 5,700 zoning changes confirms that developers' campaign contributions are linked to upzoning.
The Trib offers an article and some video features about the movie Floored, which is currently documenting the lives of the open-outcry traders on the CME.
Calories, schmalories. Oak Brook-based McDonald's is dishing out free McSkillet burritos this Thursday and Friday morning (The catch: You have to buy a drink.). Yeah, it has 610 calories and 36 grams of fat, but...what the heck, it's free!
Outdoor apparel giant L.L.Bean is moving to the Midwest region and has picked the Chicago area (actually Barrington) as the site of its first area store. The clothing will be perfect for hiking the local mountains: Mount Prospect, Mount Greenwood...
... Not "Caffeine-Free." With Starbucks shutting down all of its stores nationwide for three hours today due to a staff training sesh, Dunkin' Donuts is offering Chicagoans small lattes, cappuccinos and espressos for free between 1-10 p.m. Drink up!
What do you get your dog-owner friend who has everything, including a tendency to get lost? This tote bag for carrying dog toys, dog treats, and doggie bags to the dog park.
Kraft Foods Inc. announced Tuesday that it plans this year to roll out focaccia pizza, macaroni and cheese crackers and microwaveable bagel sticks filled with cream cheese.
Trotter talks business with Crain's.
Looking for some new furniture? Want something cool, not too expensive, environmentally friendly? Do you want your money to benefit families in need instead of corporate execs in greed? Then head to Carol Stream on Fridays or Saturdays to visit Jubilee Furniture Company. They sell used furniture to raise money to support Outreach Community Ministries. And unlike many used furniture stores, they've got some wicked, cool stuff. Thanks,
From the creators of Midwest-born Formula Werks comes Freshly Dipped, a site where you can find local art, wearables, and more. Right now, you'll find stuff for sale from local street artists Artillery, The Grocer and more. Freshly Dipped
You'll always know where you're going in these shoes. [via]
Swissôtel Chicago is now paying $10 to staffers who catch guests smoking in their rooms. Guilty guests get charged $250 to defray the cost of deodorizing the room.
There are still people desperate to make a bundle in the now-busted housing development boom. So desperate that they harass senior citizens to get them to sell their homes, the Chicago Reporter finds, leading to an exodus of older residents out of the city.
You read that right. The evil grip of T-Mobile will be broken this Spring. Starbucks says it will start giving customers who buy stuff with a Starbucks purchase card two hours of free wireless access per day. Executives at Panera must be crying in the bread bowls right about now.
The Oprah Store officially opened over the weekend. No word yet if her bra is available there.
Speaking of recycling, there's a proposal before City Council to require stores to take back and recycle plastic bags, in hopes that the move would keep them out of dumps and trees. (Whole Foods already got rid of them.)
Through Feb. 29, recycled fashion hot-spot Buffalo Exchange offers a $5 discount off your next purchase of $20 or more at its Wicker Park (1478 N. Milwaukee) and Lakeview (2875 N. Broadway) locations. Stock up on those vintage threads.
The legendary Swap-o-Rama-Rama -- part swap meet, part political statement, part DIY Project Runway -- finally hies itself to Chicago on March 29 at the AV-aerie, 2000 W. Fulton. Bring $20 and a bag of your cast-off clothes, linens, and other goodies, then raid other people's stuff and gussy it up with the sewing machines, silkscreens, and other supplies on the premises. There will also be workshops and a fashion show. What is Swap-o-Rama-Rama, you ask? Watch this.
Daily Candy's nice, but for a greener option, there's now Ideal Bite, a weekdaily email written locally by Alison Lara.
Business POV interviewed "Check Please!" executive producer David Manilow about CheckPlease.tv and his hopes for investment to bring the site to a national audience.
Want a zoning variance for your new oversized condo building? Make a campaign contribution to your alderman.
Sex toy boutique owner Searah Deysach comes clean: She was a grad school dropout. Now she pulls in nearly $500,000 a year in total sales from her business, Early To Bed. There is a lesson in there for all of us.
Starting April 22 (that's Earth Day), Whole Foods stores will no longer give you the plastic bag option with your groceries. They'll still provide free paper bags, and you can purchase a cloth one from them for $.99, or, of course, you can byob (that's Bring Your Own Bag) from home.
Ticketmaster took yet another step towards full-on monopoly-hood by recently acquiring Chicagoland's TicketsNow.
Ending the recent struggles over the Co-op lease, the U of C has announced Treasure Island will fill the Co-op's current home.
The Mozilla Foundation, makers of everyone's favorite browser, hired a bunch of the people running Chicago-based Humanized, maker of Enso and other software.
That hot game you've been looking for? Chicago-based Dawdle can help you find it. It'll also help find that obscure Activision cartridge you remember playing in 1983.
This item can be yours, along with lots more manufacturing equipment from Jays Foods Inc.'s South Side headquarters. It's all scheduled to be sold off during a public auction scheduled for Jan. 24.
Following recent job cuts, the Sun-Times moved to a slightly smaller format yesterday.
As Chicago tries to rise in the global marketplace, Crain's has some suggestions how to improve its image.
We've been watching them for awhile, but Wired thinks 37signals is one of the top 10 startups to watch in 2008.
The state-wide smoking ban goes into effect on Jan. 1; the Trib and Time Out lay out some of your options should you be desperate for an indoor smoke.
Two long years after the CTA tore down Belmont Army Surplus, the store has finally reopened in a shiny new building down the block. If you've been saving up for a new Ben Sherman, big stompy boots or a secondhand German military rain poncho, head on over to the new four-floor store at 855 W. Belmont.
Chicago's new bottled water tax goes into effect in January, so get ready for "a black market for water" and other doom and gloom. I suppose that means you should also probably prepare for Waterworld.
Roscoe Village's Hard Boiled Records and Video is dropping the "and video" part of its name to make room for more vinyl. All DVDs are priced to move, which means tons of last-minute holiday gifts for your loved ones who love indie films, foreign flicks, obscure TV series, and super-bloody Asian cinema. Nothing says Christmas cheer like Hong Kong action!
The New York Times ran an article about the popular DIY-crafting movement and mentioned the Chicago folks behind Circa Ceramics as a shining example of DIY-style success. There's still time to Pledge Handmade and buy gifts from them or one of the other Etsy sellers in Chicago.
The St. Lucia Festival of Lights procession will highlight the "Late-er Night Andersonville" celebration Thursday, Dec. 13, beginning at 3pm. In addition to the carole-filled walk down the Clark Street, there will be live music, tours and gift-wrapping demonstrations. There's also PDF schedule and a coupon you can print and clip for store discounts.
Local bedding designers Robert Segal and Alicia Rosauer, a.k.a. Unison, are in the latest edition of the uber-hip fashion/culture mag Metropop. Their graphics-heavy linens are reminiscent of Marimekko, where they used to design. Get them online or at CB2 stores.
Crains has a nice map that shows neighborhoods with the most foreclosures per square mile in the first half of this year. Not pretty.
Dread the thought of giving another George Foreman Grill this Christmas? Hit the ninth annual Bucktown Holiday Art Show to buy one-of-a-kind gifts and original art for the folks on your list... or yourself. The event takes places this Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 8 and 9, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Holstein Park Fieldhouse, 2200 N. Oakley Ave.
The holiday gift guides abound already: Chicago mag and Time Out and the Reader have theirs done; stay tuned for ours.
Setting aside the great headline, this article is a nice little take on economic development smack dab in the middle of the city.
Bank of America made a rather unfortunate mistake when trying to convince Chicagoans it has "local commitment."
Andersonville shopping just got a little more indie. The Andersonville Galleria puts a bunch of micro-retailers under one roof, each with its own stall.
Having trouble buying that Christmas gift online this morning (when you should be working)? Get in line... literally. A study shows that many major retailers are having trouble handing the traffic coming to their websites by holiday slackers trying to avoid the malls.
Threadless.com started its annual $10 holiday sale yesterday. Your mom probably loves good design and subtle irony; get her something nice here.
I admit to having a huge soft spot in my heart for groups and organizations that work to empower groups that are traditionally underrepresented in positions of power. Since Chicago has the third largest Latino population in the country, you'd think we'd have more Latinos in positions of power. To help make that happen, the Metropolitan Leadership Institute was created to provide the skills necessary for taking charge of the business, political, or entrepreneurial worlds. Any group that can get a closed door, anything goes session with Mayor Daley is all right in my book.
The DIY Trunk Show, now in its fifth year, will play host to over 70 vendors of handmade goods and items. Gapers Block will be there up on the stage at Pulaski Park Auditorium, so feel free to stop by and say hello. We may even have some other goods on hand aside from the usual in the GB Shop.
Nina, a yarn shop in Wicker Park, is celebrating it's third anniversary with a store-wide sale. If you've got your holiday knitting hat on, and get inspired by what you see at the DIY Trunk Show this weekend, head to Nina for 20 percent off everything in the store 11/17-11/18. Plus, there'll be prizes. And snacks. (Who doesn't like snacks?)
The abc7 website has a CEO Wealthmeter feature. Don't worry, wealthy CEOs, you're probably not on it; it only has six names so far.
The Google phone may still be aways off, but Elk Grove Village-based fontmaker Ascender already has your font pack ready.
Congratulations are in order for Genevieve Thiers, founder of Chicago based Sittercity.com. The company, which allows parents and pet owners to research and hire sitters, won first place in the UPS Best "Out-of-the-Box" Small Business Contest.
As the condo market slows and creative meetings at ad agencies get more wacky, AdRants points us to an ad for a Printer's Row condo development with a highly Photoshopped image a woman's torso and legs over the call-to-action line of "surprisingly doable".
The New Yorker this week features a hefty profile of the new owner of the Chicago Tribune. (Thanks, Rick!)
In a move typical of urban landlord schools, the University of Chicago is dangling an organic carrot in front of the venerated Hyde Park Co-op, promising to forgive their back rent if they'll close down and make way for a chain. The co-op has been beset by organizational and management problems for several years. The move would certainly spell the death of the 75-year-old grocer, long viewed as a model cooperative enterprise.
Electronic Arts said Tuesday that it is shutting down its Chicago studio and laying off or relocating all 146 employees who worked there.
Crain's 40 Under 40 feature includes the usual collection of business execs -- and Jay Ryan of The Bird Machine and Ryan Schreiber of Pitchfork Media (I thought he moved to NYC?)
In other Chicago retail expansion news, the NY Times City Room blog fawns over CB2's expansion to New York, albeit in its typical New York way.
Chicago Business posted a video profile of the Threadless retail store and included a mention of its "loose plan" to have stores in at least 11 cities by 2009.
Amid flagging occupancy rates, luxury hotel ideas and changes in the downtown office market, Prime Group Realty Trust is seeking landmark status for the 1972 Mies van der Rohe structure.
Nau, the outdoor atelier whose clothes are eco-friendly is hosting a Film & Fashion Night in the South Loop on Tuesday, November 7th from 8pm to midnight. There's going to be BMX Ballet, food and drink (first drink free or so we hear) and other festivities. Learn about sustainable economy! It's free if you download, print and bring this ticket. More details in Slowdown.
Did you know that the founder of Selfridges, one of Britain's famed department stores, got his start in Chicago? (Thanks, Matt!)
I had no idea Woot sold t-shirts, but this one is made for us.
Remember the plane that lost luggage in air? Following reports that among the lost luggage was an American Girl doll whose owner was "sad and sleepless ... since the doll was sucked out of the cargo hold," American Girl stepped up and sent her a new doll.
Mac addicts not participating in Friday's Critical Mass may want to head down to the Michigan Avenue store or other Apple temples at 6pm for the Leopard World Premiere and a chance at getting Apple swag.
Hard Boiled Records turns 11 years old on 11/1/07. So for the next 11 days everything in the store is 11% off the sticker price. Treat yourself to some discounted records, CDs, DVDs, comics, and zines at 2010 W. Roscoe in beautiful Roscoe Village.
Well, if nothing else, Macy's made good on one promise: to bring Frango back to Chicago. Cupid Candies will make the mints in its southwest side plant.
Despite the Mag Mile's recent accolades, word is out that Block 37 may be host to retail locations from Apple, Coach, Puma, J. Crew and Zara.
We've mostly ignored Fashion Week here at GB, but Chicago Mag's Coda hasn't, covering the Genart Fresh Faces show and recommending our fashion scene get "a little definition."
When Threadless built their store, they did it the same way they developed their website -- they winged it. Crain's Entrepreneurs in Action feature covers the store and the company's plans for expansion.
Fashion Focus Chicago kicks off today and features a slew of events, including runway shows, shopping tours, free business development seminars for local designers, and fashion-oriented exhibits throughout the week. Click here for a complete schedule.
Crain's takes a look at the economic and business connections between Chicago and Brazil.
Noon Solar makes bags and purses with solar panels built in to charge your cellphone, ipod or whatever -- very cool. It's one of a couple companies mentioned in this article on the increasing number of women in DePaul's Coleman Entrepreneurship Center. [via]
E. Thomas Gimbel, owner of the LaSalle Network staffing and recruiting firm, is 6'6"; he's found that having a desk to stand behind instead of sit behind has improved his workday immeasurably. [via]
Local software startup Humanized released a set of beta products yesterday. Beta products are small, free apps for Windows that do things like control your music player without actually looking at it, or perform search, language translation or mathematical typesetting wherever you need it.
The Chicago Reporter finds that the Chicago metropolitan area leads the nation in high-cost loans. The story is receiving serious attention and will be featured locally tomorrow on Eight Forty-Eight and the Cliff Kelley Show.
Stitch is "a rigorously edited selection of sleek home and personal furnishings." A very beautiful selection.
Do you spend a lot of time scouring calendars looking to see which stores are having trunk shows and sales? Are you likely to plan a shopping day in Chicago? Then you just might be interested in Chicago Destination Shopping Club. After you become a member you can choose to either follow your favorite shops, or find out what is going on during any given day for you, your girlfriend, your bored male companion, or your antsy children in one of a handful of neighborhoods.
$45 million for locally-owned Lincoln Snacks.
Are you an abruptly ex-member of Cheetah Gym? You might be interested in joining this forum to discuss a possible class action lawsuit against the company. (Thanks, Robert!)
Apple's new iPod releases include an interesting partnership with Starbucks that will hit Chicago in March 2008. When you walk into a megalocoffee shop, you'll be able to see information about each song that's playing in the store as it plays and, of course, buy it and other iTunes songs. If you're interested in more information about the program, most pages on Apple's site currently list the wrong URL, so go here instead.
The Sun-Times had fun with the news that the Chicago Mercantile Exchange was discontinuing the trading of pork bellies: "To cut the fat in preparation for its merger with the Chicago Board of Trade, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange is cutting its pork bellies pit."
Hey, score some brownie points at work and tell your boss that you want to attend the Blog Business Summit in Chicago this September 17-19. Check out the complete schedule for more info.
Chicago-based Mr. Skin is your number one source for who's naked in what movie; Business POV interviewed the founder, Jim McBride, and discovered it's also a $6 million-a-year moneymaker with 44 employees. (NSFW)
Batavia's doing well in IKEA's Small Businesses, Big Dreams contest, in which cities compete for having up to ten small businesses remodeled by the company. Check out their entry, vote for them and help them do even better.
I'm digging the Chicago Shirt from Rock'n Clothing.
The Threadless store is FINALLY opening on September 14. To celebrate, the Chicago-based t-shirt concern will also be throwing a party at Metro featuring Hey Mercedes, White Hot Knife, DJ Mother Hubbard and more. To get show tix, stop by the Threadless store starting September 10. More details in Transmission.
The Cubs are for sale, and Ernie Banks wants in. Mr. Cub made an offer last year, before the Cubbies were available, and has talked to three of the investment teams getting ready to bid.
In the arcane world of economic data-gathering, the Chicago-based National Association of Purchasing Managers holds a hallowed spot. They say that their index fell to 53.4% in July from 60.2% in June. Bonus: the NAPM website seems to be currently "Hacked by Enqu!nx".
As if Macy's year of problems wasn't enough, a man fell from an interior balcony at the State Street location yesterday.
Inspired by recent bad news for Macy's (which includes the shutdown of the State Street store's food court and the closing of a Lake Forest store that had done business for 70+ years as Marshall Field's), Mike at Chicago Carless reviews the past year of Macy's gaffes.
A new Whole Foods store is scheduled to open today at the corner of Addison and Halsted, in the Center on Halsted building, which is a community center for GLBT persons. According to an article in the Tribune, the Center is happy to have Whole Foods as a tenant, as it will not only act as a grocery store, but will also serve as a vehicle for promoting the Center's activities. Sounds warm and fuzzy, right?
The Green Exchange, the proposed Logan Square environmental supercenter, is garnering serious national attention.
George Aye and Sara Cantor, the couple behind Hubwear, did a nice interview with Gridskipper.
Yup, Gas Prices in Chicago are on average the highest in the nation. $3.46 per gallon.
The Smart Car is available in Chicagoland -- out of a tiny storefront on Route 14 in Palatine.
Ever wonder what it's like to be a bike messenger? Crain's tags along with Josh Corby, part owner of the Four Star Courier Collective, and shoots some first-person footage, slipping through traffic.
Monitoring corporate press releases so you don't have to: The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company and the National Basketball Association today announced a relationship that makes Wrigley's brands, Big Red, Juicy Fruit, Winterfresh, Doublemint and Wrigley's Spearmint the "Official Chewing Gum(s) of the NBA." Best quote: "'For years chewing Wrigley's has been as commonplace among NBA players as much as the crossover dribble,' said Mark Tatum, NBA Senior Vice President of Marketing Partnerships."
Shareholders of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the Chicago Board of Trade agreed to their pending merger, which means Chicago will be the world capital of commodities for the foreseeable future. There's already speculation that the new "CME Group, a Chicago Board of Trade company" (official acronym TBD) may start looking for more acquisitions.
This Op-Ed piece in the Sun-Times makes a good argument for a quick resolution to the public trans funding debate, pointing out that a good rail system is important for any city's, and by default the state's, economy, a realization already come to in other global financial centers.
Once you're done poking around in Architectural Artifacts, head over to Urban Remains, which specializes in salvaged items from the turn of the century to the 1930s, primarily in Chicagoland. (Photography fans should check out this page.)
Meet Garcia de la Cadena, the Mexican village from which a disproportionate share of our window washers hail.
Accounting fraud is nothing new. I mean everyone knows its soooo turn of the millennium. Still this instance of a misrepresented hedge fund is notable for two reasons. One, the shear dollar amount missing, half a billion bucks, and two, the fund is run by the former chairman of the Merc.
If you want to hold an "O Baby" hat and mittens set before you buy it, you may soon be able to head to 57 N. Carpenter to visit the Oprah Store.
In the arithmetic of today, 8 acres = 3,000 homes + 1 hotel + (unspecified) stores + 1 marina. Now this developer needs to turn in its homework on time.
Jack Flash, singer-guitarist for the local band Bang! Bang!, has been wearing thrift-store ties cut into lightning bolts for some time -- and now you can too. Bang Bang Ties are professionally tailored (not by Flash) and are available online and at Strange Cargo. [via]
Bringo is a Chicago-based web company that helps you find a dentist. Even more useful, though, it'll get you past those annoying automated phone trees. Awesome.
The AP's feature on Chicago's own ShoreBank, chronicles the bank's success as the nation's first community development and environment bank.
If you live in a condo building, you might be interested in CondoPerks, a new service that lets condo association members earn money for the association by shopping online. Help defray that landscaping bill bit by bit!
The Hoffman Estates-based Chicago Hounds United Hockey League team is closing shop after only a year in business due to issues with their home rink, the Sears Centre.
A billboard for a spa in Glenview diagramming a woman's physical flaws (and their cosmetic solutions) is drawing fire from local women. "I don't want to sound like a chauvinistic pig, but this is a man's world," the spa owner said, refusing to take the ad down.
This Father's Day, give dad something different -- like a comfy Cozy Blanket from Wilmette-based Nice'n Cozy. It makes a great gift for someone with arthritis or physical limitations, a dad recovering from surgery, or an avid reader. (It has handy arm slits so you can cover up and still hang on to books, remotes, beer, whatever.) It also functions as a nice travel blanket -- in place of those "who knows when they were last cleaned" airline blankets.
According to Crain's Chicago Business the fastest growing company in Chicago(land) during 2007 is Convergint Technologies. Here's a look at the rest of the "Fast 50".
The rumor is now official: Feedburner has been purchased by Google. Here's Feedburner's official announcement.
Onion-esque story on ChicagoBusiness.com re: new resealable bacon packaging from Kraft Foods. Snip: "We listened to people's concerns about traditional bacon packaging and designed the Stay-Fresh Reclosable Tray to help solve those issues," Beth Goeddel, Oscar Mayer senior brand manager, said in a release. "We think our new packaging is the 'best thing since sliced bacon' and are thrilled to provide an innovative and practical solution that sets the standard for bacon product packaging."
The nice people at OutoftheBallpark, an online offering with tons of tips outside the ordinary Wrigleyville joints, are offering tasty discounts from local businesses. Just go to the 'Valuable Discounts' section and check out the tremendous savings at many of your favorite area shops and restaurants, and be sure to sign up to receive coupons, as well as new offers as they become available.
Hubwear has redesigned, and boy does it look good. Time to pick up a new travel t-shirt. (And speaking of t-shirts, Threadless is having another big sale this week.)
Sundance Cinemas announced it will open a new eight screen theater in Chicago. It'll be located in the West Loop when it opens ... in Spring 2009.
Wickes Furniture opens its first downtown store this morning at 2606 N. Elston, around the corner from Target. Go check out the "urban innovations" furniture displays by WNUA and LITE-FM deejays and other noted hip, fashionable people.
At a speech at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Bank of Canada Governor David Dodge hinted at the possibility of a regionally unified currency. Don't think it's going to happen any time soon, however, considering thickening "labor flows" are currently in the way.
Urban Source, a hip walk-in retail design studio offering fabrics and finishes formerly available only to the trade, is celebrating their two-year anniversary - and you're getting the gifts! Starting May 29, Urban Source will be giving away five free one-hour design consultations. Grab an entry at their showroom starting May 22.
in average gas prices. Um, huzzah?
Interesting rumors are popping up about Google purchasing local RSS feed company Feedburner for about $100 million in order to move into the RSS ad market. GigaOm isn't so sure the deal makes sense.
On the heels of the news that the Uptown Borders is looking to bail, the Virgin Megastore on Michigan is also about to shut down. The store will close in July and be replaced by the saucy styles of a really, really big Forever 21.
Man, we were all set to tell you about the awesome Jay Ryan poster that went on sale yesterday over in Coudal.com's Swap Meat, but they sold out before morning. So instead, go check out the equally awesome Brendan Dawes C-prints of 2001: A Space Odyssey and all the other cool stuff.
Chicago Public Radio documents a town with more than 50% of its residents in the United States, many of whom are in Chicago. With the help of a Hometown Club (founded by a Chicago immigrant), for every migrant dollar donated, local, state and federal governments donate a dollar each. In this way, dollars from the United States fund town projects and are hoped to curb out-migration.
Remember the divorce billboard from yesterday? It was removed for permit violations before the end of the day.
Those familiar with 37signals will have heard a lot of this before, but Business POV's interview with Jason Fried gets to the heart of the company in a pretty succinct manner.
Fetman, Garland & Associates, Ltd. is getting aggressive with their new ad campaign. As one might expect, it's generating controversy.
The Nettelhorst French Market opens this Saturday, April 28th, from 8am to 2pm. Go for farm-grown fruits and veggies, flowers so fresh they'll last way into next week, yummy pastries and breads, handmade crafts and other assorted goodies. It's at 3252 N. Broadway (at Melrose) and runs every Saturday through the first week in November.
As reported previously on GB, the fantastic guidebook & travel gear store The Savvy Traveller is losing its lease. This week, signs have appeared in the shop's window that say they're closing up at the end of this month. They're currently selling off their entire stock at deep discounts; today you can get 40% off your purchases, and if you wait until Friday, everything in the store is 50% off. This is your final chance to stop by the corner of Jackson & Michigan to stock up on all your travelling needs, so please stop by, do some shopping and wish them bon voyage!
And onto this new web site: Out of the Ballpark is "the everything that's close to Wrigley Field guide" that boasts info on dining "beyond peanuts," a handy shopping guide for folks who aren't looking just for jerseys and ballcaps, maps and travel guides and more. Great for out-of-towners and locals alike.
With all of the hubbub about the Olympics, there's an argument that sports shouldn't get all of the attention. In a city currently alive with Version>07, and soon to have Artropolis going too, art should also be at the forefront. Tribune art critics provide a few conceptions of how art could work with the Olympics.
The $21 billion sale of LaSalle Bank to Bank of America is a relatively small part of one of the largest financial mergers ever by LaSalle's soon-to-be-former parent company. Global implications, yadda yadda. I'm more concerned with speculating how the deal will affect our civic life: will BoA close some superfluous branches, thereby freeing up some storefronts for businesses that are actually useful and enjoyable? Seriously, Chicago is drowning in bank branches. And what's the fate of the LaSalle Bank Cinema, or the only-christened-last-May LaSalle Bank Theatre? "Bank of America Theatre"? Gross.
When it comes to being recognized by obscure financial rags, we're #1. Chicago won "City of the Future" designation from Foreign Direct Investment, a "specialty magazine published by the Financial Times group for C-level executives and their professional advisors."
Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher was fined $100,000 for wearing an unsanctioned hat during an NFL event. I wonder how much additional advertising this fine will provide for the brand in question.
The uber-hot outdoor clothing company Nau, which focuses on sustainable and ethical clothing and a new business model as well, is now open in Chicago. Not to mention the fact that their clothes don't look like the neo-hippie earth tones of typical outdoor equipment manufacturers — this stuff can be worn to a club after you're done climbing that rock face. The Chicago retail store (one of four across the country) opened this morning. Where are they? 2118 North Halsted.
Take a gander at the queue for buying "a shrine, a team and a great place to watch baseball."
From FoGB Jim Coudal: "We need some help with Swap Meat, Jewelboxing and some other projects this summer. We need an intern. We pay interns and we expect a lot from them. If you're the one, [email info@coudal.com] with the phrase "C'est Moi" in the subject line, and send us something to prove it."
From the establishment of the Hull House Theater to the World's Columbian Exposition, the Sun Times lists their take on "The 50 Greatest Chicago Moments."
The WLUW Record Fair & Other Delights is next weekend, and there are still a couple booths available should you want to unload some of your music -- or posters, crafts, clothes, whatever. Get on it now!
Photobooth-o-philes, get excited! You'll soon be able to take a zany picture of yourself and your close friends at Quimby's.
As it turns out, Crain's has a pretty decent photo gallery. The most recent set documents the White Sox opener, while previous features range from McDonald's in China to Delhi, India.
R2D2 is roaming the city, and it wants you to visit the "Jedi Shipping and Mailing Master" to vote for your favorite Star Wars stamps.
Now that Easter and Passover are almost here, the New York Times offers two features on Chiappetti Lamb and Veal. NOTE: The first link is a TimesSelect article, so if you aren't enrolled in the program, you can either sign up or start a free trial. If you are a student or faculty member with a .edu email address, you can get a full account for free right now.
Now that our hometown airline, United, isn't so far in the red, it's time for all the execs to take their cut. CEO Glenn Tilton got a cool $23.8 million, CFO Jake Brace got $10.4, COO Pete McDonald got $13.2 and so on. The head of the Association of Flight Attendants said that her stews got $40. Each. For the year. It gets complicated when you consider the contracts each party struck with the company, but man! Tilty's got this round.
Bloomberg News is quoting sources close to the Tribune Co. auction as saying Tribune will probably accept the $8 billion takeover offer from native Chicagoan Sam Zell by the end of the week.
Solo Cup officially abandoned its new factory plans and will sell its portion of the former U.S. Steel South Works site. The new owner, Southworks Development LLC will fold the new property into its existing holdings and create a multi-use development. To put the project into context, the development area, including adjoining parkland, is bigger than the Loop.
Lowe's is building a second store in Chicago -- this time on a 50-acre former steel plant site at 83rd and Stewart, just off the Dan Ryan Expressway. The Burlington Free Press reports that local fav Burton Snowboards is opening a store here. Lastly, keep tabs on 108 North State here at the live Block 37 cam.
While Calatrava claims he will "keep on working on the shape of the building to the very end," Crain's is calling the latest Chicago Spire design the "final plans." Of course, no one knows if the building will actually get built, but design advances and political maneuvering continue.
The RTA actually listened to a customer, reports the CTA Tattler: you can now choose "buses only" on the RTA Trip Planner. (Meanwhile, the RedEye now has a CTA blog of its own.)
That huge Borders in Uptown that was supposed to save the neighborhood three years ago by bringing retail and luxury condos to the area? Yeah, it's probably gonna close, along with the one on Clark & Diversey, one on North Ave., and one in Hyde Park. Because once The Man starts losing money, he no longer cares for your precious "community." Or so I've heard.
Now that the flagship Carson Pirie Scott store is closed, word has it the department store is interested in opening a new location in the South Loop.
Are you a crafty business owner looking to learn better ways of doing things? Have you found the better way and you're hoping to find people to listen? The Chicago Craft Mafia would love you to join them at their 2nd Craft Racket, a networking event geared toward small business owners (especially those that are crafty). Details in Slowdown, or course.
The merger of the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange may be derailed by a new offer from Atlanta's Intercontinental Exchange. The good news for Chicago is the Atlanta folks want to come to us, so the city will retain the CBOT, regardless.
Once you've had your fill of green beer (or better yet, beforehand), head over to the Empty Bottle for this month's Handmade Market, where you'll find everything from soaps to jewelry to accessories made of recycled bike tires. Details in Slowdown.
Don't be distracted by Wrigley's announcement that it will launch a sensory "invigorating" gum called "5" this summer. Their Product FAQ offers so much more, including an important dog related item.
The Chicago Mercantile Exchange will be adding weekly weather futures in April. I'll take 15 degrees above average in Chicago for next week, please!
You're probably overwhelmed by articles about Barack Obama by now, but if you're still interested in learning about his local roots, you may want to check out the Hyde Park Herald's special Obama issue. The entire 24-page issue is Obama-centric, including a lengthy article about his wife, Michelle.
Tap.tv, a Burr Ridge-based technology company, has set up a YouTube-esque video jukeboxes at several area bars. To use LiveBar.net, you upload videos to the site, then text a code to the service when you're out at, say John Barleycorn or Moe's Cantina. The jukebox will then switch from whatever random video it was playing to yours, all for free. So far it's almost entirely commercials and "Family Guy" scenes.
Participate Media CEO Alan Warms has some thoughts about the benefits of being a tech start-up in Chicago.
Is Wal-Mart playing nicey-nice? Whatever your opinion, execs see the West Side Chicago store as a success, and are citing it as one reason for further expansion into areas with high unemployment.
With cranes and earth moving equipment working on Block 37, Chicago Magazine has a nice summary of current events. After you read up on the block, view what's going on now from the comfort of your computer.
The Chicago Mercantile Exchange announced yesterday that it will expand its weather derivatives product line with a scheduled launch of CME-Carvill Hurricane Index futures and options on futures contracts. Research before you buy.
Chicago 2016, the campaign to bring the Olympics here, is throwing its first public fundraiser March 1, and it already has $6 million in ticket sales.
Feeling not-so down with Cupid? Chicagoist and Apartment Therapy point us to a pop-up store from Altoids in Lincoln Park aiming to provide "the lovesick, lovelorn and Cupid-wary of Chicago ... a sanctuary from all the romantic overtures." Stop in between now and Valentine's Day and get free chocolate-dipped Altoids, coffee and cupcakes from Angel Food Bakery, anti-Valentine's cards and more. Yes, all for free. Open noon to 10pm at 912 W. Armitage Ave.
The latest news about the Tribune's potential sale: Billionaire real estate mogul Sam Zell is said to be interested in buying the company.
ZAP!, a company that specializes in designing alternative and fuel-efficient automotive systems, will release its electric XEBRA car at the Chicago Auto Show. Priced at $10,000 with an operating cost of one cent per mile, it could certainly be a high-value commuter car.
Denizens of Lincoln Park and frequenters of Escape: Your days as Best Buy lab rats are over. Bye bye, "hip hang-out."
As Altria (formerly Philip Morris) prepares to spin-off suburban food giant Kraft, Crain's Chicago Business asks "What is 'Real Kraft Cheese'?" There's a hint in our title.
Another long-standing Chicago business is closing. This time it's The Savvy Traveller, the Michigan Avenue bookstore and gift shop that specializes in items for travellers. According to signs in the store's window, the business has lost its lease and is closing down after 22 years of business. If you find yourself near the corner of Michigan and Jackson sometime soon, don't forget to stop in for one last browse through the guide books, luggage, neck pillows and travel games.
The Aqua Teen Hunger Force advertisements that caused serious problems in Boston have been in Chicago for weeks. After all of the hubbub in Boston, most of ours were collected last night. [If you happened to snap a photo of the Chicago Ignignokts/Errs, please post it to our flickr pool for all to enjoy.]
This week is National Take-Out & Delivery Week, and GrubHub has teamed up with Meals on Wheels to make it an extra-special nonholiday: for every meal ordered through the site through Feb. 4, GrubHub will donate one meal to Meals on Wheels.
January is the most popular time to get dumped, according to Crain's Chicago Business. Divorce lawyers and dating services count this period--right after the holidays and before Valentine's Day--as as the busiest time of year, as many find it the right moment to shake an unwanted relationship loose and move on. Among the dating services flooded with applicants at the moment are the Eight on Eight Dinner Club and Gourmet Dating.
The Mount Prospect Costco turned away disappointed fans and at least one camera crew after it stipulated that William "Refrigerator" Perry could only sign Costco-bought items. (Video has additional details.)
Humanized, a local software start-up, just launched their premier product, and did it with a bang: the Wall Street Journal's Walt Mossberg wrote a favorable review of Enso today. If you're on Windows, it's worth checking out. (Disclosure: I'm their PR guy, but I still thinks it's cool. Can't say that about all my clients.)
Over on Ask.MetaFilter, someone has posted about O'Donovan's canceling his friend's contract for a Super Bowl party without notice, even though it's been on the books for over a month. Keep that in mind next time you're looking for a place to host a party.
The DvA Gallery at 2658 N. Lincoln Ave. is having a sale this month. Check out some seriously cool retro-inspired illustration by artists such as Jeremiah Ketner and Amanda Visell. [via]
The Green Exchange, Logan Square's proposed "green merchandise mart" has launched its website. Dedicated towards green living, the site offers building plans, an FAQ and a forum to discuss the building and issues surrounding its development. [Hat tip: Craig]
Those wacky Sun-Times staffers are at it again with this year's monkey stock market picks. As you'd expect, "Mr. Adam Monk," the primate in question, has beaten the major indices for the last four years. After you take in the monkey madness, pull a stock out of a hat and enter their contest for most appreciating stock.
The February issue of Outside magazine (with Shaun White on the cover) has a great article about Portland-based start-up outdoor clothing company Nau, which is about to open stores online and nation-wide this spring (including a Chicago spot). This isn't your standard jacket and ski goggle venture, however.
Online gaming magazine Gamasutra just released the final installment of its five-part series on Chicago game studios. The final stop is Midway.
Fairly soon, you'll be able to shop at Threadless in person (besides stopping by their Ravenswood headquarters, that is). The first store has been spied at 3011 N Broadway, the old Leather on Leather Ltd. location in Wrigleyville.
Some of you may know that Naz and I are the guys behind El Boton (limited edition pins make a great gift, by the way). We're a bit jealous, therefore, that Coudal Partners beat us to this great idea.
If you're just not finding a card that says it all for you, then why not fill in your own words? Loaded Blanks are a series of cards created by two Chicagoans: cartoonist Ezra Claytan Daniels and punk rocker Heather Kortan and drawn by young cartoonists where you can fill in the speech bubbles for the characters and items depicted on the front and inside.
Marshall Field's shoppers haven't been shopping at Macy's on State, which hasn't gone unnoticed by Federated Department Stores. They're reaching out with coupons and newspaper ads, but it's probably too late to salvage this holiday season. Meanwhile, the folks at Fieldsfanschicago.org are encouraged.
YoChicago is dedicating much of this week's coverage to Pilsen, with reviews, real estate coverage, and much more. Their YouTube Pilsen playlist is especially worth checking out.
As their catalog and network of designers and friends increases, so too the public profile of Chicago-based Threadless. On today's "Morning Edition," NPR ran a business profile of the online company's success and popularity.
Or fans of Nicholas Cage, Yoshiyuki Tomino, or US drug laws? Just in time for the holidays, you can bid on four very special autographed movie posters and benefit the Chicago International Film Festival. The auction runs until 15 December.
I miss its old location on Southport, and I wish it still carried more real restaurant china instead of reproductions, but I still love P.O.S.H. Where else in the city can you find a cat butt plate and a vintage Italian army belt?
Now you can shop for Chicago skyline ornaments, calendars and El map neckties from the warm comfort of your computer. Three City of Chicago stores have gone online to bring you Chicago-themed holiday items, apparel, audio and video, and even some relics from the city's past including wares from the Cultural Center, Gallery 37 and the City of Chicago store on Pearson. Proceeds from sales support the Department of Cultural Affairs, free public programming and the programs of Gallery 37.
Picked out your holiday cards yet? If not, consider a set created by one of the students in Marwen's after-school art education program. (Thanks, Maureen!)
Seriously! There are a craftload of shows and sales this weekend. So, um, why are you going to the mall? Local First Chicago might be able to tell you exactly why buying local is buying better.
There's room at the Christkindlmarket for a nativity scene (as well as Islamic and Jewish holiday symbols), but not for The Nativity Story. The movie was dropped as a sponsor because the City thought the marketing was "too aggressive."
It's that time of year again when our pocket books decrease and our closets get filled with gifts for giving. So, why not this year steer clear of big guys in brand names, and head for the individual artisan, and you can find them all under a single roof at the DEPART-ment. It's one-stop shopping — the crafty way. Items such as clothing, wallets, art and more are for sale, and are displayed on familiar racks and wall-hangings so you can still sift through the mad-holiday rush. Note to shoppers: this is cash only joint, so put the plastic away this time. If you forget your green, ATMs are located inside the building. Crafty shopping commences Dec. 1st.
Happy Black Friday, "the busiest shopping day of the year." The Tribune and Sun-Times both assure readers that Chicagoans are, believe it or not, out shopping. If you're just waking from a tryptophan coma, you've probably missed out on PS3s and $474 52" HD TVs, so shop smarter, not harder. (You don't even have to leave your desk.)
The CEO of Federated Department Stores tells the Trib that the switch from Marshall Field's to Macy's has been tougher than expected. Duh. However, the former Field's stores helped Federated report its best months ever in September and October.
Apartment Therapy Chicago is putting together a best-of list with your help -- over the next few weeks, add your two cents for bests in a variety of categories; your first being shops for modern gifts.
As a sort of companion piece to the NYTimes article about our city being overrun with condos, here's a story in the Wall Street Journal about the successful conversion of the old Montgomery Ward warehouse into the flourishing 600 West Chicago.
The "underground economy" of the South Side is the subject of this great article in the Boston Globe.
St. Alfred, the sneaker mecca in Wicker Park, is also responsible for some of the fresher Chicago-centric T-shirts around. Hypebeast has a preview of their newest line (I'm especially liking Skateboard C).
In a competition over who's on first, KFC and McDonald's Corporation have announced cutbacks in the use of trans fats in their products. KFC has proposed using low linolenic soybean oil in some foods, while their biscuits and mashed potatoes would still contain the stuff. Oak Brook-based McDonald's, which promised in 2002 to remove trans fats from its menu completely, is still in the process of becoming trans-free.
According to Crain's, Lakeview residents are very close to getting a new Dominick's to replace the one that burned down two summers ago. Three floors of condos are proposed to top the store at 3012 N. Broadway. It's a nice idea, but I'd probably still be too lazy to get milk.
If you're looking for that perfect pair of eyeglasses, the dudes at the Lakeview and Bucktown Eye Spy Optical stores can totally hook you up. All this month, Eye Spy is holding exclusive trunk shows for a range of eyewear designers. Check out their site for a complete calendar.
Man, the crew down at Rotofugi are rockin' Chicago with some great upcoming events and artist appearances, including Nathan Jurevicius, MAD, Sket One and more. Check out their site for a full list of dates and times.
If so, head out to East Dundee for the Santa's Village auction. Don't forget to check out the full catalog [PDF] and supplementary photos so you'll be fully prepared to bid.
Speaking of 37signals, president Jason Fried and partner David Heinemeier Hansson were named two of Crain's top Forty Under Forty this week. Also on the list are GB faves Jake Nickell and Jacob DeHart of Threadless and John Tolva of Ascent Stage. Go here for a full list of the youthful accomplisments.
This morning, while reading my issue of Time Out Chicago on the 'L', this Critics' Pick item caught my eye. Lover is an adorable and pricey clothing line from Australia, which after months of anticipation has finally hit Chicago, landing at Hejfina. Among other chic brands, the upscale boutique in Wicker Parker carries Les Prairies des Paris--the kind of clothes Audrey Hepburn would wear. By the way, I applaud Steve Johnson, who recently wrote a letter to the Gap demanding they give us our Audrey back.
The Chicago Mercantile Exchange is buying the Chicago Board of Trade for $8 billion, in a move to create a global derivatives exchange.
The Chicago Defender has a nice profile of the Afrocentric Bookstore. First "opened 16 years ago at the back of a beauty supply store" on South Wabash, the independent bookstore is now located on South King Drive near 47th Street in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood. As the Defender writes, "Afrocentric Bookstore has all the ingredients to warrant second and third helpings: friendly and knowledgeable staff, a wide selection of books and a desire to help you find what you came looking for."
A lot more than that actually: 37signals has launched a gig board to complement their popular job board. Get your résumé in shape!
No, not the lovable losers -- Cub Foods. The discount grocery chain is leaving the Chicago market, with its 14 stores being divvied up among several other companies. Meanwhile, Jewel is planning an expansion.
While the big-box issue may currently be at an impasse, living wage concerns will not soon go away. We've asked your opinion in the past; today, the Wall Street Journal's Econoblog solicits the competing counsel of two experts.
Got some room on your game shelf next to the Chicago Monopoly, the Chicago Bears Monopoly, and the White Sox Monopoly? Then you'll be needing Monopoly: Here and Now Edition, which includes among its contemporary properties to purchase two Chicago landmarks: Wrigley Field ($3 million to purchase, but a mere $260,000 to rent); and O'Hare Airport (the board game designers, in updating the game to the present day, have replaced the original game's railroads with airports). Monopoly: Here and Now, which has on its board the most popular US properties as voted on by Monopoly fans, goes on sale tomorrow.
With global warming getting a lot of press recently, it's interesting to note that Chicago hosts North America's first market for trading contracts for CO2 emissions at the Chicago Climate Exchange.
The Columbia Journalism Review Daily takes the city's mainstream media to task for its "uncritical coverage" of the losses of Field's and Carson's. CJR thinks the press could use a little more healthy skepticism about the evolution of State Street; instead, they say, "the coverage has been strangely uncritical, bordering even on the boosterish." What's more, in the stories about the department stores' handovers, the opposing quotes have come largely from the superannuated. Given the strong opinions proffered here in Fuel and the many younger faces at Saturday's anti-Macy's demonstration, I wonder if the dailies really weren't trying hard enough.
Some pictures from today's protest of the Marshall Field's name change. I wonder what the protestors thought of this guy's (NSFW) sign, which is only funny if you know who Fred Phelps is.
You know your business has made it when you're on CNN. Local t-shirt design competition gurus Jake and Jacob of Skinny Corp and Threadless fame were on Anderson Cooper 360 this week. I bet it was Zach Braff who tipped Cooper about it. [via Coudal]
Local purveyor of cute pickle-and-meat-themed cuddlers Mr. Pickles is sponsoring a contest to name two of its characters: the Scurvy Friends. Declaring September as Scurvy Prevention Month, they've got their new calendar ready for download, along with the details for the contest on their website. (Also look for their table at next week's Renegade Craft Fair in Wicker Park.)
Fans of Marshall Field's have one last chance to demonstrate their anger with the department stores' conversion to Macy's. At 9:30am on September 9, the day of the official switch-over, FieldsFansChicago is holding a protest in front of the State Street store.
It's not quite that egregious, but reader Mike noticed today that the new Macy's information maps installed inside the erstwhile Marshall Field's show Wabash Street, Washington Avenue and Randolph Avenue. That'll make a Chicagoan used to Wabash Avenue and Washington and Randolph Streets twitch. Not exactly getting off on the right foot, Macy's.
First Field's, now this: Carson Pirie Scott will be closing its historic State Street store after the holiday season due to poor sales and operating losses.
If you want some furniture but would prefer it free from umlauts (ie, IKEA), then you might want to try the Marshall Field's Furniture Outlet at Diversey and Pulaski. They're only open on the weekend, but you have a couple of huge floors to look through their nice stuff that might have a knick or a scratch. And unlike most furniture shopping, you can get it on short notice, not the typical 6-8 weeks most new furniture requires.
If you're concerned about the super nasty chemicals that are typically used for home renovations, you should stop by Chicago's Greenmaker on Pulaski near Fullerton. They offer products for people who are chemically sensitive as well as those wishing to use environmentally-friendly products, such as natural wool carpets, sustainably-harvested wood floors, eco-friendly household cleaners and much more. (We purchased a corn-based paint stripper and loved it.)
If you're the owner of a small business, crafty or not, who has been looking to meet other small business owners to share advice, information, and commiseration, but you don't like stuffy and boring networking events, the mafia is on your side. The Chicago Craft Mafia that is. The Craft Racket premiers Wednesday August 30th at Uncommon Ground with the hopes of uniting all those crafty business owners in-the-know with all those folks who need-to-know. It's a free event and more info is in Slowdown.
Love to shop? Feeling generous? The Lupus Foundation of America, Illinois Chapter (LFAI) and Bloomingdale's are teaming up to raise some cash. Purchase $10 tickets to The Shopping Benefit, and LFAI gets every penny; turn your ticket in at one of Bloomingdale's four Chicagoland locations on August 30 and the store will donate an additional $5 to the cause.
Using "White Hen" as a convenience store reference won't be a Chicagoism much longer. So speculates the Tribune, anyway. After all that effort to rebrand by removing "Pantry" from their signage, franchisees look to replace the chain's name altogether with that of its new owner, 7-Eleven.
Apparently Marshall Field's loyalists are disgruntled over the current transition from Fields to Macy's already taking place at the flagship store at 111 State Street. An article in today's Sun-Times discusses the skeptical response to Macy's merchandise, now rolling into the store. Commentary, in which Macy's clothing is criticized as "tacky" and "geared towards a younger crowd," is finding a voice in a blog, created by fans of the 138-year-old establishment. In an effort to retain the Marshall Field's customer base, Macy's is constructing a Frango kitchen (where you can view Frango chocolates being hand-dipped) on the 7th floor next to the Frango cafe, and they are also building a private entranceway for the exclusive women's couture 28 shop. The official switchover, in which the Marshall Field's name will bite the dust forever, is to be completed on September 9.
This year, the Magnificent Mile seems to be getting made over into a High-Tech Alley. Following the lead of Nokia and Motorola, navigational gear group Garmin has announced plans for a Michigan Avenue flagship, its first foray into retail. Conveniently, or perhaps temptingly, the store should be open in time for holiday shopping.
Zillow offers an interesting graphic representation of cost per square foot for Chicagoland real estate: a "heat map."
Fans of Val's halla Records, the historic Oak Park record store that's been selling all kinds of music for over 30 years, will no doubt be aware that the store has been under threat of closing for the last year. Well, here's some good news: Val's will re-open in a different Oak Park location, and they're moving this weekend. To celebrate the move (and to lighten the load for the movers) Val's is having a huge record sale this weekend: details are in Slowdown. Stop by, pick up some cheap LPs or CDs, and wish Val good luck in the new location.
If you didn't already know Chicago's gaining a reputation for Web2.0 innovation, this week's news should make it clear: 37signals announced yesterday that Jeff Bezos (of Amazon.com fame) has made a personal investment in the company. And on Monday Feedburner (who produces our feeds) announced it had bought blog stats company Blogbeat. (Anyone interested in throwing a little dough our way?)
So, this guy Mark goes to Naperville Toyota to buy a Prius. The salesguy is totally sleazy and sets up a fraudulent financing deal. The deal goes down and Mark drives away, but has second thoughts and tries to return the car. Instead he gets an earful from the dealership and harrassing phone calls -- for four months. There's now a warrant out for the salesman's arrest; read the whole sordid tale (and an update here) at The Consumerist. (Thanks, Brenda!)
Been to Midway lately? Seem like Southwest has every gate in the airport? Well, they nearly do.
New City details a recent presentation by more than 60 local designers to Macy's buyers. The lucky ones will be featured in the new store's Chicago Designer Shop, which opens September 8.
Ever wonder how the Esquire Theater manages to hold its own against its Oak Street neighbors (like Prada)? Well, it looks like it might not be.
Target officials have apparently told south side aldermen that they might cancel plans for three new stores if the city's proposed big-box minimum wage ordinance is passed. Ald. Joe Moore, lead sponsor of the ordinance, called Target's move "bullying tactics." The city council is scheduled to vote on the ordinance on July 26th.
For all of you folk fanatics and alt country fans, new at Quimby's this week is Pioneers of Country Music, a set of 40 trading cards illustrated by R. Crumb. Brief bios on the back of each card give the histories of Gid Tanner and his Skillet Lickers, Uncle Dan Macon and His Fruit-Jar Drinkers, Al Hopkins and his Buckle Busters and other whimsically named bands. Two earlier series, Early Jazz Greats and Heroes of the Blues, also feature art by R. Crumb.
Now I've seen some cool freaking quilts, and I've seen some awful, awful quilts as well. But I figured it would be a silent day on Halsted before I'd ever see a quilt shop open there. Quiltology, 2625 N. Halsted (between Fullerton and Diversey) is now open. They claim to combine technology and quilting, offer classes for all skill levels, and have great fabrics that are otherwise hard to get. Good-bye knitting on the train? Hello, lap-piecing? Thanks, Carolyn.
Small article about American manufacturing in The Economist that features DesPlaines-based Littlefuse. Short summary: when it comes to making stuff, America isn't suffering as much as is often portrayed. (And while you're there, The Economist's City Guide for Chicago has some handy tidbits about things to do.)
Crain's reports that Robert Redford is considering the site of a closed Fannie May candy factory for an outpost of his new Sundance Cinemas movie theater chain.
July 1 marks the application deadline for the Renegade Craft Fair. Organizers Sue and Kathleen got back recently from their second show in Brooklyn and now they're ready to devote their time to making the Chicago show awesome. They may have gotten the local craft scene kicked in the pants, but they're not the only ones in the game. The DIY Trunk Show is accepting applications through July 15th. The Rockwell Art Crossing is taking applications through June 30th. The Artzilla Craftzuki show at Schuba's on June 3rd was enough of a success that there will be another every month beginning on August 27th. And to give proper credit to the woman who started monthly craft shows, The Handmade Market at The Empty Bottle has been gaining in popularity since last year.
Business Week takes a look at the new Nokia flagship store on Michigan Avenue over the weekend. Probably the coolest thing about it is you can buy any phone totally unlocked, so it can be used with whichever cellular carrier you want. The downside is there's no carrier subsidy, so you're going to pay full price for that 8801. (Incidentally, those interested in Motorola's new Q have but a short walk to check it out.)
Friend of GB, George Aye has just unleashed his latest idea which I find frickin' cool. It's called Hubwear. Hubwear are t-shirts with airport codes printed on them: the front is first part of the trip while the back is your return leg of the journey.
The much-loved DIY Trunk Show is officially accepting applications from local crafters who want to sell their wares at the event in November (Saturday, November 18; mark your calendar!). See the Trunk Show site for full information, and check out photos of previous Trunk Shows on Flickr.
Pabst Blue Ribbon beer (which won five medals at the 1893 Columbian Exposition, wouldn't you know it) is pulling up stakes in San Antonio and moving to suburban Woodridge. Apparently, Illinois is Pabst's largest market (I'd be willing to bet that the intersection of Damen and Division is the eye of that particular storm).
We told you back in February about the chance to get some free copies of those retro Illinois tourism posters, and I hope you listened, cause now you'll have to pay. The folks at EnjoyIllinois.com have opened up a Cafepress store where you can buy images of Jane the T-Rex, the Collinsville catsup bottle, and Metropolis' Superman on mugs, shirts, totes, and (yup) posters. No word on why the car kabob isn't among the ranks, but we've got our fingers crossed. [Thanks, Katherine]
Locally based Inkling Markets allows you to set up a mock stock market for anything you can think of, from which summer blockbusters will gross the most to whether Guns'n'Roses will release an album this year.
A few weeks ago, the Tribune reported on opposition to proposed ordinances requiring "big box" retailers to pay workers a higher minimum wage ($10/hr, with an additional $3/hr for benefits). Now, according to today's Times, over three-fifths of the City Council has signed on to the idea. If passed -- a vote could come within the month -- Chicago would be the first US municipality to take such a step.
Drunken Bee on the perils of shopping Division Street. (How many thieving transvestites on the prowl for Fred Perry are you going to encounter on Michigan Avenue?)
We told you awhile back that Goose Island was in negotiations with Anheuser Busch; Crain's has an update on the story. Looks like Busch could own 35 percent of Goose Island and would take over distribution.
The Sun-Times reports that September 7 will be the start of a "launch weekend" set to celebrate the renaming of Marshall Field's stores to Macy's. The weekend-long celebration will include loads of activities and events at the State Street store, such as a fashion competition for local designers and "mother-daughter beauty events".
The newest Chicago edition of Lucky Magazine (the one with Tyra on the cover) has a few pages of Chicago stores and designers that they like, but interestingly enough, local card and stationary designers Snow & Graham's new candles series made it into Lucky's broader national picks. Blogger k-fresh also recently picked up on the new line of lovely candles that the local company is putting out. You can find them (eventually) on the duo's website, or in person at stores like Greer Chicago. While you're waiting for a new S&G website to arrive, you can read an interview with them on urbanStyle from 2001.
From the Times: "By wrapping its arms and famous big shoulders around its Latin motto -- Urbs in Horto (City in a Garden) -- Chicago has become a global model for how a metropolis can pursue environmental goals to achieve economic success."
Bulls guard Ben Gordon is the first NBA player with his own energy drink. Gordon signed with start-up H3Enterprises to create BG7, a white tea-based concoction expected to be on store shelves later this year.
Been to O'Hare lately? It might be worth the trip just to play with this new 10'x7' interactive display, inspired by Minority Report and developed by Accenture. [via]
This Thursday, I Have An Idea is hosting its fourth annual Portfolio Night, an opportunity for those who hope to get into the advertising industry to show off their work to top creative folk in the field. Could be your chance of a lifetime, but you gotta pay to play: tickets are $35.
Wish you could trade that heavy BioChem book you never read for something truly valuable like the collected works of Freud or maybe the Pirates of the Caribbean dvd? Thanks to SwapSimple, you can. Started by a couple of local college grads as an attempt to stick it to the publishing man, it's been going and growing online for about a year. The coolest thing is that the recipient of your BioChem book pays for that shipping and you pay for dvd shipping. Rumor has it they're servers at a local restaraunt so the $2 per order charge obviously isn't making them rich, but I bet they'd accept tips.
Somehow we've managed not to write about it, but Yelp. Founded in 2004 in San Francisco, Yelp has been helping Chicagoans find good places to eat and drink for quite a while now. It now covers dentists, hairstylists and other professions, too — all reviewed and rated by regular people.
Since neither Andrew nor Naz has mentioned it, I'll do it for them: they've ventured into buttons. Or botons, as it were. Check out their limited edition tribute to the 'L', and look for more sets in future.
Design Within Reach is holding its first Chicago-area warehouse sale tomorrow through Monday, with items up to 75 percent off. The only catch is, the warehouse is in Downers Grove.
Sewer cover throw rugs fashioned after the designs seen in several major cities, including Chicago. [via]
Let's all cross fingers that we can ditch the anoraks, coats, jackets, blazers, sweaters and various other forms of outerwear for at least a few months. It's 78 degrees, and that's cause for celebration. Still, the anonymous female blogger behind Make Love, Not Debt is struggling to find a black shirt that'll meet her Chicago springtime needs (and there are several of them). Ladies, if you've got recommendations, be nice and pass 'em on.
If you've got a blog, be proud and wear it (literally) on your sleeve. Local t-shirt biz Threadless has a snappy new shirt for sale that spells out the word for all to see. They've also recently upped the prize money for their latest contest "Red Cross Loves Threadless" to $2,000. That's quite a lot in diet cokes (oh, and, down the road, money for the Red Cross). Details ahoy.
In an effort to placate those concerned about Wal-Mart stores being introduced in their neighborhood, the company has declared it feels its opponents' pain. Ours is an area the Wal has struggled to enter; no coincidence, then, that its CEO chose Chicago to announce the "Wal-Mart Jobs and Opportunity Zones" Initiative, the first zone of which will be on the city's West Side. Lest you think the company's gone soft with altruism, the Times reports that a confidential internal memo blames community criticism for crippling expansion, and Wal-Mart is all about expansion. (Prior coverage in the GB archives.)
After local t-shirt purveyors Threadless raised over $100,000 to help the Red Cross aid Katrina victims, they made a few friends over there. The Red Cross has now tapped Threadless to sponsor a design competition in honor of their 125th birthday. Design your tee around the themes of Hope, Humanity & Compassion (along with some other very special guidelines) and submit it by April 21. When the winning tees are chosen and sold, Threadless will donate $5 per shirt to the Red Cross.
Did your boyfriend pull a High Fidelity-style break-up and you've got all his records? Sell them at the WLUW Record Fair taking place April 8th and 9th at Pulaski Park Fieldhouse. Or maybe you're a fantastic zine maker, small publisher, poster maker, t-shirt printer, crafter, or general diy maven with something to sell. If so, call Shawn Campbell at WLUW (773-508-8072) ASAP. There are still a few slots open.
After less than six months, Brooklyn-based personalized t-shirt slingers Neighborhoodies has closed its Wicker Park store (its first in Chicago). The cryptic word from the biz is that they've put a "pause on the store" because the "store personnel wasn't being very independent[ly] minded" (whatever that means). But, they're not through with us yet! Keep an eye peeled in the future for "chicago part II".
Already in place at Cub stores, Jewel's recently introduced Pay By Touch option takes self-checkout to a whole new level.
Oh c'mon, I know you have some formal gowns hanging in the back of your closet that you would *love* to give to The Glass Slipper Project this year. They are collecting donations of dresses, shoes, jewelry and other prom-garb until March 24. Check out this list for donation locations (and also, check out Slowdown).
We told you it might happen in our Top 10 headlines we'd like to see in 2006, and now it's starting to come true. Staples Inc. is adding to its already quite visible Chicago presence, while Itasca-based OfficeMax is having some hard times at keeping its stores open. What will come true next: more funding for public schools? One can only hope.
1. Pay hosting bill
2. Check papers and sites for things to post
3. Buy Getting Real
Knitting is fun, but yarn can be expensive. It's going to be slightly less expensive this weekend at the Knitting Workshop, 2218 N. Lincoln. Their Winter sale is running through Sunday, which means all winter yarns are 40-50% off. Hey, it's not going to get warm for another 3 months, so you may as well stock up and get to it.
The latest product of FoGB 37Signals: Campfire, a group chat program for business ...and probably other groups, too.
Macy's has hired Chicago advertising agency JWT to work on the company's national brand launch. As early as Fall, 350 new Macy's will open in stores acquired from May Co., raising the total number of Macy's in America to over 800. No telling if this love Macy's has thrown towards the city will make Chicagoans not feel like this.
Why wait till the last minute to pick out a gift for your Valentine? Get it done early at the Chicago Craft Mafia's 2nd annual St. Valentine's Day MassCraftsacre. Pick out a one-of-a-kind piece ("It's an original, honey. Just like you.") from 13 different Mafia members and "friends of the family," get some handmade chocolates, and help 826CHI raise some much needed cash — 20% of the proceeds from all sales as well as funds raised in a raffle will be used to finish building "The Boring Store."
V-day is fast approaching, and unless you want to hit the rack at the 7-11 night of, here are just a few local artists and their original Valentines all set for the mailing. Funny? Try Mr. Pickles. Witty? Check Girl Metro. Elegant? Snow & Graham has beautiful blank notes. Shop in person for these and others at local stationers like Greer Chicago, Paper Boy and Fly Paper.
Next time you go to Marshall Field's, you might consider putting the shopping bag in a bag of its own: collectibles experts are predicting that Field's branded items will have some serious value in 20 years. (Anyone else find it ironic that the State Street store's webpage has a flash intro that says, "The first 150 years were just a warm up ...for this"?)
If you've ever wished to get a sneak-peek at what the finest local and national up-and-coming indie designers are making while getting a goodie bag and drinking cocktails at Union Station, then you're in luck. Girls Night Out is coming to Chicago on April 6th. Unique! Tres chic!
The President is visiting the Board of Trade today, so you might want to steer clear of LaSalle and Jackson.
For the next week, Daily Candy is marking year's end by revisiting some of its 2005 favorites. As no wrap-up of the year that was would be complete without some mention of Angelina Jolie, today's installment is dedicated to achieving those signature lips. Perfect, perhaps, for that New Year's Eve kiss. (As for Brad, well, you're on your own.)
On the last shopping day before Christmas, the Times looks at the last stand of the nation's regional department stores that'll acquire the Macy's name in the coming year. While disappointment around the country seems largely overshadowed by ambivalence, there's apparently "one notable exception": Marshall Field's.
Know someone who deserves special recognition this holiday season? Send'em a leg lamp — you know, like the one the old man won in A Christmas Story. It's the perfect centerpiece for any large window. And it's made in Naperville.
There's a rumor brewing that Anheuser-Busch is considering taking an ownership stake in Goose Island Brewery. The Trib has the story, with Goose Island president John Hall confirming that the companies are "in talks" but claiming they're about distribution, not acquisition.
In this week before the big X that is X-mas, crowded stores and unimpressive sales abound. Thank goodness for espace at 1205 N. Milwaukee. Today, and for the next six days, espace is holding a 30% off "insane denim sale" which includes brands like Antik, Taverniti SO, Hudson and AereA. Of course, if you're looking for other ideas, we've put together a holiday gift guide (as has Chicagoist).
Crain's is reporting that the city will issue $1.5 billion in bonds tomorrow to fund the first stage of its O'Hare expansion project. Buyer beware, however.
Dear Denver. Thank you for comping us on the $185 million for the failed automated baggage system at Denver International Airport. Next time you're in town, drinks are on us! My favorite quote comes from Denver city Councilwoman Jeanne Faatz who was the only one to vote against forgiving the debt: "I have tried to get my heart and mind around forgiving $185 million in debt, and I just can't get there." I hear ya Jeanne. You'd have to have a massive heart.
West North can always be counted on for interesting info about urban planning and affairs. I'd seen signage with the logo, but it's there I got the scoop on the Local First Chicago cause. As you do your holiday shopping, chains may have their place, but think about patronizing locally owned businesses like these founding members, well, first.
On Wednesday, R. J. Reynolds opened the Marshall McGearty Tobacco Lounge in Chicago. The private smoke shop features tobacconists, luxurious couches, custom cigarettes ($8/pack) and an intense air-ventilation system. The store opening showcased R.J.'s new "super-premium" Marshall McGearty Tobacco Artisans brand which is only available for purchase at the new Chicago store.
It's that time of year when schmaltzy, obvious "helping out your fellow (wo)man" stories tend to inspire either bitter or sentimental responses. But here's a story that tugs at my heart-strings and my wallet strings as well. Natalia Wilson, wonderful proprietress of Evil Eye Emporium is helping out her friend with massive medical bills by selling ornaments to help her raise money. She's donating 100% of her proceeds on this item to her friend. It truly is the gift that keeps on giving. I'm making my list and checking it twice, how 'bout you?
A full what, two weeks after the Reader did a cover story on them (PDF here), the Tribune is playing catch-up with a profile of Big Monster Toys, creator of one this season's hot toys: the Iz.
Through the holiday season, hip shoe store eSpace (1205 N. Milwaukee Ave., at Division St. 773-252-6994) has declared Sundays "mimosa days!" As if it couldn't get any better, eSpace will also offer you an automatic 15% off on anything you buy for yourself (if you're shopping for someone else).
Since today is supposedly "Cyber Monday," it's probably the best day to point out that Threadless is currently running a holiday sale. Literally every t-shirt in stock is currently $10.
Amidst brisk State Street winds, Marshall Field's opened its doors at 6am this morning with warm, welcoming arms of Frango Mint Chocolates, Thomas Pink oxfords and Christian Louboutin pumps. The Sun-Times reported today that during this holiday season the average American will spend $780 on gifts, while the average Chicagoan just $686. What's cuter than a thrifty city? A city with heart. We budget a nationwide high $311 on charitable contributions.
If you've ever worked retail, you probably called the Friday after Thanksgiving "Black Friday", or maybe you have heard it called "Buy Nothing Day". Well I'd love to see the friday after Thanksgiving be called "Buy Local Day". I could rant about why it's better to give your money to a local business, artist, crafter, bread-maker but instead I'll just encourage you to go to MINT on Friday and give some of your hard-earned cash to Tammy Terwelp. She only buys items from local artists, crafters, designers and she has a keen eye for finding the best stuff. You'll get to shop (there's free coffee and treats), you'll save up to 40% off select items, and you'll know that you're keeping Chicago in business without supporting any evil empires.
Citizens of Chicago that is. And not everyone wants to see their friends with children fade off into suburbia. But if your friends with tykes are discussing the merits of larger yards and being closer to a mall, maybe you should buy their kid this shirt.
Right. So, like Lagerfeld before her, Stella McCartney recently designed some stuff for H&M. The Guardian called the clothes "the most eagerly anticipated collection of the year," and the Times described her fandom as a "cult." Think any of that is exaggeration? Read the Drunken Bee account of the line's local launch (and subsequent sell-out) today, and, well, you're apt to think again.
If you're a non-Washington Mutual customer who's been inclined to seek out WaMu ATMs because they don't charge you a fee, be warned that the honeymoon is over. Crain's reports that WaMu will begin charging non-customers $2 a pop just like every other bank, starting November 17.
We're not generally fans of American Girl Place, but there's one good reason to applaud the creepy doll manufacturer: they're standing up to nutty right-to-lifers. The Pro-Life Action League of Chicago and other groups have organized a boycott of American Girl because of a fundraising bracelet that benefits Girls Inc. (formerly Girls Clubs of America), which supports abortion rights and homosexuality. PLALC is supposedly planning a protest at the Chicago Avenue store around Thanksgiving; expect a nice counter-protest to further gum up traffic.
Chicago shopping can be as magnificent (and pricey) as the mile, until the weekends, that is. To the fashion (and budget) savvy Saturday and Sunday are sample sale days. This Sunday, check out another big bad Beta Boutique Sample Sale at Equinox Fitness Club, Chicago's newest upscale gym with in-house full service spa. Equinox will offer a special 3-day, all-access pass to Beta Boutique shoppers. Beta will have on hand its usual array of designer apparel, including Three Dot, Ambre Babzoe and Beaumenay Joannet and Margaret O'Leary.
Get a jump-start on holiday shopping this weekend by hitting the DIY Trunk Show. Running from 10am to 4pm Saturday at the Pulaski Park Auditorium, 1419 W. Blackhawk, the show features more than 80 local crafters and artisans offering their wares. We'll be there with a booth, so stop by and say hi!
I'm excited to see innovation come to grocery stores, from the self-checkout to this latest trick from Cub Foods. Yes, if you do shop at that behemoth of a store, you'll soon be able to pay with just the touch of a finger.
Saks Inc. announced today that it has sold Carson Pirie Scott (and a bunch of other department stores) to Bon-Ton Stores. No word yet on whether the Carson's name will go away, but one would hope the Macy's/Marshall Field's brouhaha would discourage a name change.
Yesterday, luxury skin and hair care product pusher Kiehl's opened the doors to their first Chicago location at 907 W Armitage. Kiehl's is commonly referred to as a cult pharmacy; Forbes used the term "cult devotion" in a story including the company's products on a list of "50 of America's Best." If your tiny bank account threatens to keep you from indulging in Kiehl's lush lotions, take note: Kiehl's sampling program gives away over 12 million trial-size packets and tubes a year.
If you thought the Crabtree & Evelyn, Sephora, Bath & Body Works, and Body Shop at Water Tower Place were inadequate for your cleaning and pampering needs, there are a couple of recent additions to the downtown behemoth that might sate you.
Short portrait of the beloved North Side apothecary, Merz, in the New York Times today. The article explains some background on how their website, smallflower.com, got its name.
In conjunction with the ongoing Select Media Festival, three Wicker Park/North Side countercultural institutions; Quimby's, Myopic Books, and Odd Obsession Video will be opening shop in Bridgeport. The temporary retail relocation is part of the "Experimental Culture Zone" that Lumpen is creating along the burgeoning Morgan St. corridor in the "Community of the Future". Don't go proclaiming "the end" of Wicker Park yet, you aging hipsters-- the three satellite stores are open only on the weekends through November 13th, and then it's back North they go.
Yesterday's Oprah was definitely one to exercise the TiVo slo-mo feature. Chicago's first lady welcomed Michael Jordan and special handsome guest Charles Barkley to the show. Air Jordan joked with Chuck and Oprah, all in the service of introducing Brand Jordan's new line of ladies clothing. Oprah waxed philosophical about wearing her Jordan duds shopping on Oak Street. Jordan's line pays J-Lo style homage to his Bulls with these signature color velour sweatsuits.
While we can't claim the Neighborhoodie as our own Chi-town child, we will soon be able to shop and create our own, live and in person at the company's forthcoming Wicker Park store. The first Chicago location, the shop will let you pick out your favorite tees, bags, and, yes, hoodies of all shapes and sizes, then personalize them with different fonts of letters and symbols. You can pledge your love for your 'hood, your hobbies, or maybe your favorite website. You might even be able to get hired. The store officially opens at 1300 N. Milwaukee Ave. on November 1, but look for a party on the October 29th.
Taking bag cues from Miss Jessica Simpson just got easier for Chicagoans. Luxe Italian bag and accessory line Furla is now open for business at 106 E. Oak St. The Gold Coast locale is Furla's first Midwestern store. Furla's offerings include a handknit wool miniwrap in delicious fall colors (coffee, pumpkin, onyx, pomegranate or ivory) -- an exclusive to Chicago's Furla.
Sure, H&M can be great, but if you feel that little twinge of guilt when you drop some bucks at a chain store, yet can't handle the chaos of a craft fair, DEPART-ment might be for you. Set up like a real store, with clerks, check-out stations and organized racks, DEPART-ment offers hand-made goods by independent artists and designers. Open this Friday through Sunday at Open End Gallery, 2000 W. Fulton. You know you can learn more over at Slowdown.
OPI Products announced a new color collection for nails and lips for the Fall/Winter 2005 season:The Chicago Collection. Get your own bottle or stick of "O'Hare & Nails Look Great," "Marooned on the Magnificent Mile," or "Lincoln Park After Dark." Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI's Executive Vice President & Artistic Director predicts, "You're in the mood for Chicago!"
"Someone like Marshall Field or John Wanamaker - or even a Bill Gates or Steve Jobs - all became fabulously rich as a side effect of devoting their lives to creating something really new and unique. The approach of a number-cruncher like Lundgren is much more parasitical. It's less about creating something great than squeezing out value from an existing asset without ever really doing anything to replenish it." If you missed this essay by architecture critic Lynn Becker, read it now. It is simply the best essay I've read on the Marshall Field's debacle and the death of department stores.
Add another stellar t-shirt maker out of Chicago: [Im]perfect Articles are brought to you by a variety of chosen artists, featuring one of my faves, Cody Hudson. And wihout a doubt, his t-shirt (as modelled by friend George Aye) is my favourite as well. You might also enjoy George's little story about wearing Hudson's t-shirt.
There are now officially two places to get your semi-disposable Swedish furniture: IKEA's Bolingbrook store opened today.
The 4.2 million-square- foot Merchandise Mart remains the world’s largest commercial building, though it was built in 1930. It primarily houses wholesale showrooms, which is why—unless you’re an interior decorator—you probably haven’t had much occasion to go there. The Merchandise Mart Design Center Sample Sale, this Saturday, offers an excuse to stop by and explore. Details in Slowdown.
If you've accumulated nothing from past Chicago winters but a closet packed with winter coats, this promotion is for you. Bucktown boutique p45 is asking for donations of outerwear for Deborah's Place, a shelter for women who are or were homeless. Until the end of the month, in exchange for a gently used coat, p45 is extending a 15% discount on selected jackets from their Winter 2005 collection. p45 will provide in-kind donation forms on request.
Ok, so that doesn't roll off the tongue like everyone's favorite anti-war slogan but if you are so inclined, you can sign this petition to keep Marshall Field's, Marshall Field's.
News flash from the Tribune: all Marshall Field's stores to be renamed to Macy's in the fall of 2006. Start collecting your Field's memorabilia now. (Want to complain? Our friends at Chicagoist have thoughtfully provided the mailing address for the CEO of Federated Department Stores, the conglomerate that currently owns Field's.)
Growing up, my mom had a sign over the microwave that said "No TUPPERWARE!!!" She'd lost quite a bit of her collection due to us nuking spaghetti or chili for longer than necessary. In an attempt to turn Tupperware into Tupperwear, local fashionista Cynthia Rowley worked with the makers of fine plastic-ware to create headbands and shoes, turning them into plastic-wear. While I doubt I'll plunk down the $300 her shoes will cost, I think Mom might get something from Tupperware's cool new line since my brothers and I ignored that sign.
It's time to start shopping for fall and winter clothes, and NewCity has a nice overview of boutique clothing stores around the city for those of us who don't like malls.
Here's a chance to wear the change you want to see in the world: skinnyCorp's Threadless t-shirt outfit has introduced a new style, the Regrowth tee. The shirt sets you back a mere $10; that gets generously doubled, and 20 bucks goes to the relief effort, up to 50 grand. Nice.
Update: People are snapping those suckers up. Threadless reports raising $25k in 24 hours and says stocks are low but they're working on it. In other words, patience, grasshopper.
The blogosphere loves Apple, but with our Chicago focus, we don't often get to participate. So we've been chomping at the bit to announce, after months of hinting and teasing, Motorola's new ROKR iTunes-enabled phone, available through Cingular. Only holds about as much as an iPod shuffle, but it's still one less gadget in your pocket.
Jennifer Aniston was totally sporting trouser jeans while in Chicago filming The Break-Up, but are we all to abandon our ultra-low-rise jeans? Enter LA-based company Not Your Daughter’s Jeans. The company’s Tummy Tuck Jeans feature a patented criss cross fabric which flattens tummies, contours hips and lifts buttocks, and most importantly allows women to go down one jean size. If you’re a Gold Coast shopper get yours at Only She. Other Chicagoans might visit any city Nordstroms. A few Lifestyles staffers over at the Sun-Times tried out the brand, but will you (or your momma)?
You know Jennifer Lopez is opening a boutique in the State Street Marshall Fields, right? Well, the grand opening is being treated like a red carpet event. Bidding opened today on two VIP tickets to the Sept. 22 opening, along with several samples from the JLO clothing line, at Auctions.Overstock.com. She of the glorious behind will be present, and you'll get a night in a four-star hotel and $1,000 spending money. The auction proceeds benefit Children's Hospital ...of Los Angeles.
There has been talk of the housing bubble and Chicago is not impervious to this phenomenon. According to Crain's, new home sales are down but condo sales slighly rose. Ouch.
Like a lot of hipster-leaning internerds, we at GB used to love American Apparel: nice clothes, indie aesthetic, and "sweatshop-free" practices. Since they started opening boutiques in the city last year, though, I've grown incredibly weary of their ubiquitous, porn-styled advertising. I'd like to be able to read my Time Out or my Reader on the bus without exposing "Miguel"'s crotch to Granny across the aisle. The skeevy ads may not be the only reason to dislike AA. There's been much press coverage in the past month of the sexual harassment suit filed by three female employees against the company's gleefully libidinous CEO. In last week's In These Times, meanwhile, Ari Paul recounts the chilly reception he got in an interview for the chain's Wicker Park store last year after he mentioned his former affiliation with United Students Against Sweatshops. It seems "sweatshop-free" doesn't mean "union-friendly."
Belmont Army Surplus, that huge three-story store next to the Belmont El stop where you can buy your Doc Martens, your Caterpillar tractor boots, your Army surplus jackets, your Dickies messenger bags, and everything else you need to wear to be a modern disaffected teenager or urban hipster, is being kicked out of its space by the CTA because it's right up against the Brown Line tracks, and they're doing that train tracks expansion thingy, so... there you go. They're having a "Screwed By The CTA" sale right now, and there's plenty of stuff on sale from 20 to 50 percent, so get over to 945 West Bemont ASAP and pick yourself up some spare pairs of shoes, pants, jackets, skateboards, Manic Panic, etc.
Tired of mindlessly supplementing your vintage bric-a-brac from The Brown Elephant with items you covet at CB2 from arrival to clearance price? Want to remain the homemaker your friends refer to as frugal, stylish and creative? Enter Budget Living Magazine. The current issue features tips for scoring a hot fall handbag, as well as sassy chandeliers on the cheap side. And, pssst, complimentary one-year subscriptions are available. Take your sweetie out on a budget date and tell her.
Payton picks up a few tidbits and with a bit of analysis concludes that Marshall Field's days are limited. A Macy's in Chicago might not be the downfall we're anticipating, but one things for sure: someone right now is working hard to figure out how not to screw this up because all of Chicago will be watching. Note to Federated: I know it's stupid, but we want kick-butt Christmas windows. Don't let the bean-counters take that away.
As had been rumored, four major unions have boycotted the annual meeting of the AFL-CIO, the national labor federation, in town this week. The SEIU and the Teamsters have taken it a step further and quit the organization, with others expected to follow suit in the coming days. Read Ramsin Canon's thoughts on the matter in last week's Revenge of the Second City.
If this heat makes you yearn for a free air-conditioned space, then head to Catalyst Ranch tonight to meet up with the Chicago Craft Mafia for their first annual Summer Shakedown. They, and 19 "friends of the family", are putting aside their glue guns, seam rippers, and scissors long enough to let you get a peek at what they've been making. We'll see you there between 8pm and 11pm. Right? Yeah! Dat's what I thought!
Another sad, sad day for Chicago businesses. The 140-year-old John M. Smyth Homemakers furniture stores are closing their doors forever at the end of this month. The Sun-Times reports, "Homemakers, known for its warbling theme song in television ads, found itself bombarded by competitors ranging from discount stores such as Wal-Mart, Target and Costco, to specialty stores Crate & Barrel, Ikea, Rooms to Go, Walter E. Smithe and Ethan Allen."
If you haven't seen a crafty friend in a while, it's probably because they're participating in one of Chicago's popularly crafty entrepreneurial events. The DIY Trunk Show announced their vendor list for this year's show. The Renegade Craft Fair will be posting their list of vendors soon. And the Chicago Craft Mafia kicks off the craft season with their first annual Summer Shakedown. So, if you know a crafter, make sure to check up on them this week. With as hot as it's going to be, and since they're a reclusive bunch, we all have to band together to make sure they survive this Heat Wave . And keep an eye on your elderly neighbors as well. You know they watch (out for) you.
The Wall Street Journal has an interesting article about TurboTap, a local company helping to get your beer to you faster. If you've had a beer at Wrigley this year, there's a good chance a TurboTap was involved.
Rotofugi, our favorite toy store, just turned one year old, and to celebrate, they've got two events coming up in the next week. Tomorrow night is the opening for Crossover, an exhibit of designer toys customized by other designers and featuring an appearance by Sket One. And next Wednesday, grab a blank t-shirt and drop by for a one-night-only visit by LMAC. They'll screenprint your shirt while you wait.
Actually, this one takes advantage of Google Earth: Prudential Preferred Properties has created a plug-in for the 3D mapping program that allows you to see the location of homes for sale in Chicagoland with the company. (Still Windows only, alas.)
Starting tomorrow, expect to pay a bit more for, well, almost everything in Chicago. The city's new sales tax goes into effect July 1, up a quarter percent to 9% on most purchases. This puts Chicago higher than New York City which is a measly 8.375%. We'll have to wait and see if shoppers flee to the suburbs for their spending.
Hip hip hip t-shirt company American Apparel has opened its fourth of five planned Chicago stores this week, bringing Armitage into the L.A.-based clothing company's fold. Now you can get your fill of jerseyed goods in Wicker Park, Evanston, Gold Coast, and, come this fall, Lakeview. And hey, if you go to the new store by July 31, you can get 10% off with this here coupon (PDF).
Maybe you need a new rug, vase, picture frame or cool bar of soap? If so, get your shopping list down to CB2 (800 W. North Avenue) tonight from 6:30 to 8pm. For a suggested donation of $10 you'll get a cooking demo, an open bar, and hors d'oeuvres made by Eric Palmer of Mon Ami Gabi. Your donation at the door as well as 10% of sales will be donated to Inspiration Corporation, which helps folks transition out of homelessness.
Crain's is reporting that a buyout of bankrupt United Airlines might be in the works, according to a recent court filing.
Not only is the Renegade Craft Fair and the DIY Trunk Show taking applications, but so is the 2nd Annual Rockwell Crossing Art Walk. And to keep the crafty spirit going year round, Tammy Terwelp of Smashing Cars Creations has opened up Mint Boutique. Or at least she will next Wednesday at 1450 Webster Avenue. She's only selling high quality goods made from local artisans and crafters. And unlike most stores, she'll be open when you're probably not working. So when you need a gift at 8 p.m., check out her store.
The SkinnyCorp. empire just continues to grow. Naked and Angry is their latest clothing company built around submitted and voted-on designs; this one features ties to start, but they plan to branch out into other "products and garments created from winning fabric patterns ranging from ties to tops to pillows to belts to socks to sweaters." Submit your fabric design today.
The third annual DIY Trunk Show, happening this November at the Pulaski Park fieldhouse, is now taking applications from vendors. Interested parties should check out the information about the trunk show, particularly the Craftifesto, to see if this would be a suitable place to sell your hand-made items. If it looks good, then fill out the application, start making goods to sell, and we'll see you in about five months at the show.
Local Mac geeks recently received an email like this one announcing the opening of The Studio at the N. Michigan Avenue Apple Store. Described as the store's "creative hub" and a companion to the signature Genius Bar, the new facility offers one-on-one instruction via a series of courses on various Mac applications -- or the use of OS X itself.
This Sunday is the first Chicago Antique Market of the year. Held on the last Sunday of the month, it's the perfect way to spend an afternoon entertaining your parents this Memorial Day weekend.
In the wake of the latest development in beleagured United Airlines' bankruptcy restructuring, The New York Times wonders, briefly, if it would be such a bad thing just to let the airline fail. Its 61,000 employees might have something to say about that. In the Trib, meanwhile, Jon Hilkevitch worries about the fate of the United archives.
Now I'm not saying that I think you forgot that Sunday is Mother's Day, and I'm certainly not suggesting that you're procrastinating about finding a gift, but I am saying that Urban Meadows lets you not only get your the mom-figure in your life something pretty and keeps you from getting a guilt phone call Sunday afternoon. But Urban Meadows helps people with mental illness learn job skills. And if you work in the loop, stop by 120 S. LaSalle and pick up some flowers to hand deliver to Mom.
The fate of Marshall Fields is still up in the air, but in the meantime the other State Street department store is now up for sale. Saks has put Carson Pirie Scott & Co. -- along with several other store chains -- on the block. Hopefully we won't have to worry about a name change at 1 S. State.
The Chicago-based sports marketing firm Team Marketing Research yesterday released their 2005 MLB Fan Cost Index, comparing the cost for a family of four to attend a game at each of baseball's thirty parks. Their methodology, which accounts for average ticket prices, food, parking, and merchandise, puts both of Chicago's teams in the top five most expensive. A trip to a Sox game will run $188.07 (fifth), while a day at Wrigley comes in second at $210.01. Both clubs raised their ticket prices by more than 12% this year. (Thanks, Damon.)
Everybody wants to tap into the success of Craig's List with online classifieds. This, of course, benefits us as competition creates innovation. The latest salvo is Oodle, which is testing a localized version of its service here in Chicago. Try it out at chicago.oodle.com.
We're big fans of Apple here at GB, but there's a dark side to the lovable computer company: Crain's reports that local independent Mac retailers are getting killed by the four area Apple stores.
The Trib reports that Marshall Field's received some complaints about its Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs holiday windows this past Christmas. It seems some misguided customers saw a "hidden gay agenda" in the depiction of seven men living together. Gregory Clark, Field's VP of creative services, didn't detail how many complaints were received, though it was apparently just a handful. Good thing they didn't go with the SpongeBob windows.
Seems that even the Prime Minister of Norway has some issues with those crazy IKEA furniture assembly instructions. Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik recently lambasted IKEA for not using pictures of women in its furniture literature. IKEA, which has quite a world presence, might be steering clear of using female models to show how to put together your Billy bookcase, to avoid offending its Muslim customers, but so far, they're not talking about it. You can decide for yourself out in Schaumburg.
A brief in Crain's notes that investor Warren Buffett is planning on bringing more flights to Midway Airport. Buffett's fleet (none of which seat more than 18 per plane) will make some 30 round-trip flights over the week between Midway and New York City. No word yet on when the plan will take off.
One of the quintessential Chicago landmarks is the State Street Marshall Field's department store. Yet the store (and the Marshall Field's store chain) hasn't been locally owned for a long time. It's recently been owned by the St.-Louis-based May Department Stores Company, and now May has been bought up by Cincinnati-based Federated Department Stores Inc., owner of the Macy's and Bloomingdale's stores. The business experts quoted in the above Tribune story seem equally divided between the possibility that Marshall Field's stores will be converted to Macy's stores, and the possibility that the Marshall Field's name will be kept due to its historic value. Marshall Field must be spinning in his grave.
Notice a lot more banks in your neighborhood? There's a reason: 488 new bank branches opened in Chicago last year, more than anywhere else in the country. The Wall Street Journal has a story today on the backlash against bank branch proliferation, and, coincidentally, Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin bemoans the plague of bland bank design, with an accompanying slideshow.
After a long battle to get a foothold in Chicago, and amid protests from local businesses and community leaders, Wal-Mart officially broke ground yesterday for a store on the West Side. Look for the store to be open early next year.
The New York Times' "Samurai Shopper" visited Chicago recently for an auction of modern design at Wright, 1140 W. Fulton. Nice stuff, but what I want to know is who derides Chicago as "a pompous Milwaukee." Never heard that one before. (Thanks, Matthew.) UPDATE: Reader Matt W. writes that the "pompous Milwaukee" quote is from Leonard L. Levinson. Thanks!
Here's an interesting idea: For those with iPods and no time (or are too lazy) to rip your music collection from CDs, there's an answer for you. Local company RipItDigital will rip a CD for a buck and then load it onto your iPod or MP3 player for $10 (sale price, regularly $20). They'll even pick up and deliver or tutor you on how to use your newfangled thingmajig music player. Calling all chads and trixies!
Identity theft increased 15 percent in Chicago last year, primarily credit card fraud. It might be a good time to get a copy of your credit report (info on this at the Federal Trade Commission site) and check it for stuff you don't remember doing.
The first t-shirts from OMG Clothing (part of the skinnyCorp empire) are now on sale. I'm digging the "My mom likes Maiden" design.
[Im]perfect Articles offers hand-dyed, hand-screened t-shirts by local artists. They were written up in the Tribune yesterday. (Thanks, Christian.)
The newest doll in the line of American Girl Place dolls is Marisol, a Mexican-American girl from the Pilsen neighborhood whose family moves to suburban Des Plaines because, as Marisol explains in her background story, Pilsen is "dangerous, and there was no place for me to play." Not too surprisingly, Pilsen leaders aren't too happy with the characterization of Pilsen as dangerous, while the mayor of Des Plaines points out that his city's Hispanic population is 17 percent. Meanwhile, local area American Girl Place customers can learn more about the new doll by joining a book club devoted to Marisol, "the girl who was born to dance."
The Chicago Craft Mafia is going to make you an offer you can't refuse. "Buy local, or else!" Inspired by the recent craft explosion hitting this fair city, six local crafters decided their familia would join forces with the national Craft Mafia familia. You'll be able to get the first glimpse of their joined efforts this coming Friday at TOJO gallery. There's no amount of "hush-money" that can keep these folks quiet, so you'll be hearing from them.
Looking for a good record store? Look no further than RecordStoreReview.com. They've got a listing of nearly every shop in town (including a couple that no longer exist: Crow's Nest RIP), with customer reviews for most.
Eric Zorn mourns the passing of the big-and-tall store Zoots in Jefferson Park. The store has been around in one form or another since 1920. There's a big clearance sale on now; go to ZootsOnline for a coupon for even further savings.
A nice t-shirt for Mac and/or typography geeks out there: "Chicago" in the font Chicago. (Thanks, Brenda)
The big news in the business world today is the announcement from Kraft Foods Inc. that it will no longer advertise Oreos, Chips Ahoy! cookies and several other sugary products during children's programming. Kraft Foods Inc. began in 1903 when James L. Kraft started a cheese delivery service in Chicago, using a horse-drawn wagon. Today the company is headquartered in suburban Northfield, IL.
If you ever shopped at your very own grocery Co-op, well, you probably didn't do it here. If you think that Chicago totally needs one (maybe in the Logan Square/Humboldt Park/Wicker Park/Ukrainian Village area) you can get in on the ground floor. A group of interested folks is circulating an email, asking for input from you. If you want some co-op of your own, write deliciae{at}yahoo{dot}com by January 31. There'll be a meeting come mid-February.
The former site of the Brickyard Mall at Narragansett and Diversey is now a spanking new "power center" (or "lifestyle center") with a Target, Jewel, and Chicago's first Lowe's. It's really quite nice, but even nicer are these photos of the mall's demolition. The hosting site, Chuck's Photo Spot, also has plenty of Chicagoland urban exploration pics.
Need to get a gift for your friend who surprised you with a great present? Local shirt shop Threadless has extended its $10 sale through the end of the year. Also up are the winner and runners up to their latest design contest. Since they're local, if you order now, you'll probably get the shirt in time to ring in '05. Or for other great local goods, check out some fly Gapers Block gear in our shop.
The CTA Tattler reminds us that a good last-minute gift idea for the holidays is to visit the CTA's gift shop at 567 W. Lake, where you can score such items as a CTA cycling jersey, a silk tie with the transit map printed on it, and pieces of jewelry made from old CTA tokens (which, as GB noted earlier this year, have mostly been melted down for the metal, except for the few used to make these pieces).
In case you haven't been keeping up with The Great Chicago Fire Sale, a bunch of new items have been added to the eBay auction in the last week. Among the new items you can bid on: a behind-the-scenes tour with the gardener from the City Escape retail store; a concert dedicated to a person of your choice at the Chicago Botanic Gardens; and a Lake Michigan cocktail party/cruise (watch out for bridges!). Oh, and in case you were wondering, the original Playboy Bunny costume sold to someone on Sunday for $6,000.
If you haven't sent out your holiday cards yet, you're cutting it pretty close. Head over to Paperboy for some kooky cards. Or hit the Art Institute Museum Shop for some more traditional ones. Or, for a non-religious option, you could pop over to the Chicago Architecture Foundation's gift shop and pick up some of their great "Build Your Own Chicago" postcards and send those out (they've got some Chicago-themed holiday cards, too).
If you're a knitter (or crocheter, or latch-hook rug maker), and a LYS (local yarn store) lover, you'll want to head right out to the latest Chicago yarn seller, Nina in Wicker Park. Daily Candy ventured there this week, and loved it. Unfortunately, Nina's website only has basic store information, but I'm hoping for some updates once the dust settles at the new space. Check Nina out at 1655 W. Division, (between Marshfield and Paulina).
If you've got a writer on your shopping list, you should check out the totally cool, and totally cheap ($12) poetry and music collaboration titled reVerse. The brainchild of Poetry Center of Chicago Director Kenneth Clarke, reVerse features poem-songs, spoken word, and music by 14 artists, from Chicago and beyond including Li-Young Lee, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, and Lou Reed. Engineered by Wilco's Mikael Jorgensen (who also plays on a few tracks), reVerse is certainly a fine melting together of poetry and songwriting. You can listen to clips, check out artist bios, and purchase a copy online.
Still trying to come up with a holiday gift? Consider locally created art! The Lill Street Art Center has an awesome gallery, and so does the Chicago Printmakers Collaborative. You might also consider giving someone the gift of learning how to make art themselves.
Looking for some extraordinary gifts for family and friends? The 4th Annual One of a Kind Show runs this weekend at the Merchandise Mart, with a First Look preview Thursday night. Hit up the 8th floor location sometime this weekend for "thousands of gifts made by hand by North America's most talented fine artists and fine craftspeople." The Mart's superb customer service includes free on-site childcare, as well as coat and package check, and package carryout service, all included in the $10 ticket fee.
'Tis the season to shop like mad, and it just so happens that many local purveyors of goods are offering discounts. For instance, Brilliante Records, home of The M's, has a three-CDs-for-$20 deal, and I See France has discounted its "cute underthings." Daily Candy has a list of sample sales, too.
This weekend the Chicago Cultural Center is hosting All That Glitters: A Holiday Bazaar. At this two-day event you will be able to buy gifts from cultural organizations and local artists from all over the city. For those of you who remember, this event seems to be filling the gap left by the Newberry Library's defunct Very Merry Bazaar. Thank you City of Chicago! All That Glitters is open Friday 10am to 6pm and Saturday 10am to 5pm.
Ahh, the holiday shopping season. Whether you love it or hate it, this is the time of year when we all find ourselves spending money. It's been proven that spending your money in locally-owned stores benefits the city much more than buying at a large retail chain. Thankfully Studio 9 Gallery is displaying more than a dozen local crafters goods through December 24th. And Depart-ment takes place this weekend which lets you buy more locally-produced goods. So go ahead and spend, but do it wisely.
EBay Pulse is an interesting barometer of the online auction world. It also allowed me to learn that the current highest-priced item on eBay is a mansion in north suburban Highland Park. Million-dollar opening bid? Peanuts compared with its $6.995 million realtor listing.
According to this profile of the brand in the New York Times, American Apparel will open its first Chicago retail store on Friday. Where? Wicker Park, where else? Future outlets of the Gap For Hipsters will follow in Evanston and the Gold Coast.
A brand new record store is opening up in Hyde Park this week. Hyde Park records is celebrating its grand opening tomorrow night from 7-11. Go early and get the first peek at the best of the collection! DJ Meaty Ogre will be there spinning obscure soul 45's for most of the night. There will also be food, drinks...and so many records!
Clearly, Chicago needs more places to find robot parts, cheap, and American Science and Surplus is here to meet those needs. You can shop the catalogue online, and find lab supplies, motors, optics, and tons of other things that can make one quite giddy with possibility, or you can visit their Chicago store on Milwaukee just north of Foster, or head out to their Geneva store. [Thanks, Melissa!]
Kmart and Sears announced today that Kmart would buy the 118-year-old Chicago company, creating the world's third-largest retailer. The newly merged entity will use the Sears name, as Sears Holdings Company, and will be headquartered at Sears' current digs in suburban Hoffman Estates. Kmart's recent bankruptcy was handled by the Chicago-based corporate restructuring practice of Skadden, Arps. For more Sears history, visit the Sears Archive (which we told you about just last week).
If you watch enough Queer Eye, you'll recognize the furniture and tables that they decorate with from the urban home store West Elm. Until recently, you had to shop online or order their print catalogue to achieve that same level of hip sofa action. But now, West Elm has hit Oak Brook with a store of its own where you can peruse, fluff and lounge. Ooh, and hey, they're hiring.
The Wrigley Company announced today that it's buying the Altoids and Life Savers brands from the Kraft Company. This doesn't mean that these candies will be produced in Chicago, but it does help boost our candy capital a bit. I hope that Wrigley keeps these cool online arcade games when the transaction's over.
In less than a week, almost 100 individuals are going to be gathering at Pulaski Park to show and sell what they've spent the last several months feverishly making. This Do-It-Yourself effort takes place just before the holiday shopping madness so you can check everyone's name off your list, know exactly who gets your hard-earned dough, and be able to kick back and relax for the next month and a half. If you'd like to help out, some volunteers are still needed. Aw, c'mon! You'll get a button and Amy and Cinnamon's gratitude.
Need some new threads, fast and cheap? Head over to local shirt stylists Threadless for their "Nude No More" sale. Every week until Christmas, they're going to launch five new Tees and sell them for $10. Best of all, if you order before noon, you could be wearing your new shirt tomorrow. That's some fast fashion.
GB contributor Phineas X. Jones recently started selling a calendar featuring 12 of his excellent photo collages, as seen on his site. There are some wonderful Chicago images in the calendar, including ones taken at Wrigley Field, various lakeshore beaches and the late lamented Marigold Bowl. And if you like something you see in the calendar, you might peruse Phineas' catalog of prints for sale. These items make wonderful holiday gifts for those who enjoy lots of tiny pictures in close proximity to each other. Check 'em out.
Do you like logos? Sure, we all do! The Oak Park Farmers' Market is seeking a new logo, and is accepting submissions through November 1st. Two finalists will be picked in two categories: under 18 years old, and 18 and over. The only catch is the prize - or lack thereof: the winner only gets to see his/her logo all over the place. If you can live with that, get crackin'.
The Spice House is one of my favorite shops. The staff is always friendly and super-knowledgeable, always ready to answer questions. This Saturday and Sunday 10-11:30am, owners Patty and Tom Erd will be at the Chalet Nursery Education Center, 3132 Lake Ave. in Wilmette, presenting "The Lure and Lore of Spices," featuring the fascinating history of spices, interesting trivia and spice tastings. The first 50 people at each session get a goodie bag. Call the Chalet at 847/256-0561 for more info.
Andersonville's chamber of commerce announced a study that found local, independent stores are better for neighborhoods. For every $100 in sales, independent stores generate $73 that stays in the local economy, while a chain store provides just $43 in local economic impact on average nationally. The chamber intends to persuade city hall to protect the neighborhood from chain stores, hoping to avoid the fate of Lincoln Park.
The Glass Block Factory might not be the first place you'd look for unique gifts this holiday season, but it'll be your last. How could you pass up such cool furniture as this?! (Thanks, Cat.)
Block 37 keeps getting more interesting. Now the idea has been floated that the Block 37 development might feature a casino. No one's saying it's a done deal, but just imagine: gambling, right at your favorite El stop.
As Defiant Theatre staggers toward the grave—the company's final and well-received production, "A Clockwork Orange", closes this Saturday—they're getting rid of their inventory with a "Graverobbing Sale." They promise to have "tons of costumes, props, office equipment, phalli, and much, much more" on the cheap. The sale is Saturday, 10am-4pm at Defiant's warehouse space at 3711 N. Ravenswood.
The city is putting itself on eBay... sort of. The Great Chicago Fire Sale purports to be the first city-wide eBay auction by a municipality (assumably they don't mean of a municipality.) Starting December 2, you'll be able to bid on items ranging from a vintage Playboy Bunny costume to city manhole covers to sports memorabilia to "priceless" items such as helping dye the river green next St. Pat's or having lunch with Michael Sneed. Proceeds got to fund city arts and cultural programs. Get ready for a bidding war!
Yet one more reason to avoid the intersection of Michigan and Chicago Avenues: Hershey's plans to open a chocolate "factory" on the Mag Mile sometime next spring. The very kid-oriented store will sell loads of chocolate goodies and allow customers to help create their own candies.
If you were waiting for a reason to stop feeling jealous of all those Oprah audience members who got free cars, here it is. According to the Sun-Times, the people who received free cars will have to report them as income on their taxes. And because of the value of the cars ($28,500 each), some recipients will be pushed into a higher tax bracket, meaning they'll have to pay a significant percentage of the car's value in taxes. Because of this, some of the craftier recipients are waiting until next year to pick up their cars, so they won't have to deal with the added income for this year. Clever!
IKEA broke ground yesterday for its second Chicagoland store in Bolingbrook. The new store will be built on 21 acres, have 1,300 parking spaces and will cover 310,000 square feet. It won't open until Fall 2005, so we city dwellers have plenty of time to figure out where the h*ll Bolingbrook is, and if it's any closer to us than the Schaumburg store (which, you know, is not close at all).
Wal-Mart has dropped plans for a South Side store, after the company got concerned about efforts to impose minimum wage and benefits standards on the store. Wal-Mart is continuing its plans for a West Side store (which would be at 1657 N. Kilpatrick), but if ordinances that impose minimum standards pass the Chicago City Council, that second store might also be in trouble.
Costco is testing out a new item at two Chicago-area stores: caskets. Six different models, each priced at $799.99. Although some shoppers seemed open to the idea of buying their casket at the same place they buy bulk quantities of food, funeral arrangers are less enthusiastic, and are worried that reduced-cost caskets may mean an increase in funeral prices, to make up the missed revenue.
Popped into Rotofugi last night just as they accepted the first order from their new online store. And upon perusing their plush selection, they noted there are three plush (that's "stuffed animals" to us amateurs) companies here in Chicago: Spasmodica, Shawnimals and Poog-Goos. Cool!
The Different Strummer, the music store at the Old Town School of Folk Music, holds its annual garage sale this weekend (it starts today, if you want to get a jump on the deals). If you're a musician and you're in the market for some deals, you really need to check this event out. Guitars, amps, drums, ukuleles, violins, books, CDs, accessories, instrument cases ... if it's sold at the store, it'll probably be there at the garage sale, at greatly reduced prices. And once you have your instrument, why not sign up for a class at the school? The next 8-week session starts on August 30, and you can save $15 if you sign up by the 23rd.
The Illinois Farm Direct Farmer to Consumer Directory has a searchable list of Illinois farmers that will sell their produce directly to you -- yes, YOU. Type in your zip code and a search radius, and you'll see what farmers are within your reach. And then you can support local farmers, while getting fresh farm produce at the same time. Everybody wins!
The new IKEA catalogues are now online for 2005. Check them out here, or get yourself to their Schaumburg store to browse their new stock. For those who like to dog-ear pages, you should be seeing it in the mail soon.
Looking for some knick-knack to fill out your mantle? Hankerin' for an antique? You might consider hitting the flea market circuit. Here's a handy list of Illinois flea markets to get you started -- alas, it doesn't include the Chicago Antique Market, which is a bit higher class.
Chicago apparently can't have enough discount retailers clamoring for our shopping dollars. The latest entry on the field is Kohl's Department Store, which will be opening its first Chicago location along the Elston corridor on a site that was formerly a DuPont Chemical Co. paint factory. Kohl's will be joined by a new Best Buy store. Because, you know, you can never have enough Best Buys.
Fans of designer toys finally have a local store just for them here in the city: Rotofugi is now open at 1953 W. Chicago. Stop in for a cool vinyl figure, or wait till the Monkey Show and grand opening party July 30. Yay!
"The debate over Wal-Mart here in Chicago has raised a lot of questions and opened a lot of eyes. I don't think this story is over yet - far from it." A bit late to the game, but the New York Times offers an article about the debate of putting two Wal-Marts in Chicago. Forget Wal-Mart. When are they finally going to put a Cracker Barrel in River North?
It looks like the second Chicagoland IKEA will be in Bolingbrook. The cheap-yet-stylish furniture mecca plans to open the new store sometime late next year.
Chicago's Bank One is officially no more today, having been purchased by JP Morgan Chase. Look for the Bank One name to be replaced by Chase, JP Morgan's retail banking arm.
It's time for another DEPART-ment show, where all the cool people buy their handcrafted products from independent artists and crafters in a department store-like environment. Opening night is tomorrow from 7pm to 11pm at Open End Gallery, 2000 W. Fulton. It runs through Sunday.
Here's a slightly different gift for your friend's toddler: the Tot Cot, his or her own little sleeping bag for nursery schoo, from Urban Infant. Aww. (Thanks, Heather)
It's official: the City Council has approved zoning changes for a Wal-Mart store on the West Side. Update: the Trib reports that the South Side store didn't have enough votes to pass.
One company decides Chicago is key to its success, while another decides to leave the market altogether. Cosi is moving its headquarters to Chicago from New York this fall; the move will save $1.85 million in cash annually, the company said. Unfortunately for Briazz, things aren't going so well. Briazz Inc. has shut down its eight stores in Chicago, the only market away from the West Coast in which the lunch-cafe chain operates.
Get ready for phone problems: the Communications Workers of America have announced a four-day strike against SBC, starting at midnight Friday. That, of course, means Chicago will see even longer delays than normal for repairs and new service -- not to mention hours on hold waiting to talk to customer service. No comment so far on the local CWA chapter's website. (Thanks, Brenda)
Finally! Chicago will have an antique market in its very own backyard. You can choose to skip the long trek up to Kane County or Sandwich if you like, because on the last Sundays of the month Randolph street will be filled with fancy antiques and flea market type junky things. It's been about nine years since there was a market in the Randolph Market district. The first Sunday is scheduled for May 30th. Admission is $8 and there's free parking. The market will be on Randolph, between Ada and Ogden. For more information call 312/951-9939 or visit chicagoantiquemarket.com.
Earlier this month, the first-ever All Things Organic™ tradeshow came to town. North America's only all organic conference and trade show brought some interesting ideas to the table. Organic foods were front and center, but organic clothing, including cotton and wool, had a small part in the All Things Organic show, which was dominated by foods. According to the Organic Trade Association's survey of manufacturers, the overall organic fiber market, including clothing and home textiles, grew almost 23 percent in 2003, accounting for about $85 million in U.S. sales.
Hoffman Estates-based High Voltage Software debuted "Leisure Suit Larry: Magna Cum Laude" at the E3 videogame convention last weekend, where it won the Best New Game award. The plot, as with the previous six editions, is to get Larry laid -- and that won't be easy. It's due to hit XBoxes and PS2s in October.
Following in the footsteps of Jay-Z and other hip-hop moguls, Jermaine Dupri is the new partner of the Chicago-based liquor brand, 3 Vodka. 3 Vodka is the only vodka in the world distilled from soy and the first spirit to receive government approval to state zero carbohydrates and is also endorsed by the American Vegetarian Association. Dupri is a Grammy-nominated producer and CEO of So So Def Recordings, the label he founded in 1992 at age 19.
DailyCandy -- e-mail updates on "food, fashion and fun," currently serving New York and L.A. -- is coming to Chicago. Yay.
A day after Mayor Daley announced his plans for a downtown Chicago casino, Crain's Chicago Business reports that Governor Blagojevich opposes Daley's plans, and will veto any legislation that calls for a downtown casino.
There has been a flurry of news in recent weeks regarding gambling in the area. The last state license was recently awarded to the Isle of Capri, leading to many suspicious questions about the state of gambling in Illinois. Then, the Ho-Chunk nation announced plans of an independent, federally-approved gambling complex in the south suburbs. Lastly, news comes that our Mayor is ready to get in on the action. Crain's puts together a comprehensive review of this strategy, one that was abandoned 12 years ago by Daley.
In just 15 days this past April, StayOnline was able to do what many claimed as impossible -- the company was able to render the historic InterContinental Chicago fully wireless in just 15 days. One of the city's grandest and largest hotels, the transition required as little disruption as possible to its building, guests and staff during the installation. Read more about hotels as the next hottest WiFi spots here.
The City Council, expected to vote today on whether to allow Wal-Mart stores in the city limits, instead delayed the vote until May 26, at the requests of aldermen and activists who are concerned about the effect the stores could have on the surrounding neighborhoods.
After the big news that a Chicago man would be running the show at Trump Tower, some were speculating that the building would never become a reality. Now comes news that the project is moving forward, with a spectacular $750 million construction loan very close to funding. Some say the decision to hire the Chicago finalist pushed Trump's project to the finish line, using the show as a marketing dream come true. If all falls in place accordingly, look towards a September date to begin demolishing the former site of the Sun-Times.
A new Cold Stone Creamery franchise is opening this Saturday, April 24, at 613 W. Diversey. Half of all the proceeds for the opening day will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois so go check it out.
Wolff's Flea Market kicks off its summer season this Sunday in the parking lot at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont. They're out there nearly every Sunday from 6am till 3pm, hawking all sorts of stuff, from sunglasses to antiques to haircuts. (Thanks Heather)
In corporate news, McDonald's CEO Jim Cantolupo dropped dead of a heart attack, this morning, just as his turn-around strategy of eating only at company stores was beginning to pay off.
After a partial victory in California, Wal-Mart is continuing to push for a Chicago store, over the strong objections of union leaders, who have been mobilizing community support against what they see as the destructive impact of the stores. As a result, Wal-Mart is in discussions with union leaders about a proposed corporate responsibility contract. Union spokesmen are hopeful that, should Wal-Mart honor a contract promising decent wages and affordable health care, this may prompt the company to bring the benefits to other stores and cut back on its competitive practices that end up harming its workers.
In the "odd couple" category these days are Chicago's own Reckless Records and...Toyota? That's right, on Thursday and Friday April 15 and 16, between noon and 7 p.m., the Toyota Corporation and Reckless are teaming up. During those hours, if you come in to Reckless' Broadway store (at 3157 N. Broadway) and test-drive a Toyota Scion, they will give you a gift certificate for $10 to use at Reckless (if you can't drive, a "professional" driver will take you around the block). This may sound strange, but it seems that Toyota has a little Scion tour planned for April, and Chicago's one of the stops.
Ladicakes offers handcrafted delicacies including journals, photo albums, address books, decorative pillows, and stationery items. The beautifully designed books and journals are pretty enough to eat, they're incredibly affordable, and they make a wonderful gift. The ever expanding offerings will soon include mustache pillows, which no Chicago home is complete without. Visit ladicakes.com to sample some of the yummy treats!
Spring is coming, and if you don't have a bike to get your drunk butt home from the bar (better than driving, better than the bus), then it's time to start shopping my friend. The U of C is having a huge bike sale where the bikes are "cheap, sassy, and rideable". For $100 or less - that's just a handful of cabs as opposed to a summer's worth of healthy cycling. Head down to Hyde Park's Hutch Court next weekend (April 16 and 17) and ride your need steel steed home.
This week's Newcity confirms the sad news: Marigold Bowl is closing its doors on May 28. That gives you less than 60 days to go check out this lovely bowling alley one final time.
Another drastic move out of Chicago: following in the footsteps of too many Chicago-based manufacturing firms, Radio Flyer "finally succumbed to low-cost production overseas after determining its Chicago plant was too expensive to maintain". While the company will keep its headquarters on the northwest side of the city, they are halting manufacturing operations and releasing nearly half of its 90 employees. After shifting manufacturing to China, the company expects to have about 50 city employees.
The Chicago Historical Society has an excellent online store called Chicago To Go with some great vintage goods. The posters are nice, like this World's Fair one but it's the vintage black and white matte photo prints that take my heart. You might after all want to have Al Capone's mugshot above your fireplace.
The Rock'n'Roll McDonald's is closing! That staple of the tourist scene immortalized in a Wesley Willis song will be replaced with a two-story building containing offices and something touristy (but as-of-yet unrevealed). So get your fast food while you can at this dubious cultural institution.
Ikea is looking for a site for its second store in the Chicago area, and the southwest suburbs are high on the list, the Tribune reports. Ikea officials have expressed interest in Bolingbrook, but other suburban cities have not given up the fight yet. Matteson, Country Club Hills, and Tinley Park are just some of the cities that have expressed interest in providing Ikea's next location. You're not likely to see an Ikea in Chicago any time soon, though; the company has tried three times to build within city limits, and each time the deal's fallen through.
Hot on the recent news of Marshall Field's possible sale by Target, MetLife Inc., the former owners of the Sears Tower, disclosed yesterday that they are selling the building to a group of what the Sun-Times called "prominent but secretive Manhattan landlords." MetLife did not disclose the price of the deal, but did say that they would get a $90 million after-tax gain.
Target announced Wednesday that it's looking into selling Marshall Field's, which it's owned since 1990. No word yet on possible buyers, although some analysts have said in the past that the May Company, which runs Lord & Taylor among other chains, might be interested.
Monkey Business, the little shop/gallery space on Chicago Ave, will be closing at the end of April. All of the items in the store are currently 30% off. If you've never been to visit them, Monkey Business carries an assortment of unique artwork, craft making supplies, books, jewlery, shirts and candy! There's an opening reception this Saturday March 13 (8-11), showcasing the latest batch of art pieces, including work from Quang Hong. Throughout April the store will be renting out space to outside vendors flea market style. Contact Monkey Business for more info, or call 773.269.3133.
A British company is marketing a bed aimed at those who prefer to consume their television in a fully reclined position. A Flat panel screen is attached to the foot of the bed, providing access to reality programming, sports, and for the adventurous - soft core pornography. The name of this innovative sleeping arrangement? The Chicago.
Did you perhaps miss the cue on Valentine's day and not get the right gift for your honey? Fortunately, Sybaris has some great gifts at their online store. Your significant other will be bowled over when you get him/her one of these nice Sybaris deluxe gold roses? Impress your friends at your next dinner party with your complete collection of Sybaris glassware! And if you act now, you can get a $40-off coupon to stay at their elegant suites?
After reading Ray Pride's Newcity article "The City That Smells" last week I started sniffing around and happily followed the scent of peppermint to the Peerless Confection Company still churning out over 350 types of hard candy. Founded in Chicago in 1914, this relatively unassuming white building at 1250 W. Schubert in Lincoln Park makes the popular Starlight Mints that you might have fished out of a bowl at local restaurants, as well as an assortment of sugar-free and ribbon candies you can buy all over town at places like Trader Joe’s. At a time when the big stories are candy companies leaving Chicago, it’s nice to see, and smell, the sweet sweet Peerless candy every morning.
It's a pain having to go to all those little boutiques to find the gift you're looking for -- or that special something for yourself. Which is why urbanStyle is so great: browse and buy from more than two dozen local shops, all on one site.
If you're looking for ideas for Chicago souvenirs for your out-of-town relatives or friends, this Metromix article should give you at least one or two new ideas. Who knew that you could purchase and ship Vienna hot dogs? (Of course, nothing really says Chicago like a Gapers' Block T-shirt...)
Modeled after a premier flea market in Los Angeles, the Wicker Park Trading Post is an open-air market featuring bargain antique furniture, collectibles, vintage clothing, jewelry, and local crafts. The Trading Post will operate every other Sunday during the summer months in the MB Financial Bank parking lot at Division & Ashland. The tentative opening date is May 23rd. For additional information and vendor applications visit the West Town Chamber of Commerce.
Two local furniture collectors have launched an online store, Highrise, dedicated to 20th century modern art and design pieces. They have a wonderful selection of seating, storage, tables, lighting, art and design objects -- including a beautiful Castiglioni stereo/record player that is very droolworthy! Keep an eye out for them at the upcoming design show in April. Be sure to visit their "link" section, where they've compiled a nice selection of online stores carrying similar products.
T-Shirt Deli Co. in Bucktown makes custom shirts while you wait. Free bag of chips with every order! (Nice write-up in the Feb. issue of Chicago Magazine.)
The Christian Science Monitor discusses the impending departure of Fannie Mae and the loss of Brach's and Frango. Lacking our homegrown confections, they're worried we might get a bit down. Vosges anyone?
Business Weekly is reporting that Swiss futures/commodities trading scrapper Eurex--once vaguely alligned with the Chicago powerhouse futures traders the Chicago Board of Trade and the Mercantile Exchange--has finally cracked into the Chicago markets and is looking to make trouble. Chicago is the birthplace of futures trading and still dominates the world markets in futures and commodities exchange, and Eurex' gambit is yet another chipping away at Chicago's homespun industry.
Chicago-based Fooey t-shirts for hip kids (and infants!) make you wish you could fit into a real "baby tee." You can't help but love the old-school banana-seat bikes and 18-wheeler designs. (Thanks Anne.)
Slate offers up an interesting take on the recent sale of Bank One to JP Morgan Chase. Instead of moaning about the loss of another big-time Chicago instition, we should focus on the positives: our highly diversified economy, with a mix of manufacturing and services, more closely resembles the economic makeup of the country than do cities like New York or San Francisco. In addition, over the last several years, we have performed better and more steadily than cities that rely disproportionately on particular sectors, like New York or San Francisco.
80 years ago, the Orrington Hotel in Evanston opened its doors for business. Last week, they closed them in preparation for a major $22 million renovation. But first, everything in the hotel is being sold off. Everything. Chairs, lamps, sconces, barstools, clock radios, bedsheets, bellman's carts, armoires, every last plate, glass and napkin. And it looks like it's going for relatively cheap. The sale started today and will continue for 30 days or until everything sells out.
Yojimbo's Garage, a legend within Chicago's bicycling community is facing some trouble. Competition is tough for Marcus Moore, owner, mechanic, ex-messenger with a Buddha-like exterior and calm man of the two wheel technique. His super dense shop located at 1310 N. Clybourn close to Cabrini Green is facing possible closure if sales aren't up. He's been the perfect example of how an independent venture should operate, but that may not be for long. This BikeForums thread posts all the details. A photo of Yojimbo's can be seen here (he has no site).
Chock Full O'Nuts coffee is a quintessential New York brand -- it even says so on their website. But guess what? Their new ad campaign was created right here in the Second City!
While I wish I could take credit for it, but Jen Gordon of Sojourn Bags beat me to it. She has created several bags (from handbag to mesesenger bag) named after Chicago neighborhoods. This Lakeview resident is donating 10% of all proceeds of the "Chicago's Finest" bag, which looks like a Chicago flag, to the Gold Badge Society which supports families of Chicago firefighters and paramedics who have died.
According to the Sun Times [scroll down a bit for the relevant item], the most trafficked Apple Store in the world is on Michigan Ave.
Ikea, purveyors of semi-disposable Swedish furniture, has been trying to find a location within the city limits for a new store. But after an extensive search, the company has abandoned plans and will build a second suburban store instead. Why? The plot they had been looking at, on the near-South Side, would take until 2007 to develop, and Ikea wants the new shop open by 2005.
Ever wanted to hypnotize people with your boobies, gals? Now's the time! Early to Bed, a lady-owned sex shop, is hosting a tassel twirling workshop tonight in their store. Pick up some pasties and spirt gum and try not to put an eye out.
The Miami Herald reports that Tropicana is moving its corporate HQ to Chicago (yaay!), causing the loss of up to 300 jobs in its old locale of Manatee County, Florida (booo!). Fortunately (for Florida), Tropicana's manufacturing and distribution facilities will remain in Florida, along with about 1,900 jobs. The move is part of parent company PepsiCo's long-term strategy to "realign its North American beverages unit." Just in case you were wondering.
A reporter for Newcity checks into the world of American Girl Place, and finds it disturbing. (Edit: this isn't the first time that Newcity has reported on the Chicago-based doll church; when AGP was casting its stage show, Newcity sent one of its employees to try and pass herself off as a 13-year old. Although she did not get to audition, hilarity of a sort did ensue.)
Now that Thanksgiving's over, it's time to start thinking about December holiday shopping. And a grand tradition of December in the city is the annual holiday window displays at the huge Marshall Field's store at 111 State Street. This year's theme: Roald Dahl's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." Eleven windows along the State Street side of the store have been decorated with scenes from the book in the style of the book's illustrator, Quentin Blake. The windows will stay up through January 4, so you have quite some time to see them.
For the ladies, P45 is a homegrown designer label with a store in Wicker Park. Featured in Wallpaper, Lucky and In Style, P45 is definitely a boutique and they have some interesting fashions, clean cuts and offer something different than your Gap-dominated clothing. Though not quite affordable (comparable to some of the big names), it's nice to see Chicago represent. I am intrigued by this particular get-up. A few bondage-inspired pieces never hurt anyone.
The Claddagh Ring, an Andersonville area pub, now offers free wireless Internet for customers. Puts new meaning in "working from home," doesn't it?
Since ye olde grand consumerism fever is about to hit us soon in time for the holidays, I thought I'd drop in with some neat little designed items of clothing and "stuffs" from folks in Chicago. First up is I See France, a cute underthings concern for the lady in your life, from the same folks et al that brought you Threadless, which is a T-shirt concern where you should buy those cool t-shirts the kids are all wearing nowadays. And of course, do not forget to come with wallets loaded for the DIY Trunk Show this weekend.
I don't know whether to be terrified of the expansion or relieved that some of the pressure is off of us: the company behind American Girl Place opened a new store in New York this weekend. According to their press release, the Chicago Avenue flagship has seen six million visitors since opening five years ago.
Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. and Italian jeweler Bulgari SpA are doing their own shopping for hotel sites along the Magnificent Mile, part of a push to transform their high-end retail names into "lifestyle" brands. Polo has scoped out the Palmolive Building on Michigan Avenue, and both are eyeing a site at the corner of Rush and Superior streets.
Ever wonder who makes mascot costumes? Well, one of them is right here: Aardvark Mascots creates costumes for everything from baseball teams to paper towel advertising campaigns.
We've already told you that the editors of Bitch magazine are going to be descending on Chicago this weekend. The sponsors for this appearance are Chicago NOW and WeenerWare. If you get a NOW membership and subscribe to Bitch at any event, you'll get a free collection of WeenerWare gear. If you can't make it to one of the events, you'll be able to purchase their stuff at next weekend's DIY Trunk Show.
No, it's not the latest online Flash game where you get to beat up popstar diva Jewel, but the latest endeavor by the folks at Coudal. Entitled Jewelboxing, it's a different way to present your next DVD/CD project. While I'm not a huge fan of jewel cases or media packaging (dig the artwork/liner notes, hate the mass/volume), this is pretty neat for those who need to present stuff in a cool way.
Now that the Cubs season is over, you have a whole new reason to suspect that traffic will totally suck on Addison Ave: the new Target Greatland is open. What could possibly make this worse? Why the Home Depot coming in down the street. Note to self: avoid Addison Ave at all costs unless riding bicycle.
Hyatt is offering free hotel stays to the first 1000 people who start and finish the Chicago Marathon. What's the catch? You have to wear a tie from start to finish and register with them after you cross the finish line. But, they don't say where you have to wear the tie.
If you're in the River North area and you catch a whiff of chocolate in the air, it's not your imagination - it's Blommer's Chocolate Co. on Kinzie Street. The Columbia Chronicle profiles the company that has been sweetening the air in Chicago since 1939.
If you're in the market for a bicycle, the Working Bikes cooperative on Western is a wicked-cool place to get one. They salvage bikes, fix 'em up and sell 'em cheap. Everything is volunteer-run, and the proceeds go towards paying to ship loads of bikes as humanitarian aid to Ghana, Nicaragua, and other needy countries. Check it out.
Apple is giving its distinctive logo a new, metallic look. The original designer, Rob Janoff, who now works in suburban Chicago, says he showed the company a similar design back in 1976 along with the old rainbow-colored one. "It's like I already designed it."
This Thursday, anyone with an Intel-powered, wireless-enabled notbook PC can access "public WiFi" for free as part of "One Unwired Day," a promotion of the new service/capabilities. Check out this PDF to see where you can jump on in Chicago, or use the hotspot finder to check for locations in the 'burbs and elsewhere.
Continuing the sexy theme today, here's an early warning for Saturday night: Early to Bed, Chicago's first woman-owned sex shop, is celebrating its 2nd anniversary with a party. Pop by at 5232 N. Sheridan Rd. between 7pm and 11pm for punch, cake and one-night-only sale items. Custom corset makers Sexier than Skin will be on hand to show some of their wares and take orders. Afte this event, you'll definitely be ready for the burlesque benefit the next day.
Midwestern fashionistas are giddy with anticipation as the first H & M clothing store in Chicago is scheduled to open this Friday, September 12th at noon. The store is located on the Magnificent Mile, 840 N. Michigan, in the old FAO Schwartz flagship store. 95 in-house designers at the H&M headquarters in Sweden, bring you runway looks at discount prices. Yeah, baby, yeah!
The Cycle Smithy, the Lincoln Park bike shop, has a surprisingly good website, featuring loads of archival material about Schwinn Bicycle Co. -- including a WWII propoganda film (Quicktime 22MB) of Schwinn's Chicago factory.
McDonalds is changing its slogan once again, from "We love to see you smile" to "I'm lovin' it!" The company stated it's positive this rebranding will help reverse the profit slides of the past two years. They've also hired Justin Timberlake as a spokeperson. AdAge's Jonah Bloom wonders if staff attitude is more pressing area to concentrate on.
Only a complete loser would periodically call the Michigan Avenue Apple Store to see if the new G5 machines had arrived. That said, they've just put a unit on display. My lunch hour is now spoken for.
Nothing says "fun" like Uncle Fun! And next weekend you can get your inflatable robots, plastic baby parts, '70s TV show lunchboxes and other pop-cultural detritus for cheap at their annual garage sale. August 30-31, 10 am - 4 pm, 1338 W. Belmont.
If you like to sweat, Chicago's got a steamy option for you. Metromix gives a detailed look inside the Russian and Turkish Baths. This Wicker Park sweatbox features separate male and female facilities, spa services, and a cafe.
So American Science and Surplus, the world's best place to buy monkey butler tables (as well as random motors, sea monkees, test tubes and a wide range of other really cool things) is having a tent sale this weekend. There will surely be lots of great deals on stuff that's already cheap. Oh, and as the secret email told me, they won't have a tent either. But you should still go.
Action Vault posts a two-part interview (1, 2) with the designers of "Chicago 1930," an upcoming videogame based on the prohibition days when the city was ruled by mobsters. Players choose whether to be on the side of the Mafia or the police.
Dude, you're totally naked. You really should put on a t-shirt, at the very least. Pop over to threadless, our local designer tee emporium and pick up something to cover up that bare-ass chest.
The Trib reports that, in addition to Wal-Mart, IKEA might be coming to town. I don't know about you, but I'm most excited about the prospect of this "Starbucks" place in the city. Maybe someday.... [Trib. login: gapers/gapers]
Our very own Cinnamon has excellent handmade goods geared towards the modern independent jet-setting female for sale at her site. All reasonably priced (a steal really) and quality made but what makes this kick the proverbial arse, is that about 75% of the proceeds go to various charities. Get your buy on!
Hey, crafty types! Trunk-show traders Ruth and Ebrimah Sillah are bringing their wares back to Caravan Beads, 3361 N. Lincoln, this Saturday and Sunday. Choose from African and Asian beads, vintage beads, jewelry, clothing, and more! Plenty of deals to be had!
I wish we could claim Neighborhoodies as a hometown product, but alas, they're in Brooklyn. Still, where else are you going to find a cool-ass hooded sweatshirt boasting your allegiance to Wicker Park or Bridgeport or Wrigleyville?
If you're so inclined, you can get your gas and your McDonald's with the new Speedpass Timex. It's like wearing your credit card on your sleeve. Takes a Big Mac and keeps on ticking. Okay, I'll stop now.
Meg Musick Makely turns vintage vinyl records into cool-ass bracelets (and other accessories) available at RockMusick.com.
Previously mentioned silkscreen artist Dolan Geiman is having a trunk sale tonight: clothes, housewares, prints and other "goodies." From 7-11pm at Heaven Gallery, 1550 N. Milwaukee, 2nd Floor. Also featuring work by Zoe of XNX Designs and Brecken Geiman.
Videogame maker Sega is mapping the city of Carbondale, home of Southern Illinois University (and not much else), as a model "average city" to be used in an upcoming, unnamed game.
The Tribune's architecture critic delves into the new Apple Store and it's place on the Magnificent Mile. [Trib login: gapers/gapers]
Volvo (now owned by Ford Motor Company) decided recently to use their muscle to try to squeeze Volo Auto Museum, located on Old Volo Road in Volo, Illinois, into giving up the url they bought in 1997. Volvo registered their url in 2000. Volvo filed a domain name dispute with the World Internet Property Organization stating that Volo was attracting Volvo's customers who couldn't spell. Volo (which actually had a link to Volvo on their website for those customers) countered, got public support, so Volvo execs came to Illinois to visit the Grams family in the hopes of a quiet settlement. The Grams decided the settlement didn't suit them, so they continued with their counter-suit. And, the WIPO ruled in Volo's favor. Yay! for the little guys.
Because it's Applemania week here in Chicago, we present you with this lone image for those of you: a first peek at the Apple G5. Update: they just changed their site, but the G5 is now launched.
Never let it be said that Chicagoans lack a sense of humor about our heroes: The Sun-Times is advertising today t-shirts for the "Sammy Sosa: Uncorked Tour 2003." Only $16.95 (+s/h). Rock on.
United Airlines told its shareholders yesterday that they can expect to lose everything they've got—it's "highly likely" shares of UAL's common stock will be cancelled when the company emerges from bankruptcy.
After a quarter century of bravely outfitting classical musicians and bartenders throughout the city, the aptly name Buy-a-Tux is going out of business. Does this signal the enroachment of UIC into the garment district? The decline of classical music in the city? More people drinking at downscale joints? Who knows. But if you're looking for a cheap tuxedo, now is the time to strike.
Headline on an ad for The Honeysuckle Shop, a Clark Street sex toy shop, in today's RedEye: "Put Some Cork In Your Bat!"
Apple fans, your day has been marked: June 27. Apple Store. Michigan Avenue. No more trips to Woodfield or Oakbrook. Geeking out within city limits is soon-to-be authorized.
Netflix entered into an aggressive distribution plan to provide overnight delivery of DVDs to member subscribers in the Chicago area. Netflix on Monday completed the rollout of its Near West Side Chicago distribution hub, which will enable the company to reduce turnarounds of rentals here to one to two days from the previous three to five days.
Absolutely gorgeous handmade books, prints and t-shirts from ReddingK. Completely inspired by this one, and best of all, they are amazingly cheap considering the quality of artwork here. Be sure to take a look at the Perilous Predicament poster set, amazing in the print section. Side note: Not from Chicago but too good to not link.
Because, really, what is summer in Chicago without the palm trees?
Chicago fashion house XNX Designs has been getting more and more press lately. Yesterday they were Boing Boing'd. Their fashions run the gamut from h4x0r/retro hybrids like an 18th Century Borg Queen Gown to the more understated military school girl kilt with strap. Their fashions will be on display May 10th at SOFTwear, a technologically-inclined runway show put on by Modsquare. I just want to know where I can meet the model in the latex android gasket shirt.
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