Multiple new retail experiences have been announced along Michigan Avenue as the strip sees an uptick in occupancy from its pandemic lows. Located across the famed shopping street, the new spots both replace vacant spaces and some soon-to-be closed stores. This comes as some major flagships like H&M relocate from their current home as well.
View of 670 N Michigan Avenue via LoopNet
MANGO – 664-670 N Michigan Avenue
Spain-based fast-fashion brand Mango is set to open its first store in Chicago as it looks to expand in the US. Currently the retailer has around 24 stores in the US in cities like New York and Miami. Its new Chicago outpost will be replacing the existing Loft, Tommy Bahama, and Chicago Cubs Team Store with nearly 16,000 square-feet of space at the base of the Ritz Carlton Residences.
View of 676 N Michigan Avenue via LoopNet
Harry Potter Experience Store – 676 N Michigan Avenue
Just north of the MANGO store, Warner Bros. will be bringing a new Harry Potter themed concept across 10,000 square-feet of space within the base of the Omni Hotel. Previously the home of Express until its closure in 2021, the new concept hopes to build on the success of the company’s New York store with many of the same experiences. This also coincides with the opening of The Cursed Child at The Nederlander Theater.
Rendering of Hershey Super Sweet Adventure via Hershey
Hershey Super Sweet Adventure – 835 N Michigan Avenue
Replacing part of the former Macy’s within Water Tower Place which was lost out on a Target deal due to local neighbors, the chocolate maker returns to the city after closing its flagship store nearby in 2017. This first-of-its-kind experience for the brand will offer guests an interactive look at their most famous products with some unique storytelling. Opening this last week, this is similar to the Museum of Ice Cream nearby.
View of 100 E Ontario Street via NorthPond
New Magic-Based Experience – 100 E Ontario Street
Located just off the main strip, the 49,000 square-foot mansion built in 1889 was most recently the home of Lawry’s The Prime Rib for 46 years before closing in 2020. Now a new set of developers have signed a 10-year lease for the space for a restaurant concept with a magic and entertainment component. The $13 million project will include a new rooftop as well with construction well underway to renovate the three-story structure.
Relocations
679 N Michigan Avenue. Photo by Jack Crawford
H&M – 679 N Michigan Avenue
The famed Swedish fast-fashion brand will depart its long standing 60,000 square-foot flagship at 840 N Michigan Avenue later this month. This will leave its current building across from Water Tower Place completely empty after Uniqlo, TopShop, Verizon, and Columbia left over the years. Its new 30,000 square-foot store within the former Apple store will open later this fall.
It is worth noting some sources have reported that H&M was not allowed to renew its lease as a new owner for the building looks to redevelop the site.
View of 555 N Michigan Avenue via LoopNet
Aritzia – 555 N Michigan Avenue
Currently located at 923 Rush Street, the major apparel company signed the largest lease on the street since 2015 for the 46,000 square-foot former home of Gap. Announced in 2022, work has been slowly proceeding on the three-story building’s interior as new steel canopies can be seen outside of its streetfront. The store should potentially open by the end of the year.
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All the announcements come as the street slowly bounces back from its over 30 percent vacancy rate which was near an all time high. This is also coupled with a recent concept to redesign the street and its connection to Oak Street Beach by Gensler. While other retail corridors in the city are seeing steady leases, lowering rents and interest rates may bring added life to one of the major shopping streets in the nation.
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Love to see all of these developments. Michigan Ave has nearly returned to pre pandemic levels in terms of foot traffic, these new stores will only make the recovery more robust.
And to think everyone said the mag mile was dead, LOL. wrong again, haters
Wow, what a shame to see the former Miracle Mile with so many empty spaces. I’m surprised it hasn’t rebounded like NYC’s 5th Ave did post pandemic.
One of my biggest pet peeves is when out of towners call it the “Miracle Mile”.
It’s NOT THE ‘MIRACLE MILE’. It’s the “Magnificent Mile”
The miracle mile is making a comeback! It is a miracle
The article is about how 6 companies are investing in spaces on the Mag Mile.
Magnificent Mile! Clearly someone that’s never been to Chicago.
I’m glad somebody is finally going to re-occupy the Lawry’s building
But………….
Sorry, I’m doubtful that anything that replaces Lawry’s will measure up. Lawry’s had some of the best. Prime. Rib. Meals. Ever……
It’s funny to me how American malls died out slowly, and no one told them because they’re boring lame and outdated? These people should take a tour to Dubai or Paris or Chinese cities and take a look what modern mall should look like to attract people in 2024. It’s not lack of interest from consumers, it’s lack of investment and creativity from businesses here. They just expect they can spend zero dollars in decades and people will just keep shopping there. False.
This comment is the winner. 1000% true — they were resting on their laurels for decades.
Glad to see Michigan Avenue is being revived. It’s been one of my favorite spots in a beautiful city.
Water Tower Place needs something to fill the vacant Macy’s space. How about an “urban” Ikea?
P.S. Thanks Bloomingdale’s, for not following the lemmings over the cliff.
An urban IKEA would be better suited across the street from Water Tower Place. People have longed suggested that ‘if’ IKEA were to build a store in Chicago, that’s where it would be.
My guess (hope) is that the owners of the H&M building team up with the owners of Uniqlo/Top Shop building and make a play for IKEA.