Clothes Wars
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.
☛ GAPERS BLOCK FIFTH ANNIVERSARY PARTY! Friday, May 30, 2008 ✧ The Hideout ✧ 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. ✧ 9PM-1AM ✧ More details »
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Need. More. Oprah.
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.
It's a Mitzvah
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.
The Business of Candy
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.
Past in Present
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.
Chocolate Gum?
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.)
Ka-chonk! Ping ping ping! Clickety-clickety-clickety! Tilt.
The New York Times has a story on Melrose Park's Stern Pinball, Inc., the last of the coin-op pinball game manufacturers
Signs of Trouble for the Chicago Spire?
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?
Macy's on State Still Sounds Wrong
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.
Button Up
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.
Happy Record Store Day!
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.
Have Room for a Brew Pub?
Goose Island's Clybourn Brew Pub, which it has occupied since 1988, will close by the end of the year.
Dick's Creating Controversy in Marina City
Dick's Last Resort's plan to move into Marina City and add "garage-style" doors along the river is meeting opposition from residents.
A-Spiring Owners
There's apparently a lot of interest in those multi-million-dollar condos in the Chicago Spire -- in Malaysia.
Fish Food
Rationally, there's no reason these two businesses can't coexist.
Serious Cash for Elementary Schoolers
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.
Newest Fashion Craze: Walgreens Clothing
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.
The 'Merc' of Distinction
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.
Hello, Motos
Motorola will soon be two separate publicly traded companies.
Green Meets Blue
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.
Coming Earth Day: Organic Frangos
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.
Bought a Calder Print Lately?
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.
Give the Buttons a Haircut
I've always been a fan of Busy Beaver's collateral branding; glad I'm not the only one.
Wither Wilson Yard?
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]
Commodity Exchanges, A Timeline
Starting with the establishment of the Chicago Board of Trade in 1848, Reuters walks us through commodity exchange history.
Sonic Booming in Aurora
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.
How to Market a Building Internationally
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.
Foreclosure Lawsuits? 95. Years? 3.
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.)
Bathroom Fixtures for Your Neighborhood
Well, at least if you live in Logan Square or Wicker Park.
What About Lox?
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."
Putting People Back in the Illinois Center
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."
Looking for Work?
Crain's has posted their annual list of the best places to work in Chicago.
Political Donations = Zoning Changes
Reviewing 5,700 zoning changes confirms that developers' campaign contributions are linked to upzoning.
Documenting a Dying Profession
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.
McSkillet Mania
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!
Bean Sprouts in Chi-Town
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...
Free Caffeine ...
... 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!
The Perfect Dog-Gone Gift
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.
Fodder for Future Anthropologists
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.
Working for Charlie
Trotter talks business with Crain's.
Mid-Century Modern Jubilee
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
Walk to the CTA
You'll always know where you're going in these shoes. [via]
Fighting Smoking One Room at a Time
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.
Developing Vultures
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.
Free Wi-Fi at Starbucks
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.
ShOprah
The Oprah Store officially opened over the weekend. No word yet if her bra is available there.
Bag the Bags
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.)
Fashions for Less
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.
Swap-o-Rama-Rama Comes to Chicago
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.
Greener than Candy
Daily Candy's nice, but for a greener option, there's now Ideal Bite, a weekdaily email written locally by Alison Lara.
Million Dollar Check, Please!
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.
The Real Zoning Code
Want a zoning variance for your new oversized condo building? Make a campaign contribution to your alderman.
Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out (Not In That Order)
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.
Paper or...
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.
Tickets? They've Got Your Tickets
Ticketmaster took yet another step towards full-on monopoly-hood by recently acquiring Chicagoland's TicketsNow.
Treasure Island to Fill Co-op Spot
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.
Mozilla Hiring Humanized Humans
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.
Gamers, Relax
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.
Urschel Slicer Parts & Accessories - Cheap!
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.
Further Changes for the Sun-Times
Following recent job cuts, the Sun-Times moved to a slightly smaller format yesterday.
Upward Globility
As Chicago tries to rise in the global marketplace, Crain's has some suggestions how to improve its image.
Ones to Watch
We've been watching them for awhile, but Wired thinks 37signals is one of the top 10 startups to watch in 2008.
Smoke'em While You Still Can
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.
The Return of Belmont Army Surplus
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.
Bring Your Own Bottle
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.
Hard Boiled Getting Out of the Movie Biz
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!
Circa Handmade 2.0
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.
Get Your Glogg On
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.
More Press for Unison
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.
Riverdale Can Read the Small Type
Crains has a nice map that shows neighborhoods with the most foreclosures per square mile in the first half of this year. Not pretty.
Spending Bucks in Bucktown
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.
Start Shopping
The holiday gift guides abound already: Chicago mag and Time Out and the Reader have theirs done; stay tuned for ours.
Pilsen Ham Processor Expands
Setting aside the great headline, this article is a nice little take on economic development smack dab in the middle of the city.
Clearly Not the Bank of Chicago
Bank of America made a rather unfortunate mistake when trying to convince Chicagoans it has "local commitment."
Tiny Shops All A-Glow
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.
Long Lines in Cyberspace Too...
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.
T-Shirts for All
Threadless.com started its annual $10 holiday sale yesterday. Your mom probably loves good design and subtle irony; get her something nice here.
Leading by Example
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.
GB at The DIY Trunk Show
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.
Got the Need to Knit?
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?)
Useless Website Features
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 Droids are Coming
The Google phone may still be aways off, but Elk Grove Village-based fontmaker Ascender already has your font pack ready.
Ventures in Babysitting
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.
Ask About Their Fall Incentives
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".
Sam Zell, Rough Rider
The New Yorker this week features a hefty profile of the new owner of the Chicago Tribune. (Thanks, Rick!)
Will Venerated Grocery Fly the Coop?
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.
146 Geeks on the Street
Electronic Arts said Tuesday that it is shutting down its Chicago studio and laying off or relocating all 146 employees who worked there.
40 is the New 30
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?)
CB2 is Branching Out
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.
Threadless in Person
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.
Former IBM Plaza May be Landmarked
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.
Film & Fashion Night with Nau
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.
A Self Made Man
Did you know that the founder of Selfridges, one of Britain's famed department stores, got his start in Chicago? (Thanks, Matt!)
Tetris Skyline
I had no idea Woot sold t-shirts, but this one is made for us.
Public Relations Gold
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.
Roar!
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 Anniversary Sale
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.
Welcome Back, Frango
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.
That Great Street
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.
Pret a Porter
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."
Winged T-Shirts
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.
Chicago: Fashion Capital?!
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.
Rio de Chicago
Crain's takes a look at the economic and business connections between Chicago and Brazil.
Power of the Purse
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]
Desk Work
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]
Fix Your Windows
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.
12.8% Mortgage
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.
Design Sense
Stitch is "a rigorously edited selection of sleek home and personal furnishings." A very beautiful selection.
Chicago Is the Destination
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.
Crunch 'n Munch buys Fiddle Faddle and Poppycock
$45 million for locally-owned Lincoln Snacks.
Cheetah Gym Ex-Members, Unite!
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!)
The Interactive Music and Coffee Experience
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.
Whither Pork Belly Contracts?
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."
Blog and Business
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.
Skin Flicks
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)
A More Swedish Batavia
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.
Nice Shirt
I'm digging the Chicago Shirt from Rock'n Clothing.
Attn: T-Shirt Nerds
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.
Say Hey, Let Me Play Too
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.
Darn Those Pesky Purchasing Managers
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".
Not Getting Better for Macy's
As if Macy's year of problems wasn't enough, a man fell from an interior balcony at the State Street location yesterday.
A Year of Macy's
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.
The Political Becomes Edible
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?
"Like a Big Family"
The Green Exchange, the proposed Logan Square environmental supercenter, is garnering serious national attention.
Hub to Hub
George Aye and Sara Cantor, the couple behind Hubwear, did a nice interview with Gridskipper.
We're #1!
Yup, Gas Prices in Chicago are on average the highest in the nation. $3.46 per gallon.
Smart in the Suburbs
The Smart Car is available in Chicagoland -- out of a tiny storefront on Route 14 in Palatine.
Bike Messenger POV
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.
Area Gum Company Partners With Sports League
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."
CME+CBOT=?
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.
The Money Train
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.
Delving into the Past
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.)
Window Washers of Chicago
Meet Garcia de la Cadena, the Mexican village from which a disproportionate share of our window washers hail.
Give or Take 500 Million
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.
As Seen on TV: the Oprah Store
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.
Major South Loop Development
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.
Striking in the Conference Room
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]
Kill Your Automated Operator
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.
"Let's Change The World"
The AP's feature on Chicago's own ShoreBank, chronicles the bank's success as the nation's first community development and environment bank.
Help Pay for the New Roof
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!
Hounds Called Off
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.
Another Billboard Controversy
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.
Looking for a Creative Father's Day Gift?
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.
The Fastest Growing Firm In Chicago
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".
FeedGoogler
The rumor is now official: Feedburner has been purchased by Google. Here's Feedburner's official announcement.
Area Food Company Makes Bacon More Convenient
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."
Near Wrigley Field? Save Some Moolah!
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.
ORD to MDW
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.)
Another "Independent" Theater
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.
Furniture for Easy Living
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.
A Single North American Currency?
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.
Win a Free Interior Design Consultation
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.
We're Number One...
in average gas prices. Um, huzzah?
Google Buying Feedburner?
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.
More Bad News for Giant Chain Stores
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.
Swap Met
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.
The Influence of Chicago Dollars
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.
That Was Fast
Remember the divorce billboard from yesterday? It was removed for permit violations before the end of the day.
37signals' Business Philosophy
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.
"Life's Short. Get a Divorce.''
Fetman, Garland & Associates, Ltd. is getting aggressive with their new ad campaign. As one might expect, it's generating controversy.
Get French! Urm, Fresh!
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.
Traveller's Journey Ending
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!
Get Out of the Ballpark!
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.
Olympic Arts
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.
What LaSalle Bank's Sale Really Means To Us
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.
City of the Future
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."
An Expensive Hat
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.
NAU Open
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.
Cubs as Commodity
Take a gander at the queue for buying "a shrine, a team and a great place to watch baseball."
Help Wanted at Coudal
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."
Chicago History Roundup
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."
Records'n'Stuff
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!
Click!
Photobooth-o-philes, get excited! You'll soon be able to take a zany picture of yourself and your close friends at Quimby's.
Take Me Out to the Ball Game or China
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.
Use the Force (to Pick a Stamp Design)
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.
The Last Lamb and Veal Slaughterhouse in Chicago
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.
Tilty's Take
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.
Tribune ownership staying in Chicago?
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.
No Longer Building Solo
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.
This Week in Commercial Real Estate
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.
"Final" Chicago Spire Design Unveiled
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.
Plan Your Bus Trip
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.)
Another Reason to Shop Locally
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.
Carson's Still Interested in the City
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.
Craft Racket: Round 2
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.
March Merger Madness, Global City Style
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.
St. Patty's Shopping
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.
Do Not Feed Gum to Your Dog
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.
How Much for a Really Nice Week?
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!
A Neighborhood's Tribute to Barack Obama
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.
YouTube at the Bar
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.
Tech Kind of Town, Chicago Is
Participate Media CEO Alan Warms has some thoughts about the benefits of being a tech start-up in Chicago.
West Side Story
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.
Block 37
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.
I Got Your Hurricane Contract Right Here
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.
Olympic Sized Donor Pool
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.
The Anti-Valentine Store
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.
From Buildings to Papers?
The latest news about the Tribune's potential sale: Billionaire real estate mogul Sam Zell is said to be interested in buying the company.
ZAPping the Chicago Auto Show
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.
You Trendsetter, You
Denizens of Lincoln Park and frequenters of Escape: Your days as Best Buy lab rats are over. Bye bye, "hip hang-out."
Not Cheese at All
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.
Travelling On
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.
Aqua Teen Hunger (Terrorist) Force
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.]
It's Not Delivery, It's Charity
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 Dumping Season
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.
Disappointed Fans and Blocked Media
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 Launches Enso
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.)
O'Donovan's Contract Asshattery
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.
DvA Gallery Sale
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]
Shopping, Now With More Green
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]
Monkey Money Madness
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.
And Nau for Something Completely Different
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.
Chicago's Video Game Influence
Online gaming magazine Gamasutra just released the final installment of its five-part series on Chicago game studios. The final stop is Midway.
Shop at Threadless
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.
They Beat Us To It
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.
Choose Your Own Card-venture
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 Heathe