Crowdsourcing a Winner
Chicago crowdsourcing startup crowdSPRING won Wired's Small Biz Program contest.
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]
