Retail News: New Furniture Shops Coming to Chicago

By now, everyone has probably heard that Whole Foods is planning on making a move.

The store located at 1000 W. North Ave. is shifting slightly southward to an 80,000 square foot space at 1500 N. Kingsbury. But this weekend, we heard who might be moving into the North and Sheffield space left behind when the market moves.

Two more home stores may be entering the neighborhood which is also home to DWR, Restoration Hardware, Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn and CB2...

Rumor has it that both West Elm and Williams-Sonoma Home are interested in the North Ave. space.

West Elm is only out in Oak Brook and there is no Williams-Sonoma Home in Illinois at all, so this would be a Chicago debut for either...Thoughts? Would you be glad to welcome one (or both) of these retailers to town?

(Photo: West Elm)

Comments (8)

I think the only easy way to shop in this area is take a helicopter.

I steer clear of that area......it's way too congested and there is nowhere to park your car within 15 minutes of getting there.

It's not that bad, I never have a problem parking in that industrial area just south of north. Or the North bus/red line serve you just fine.

I agree with MCNicole--compared to other places in the city, this location is fairly easy to travel to. Lots of parking lots by Whole Foods, Cost Plus World Market, Crate and Barrel, Z Gallerie, etc. Plus, it's immediately off the red line.

I'm not excited about those businesses, period. Chains are a bore.

Blah -- who cares? Boring crap and more congestion. North Ave there is already one of the least bike-friendly areas in the city (no shoulders and oblivious drivers). If it weren't for Sam's and Blick (well, and WF), the whole area would be worthless (and I do mean you, DWR). Well, I guess there are those strip clubs south of North . . . (kidding).

I'm w/ Calynx & Saha on this one. You take your life into your own hands when trying to ride or even walk over there. Most SUV drivers are oblivious to those of us who are not ensconced in like-armored vehicles. Sad, too, b/c Sam's is great - the staff is always willing to help me find great $10 bottles - and C&B is perfect for stocking up on basics. The mood in that area is lack-luster now, almost hostile.

I can only imagine that Cost Plus will be booted out soon as it's too cheap for the hoi-poloi (why by a $2 ceramic teapot when you can buy the same teapot for $20 at Restoration Hardware!). I miss Byron's w/ its asteroid exterior decoration - it kept the corner, now home to C&B, real (and cheap!).

I, for one, am excited about a possible West Elm in the city. It'd be nice to go to the store and see what the quality of their stuff is like instead of ordering online blindly. I really like the look of a few of their pieces online. Also, I find the public transit in that area to be just fine, if not better than some parts of the city.