West Elm: Opening in the City?

Christopher sent us an email yesterday evening: Upon checking West Elm's online website today, I noticed under the "store locations" section that it's been updated to include a new store opening this fall in LINCOLN PARK!!!!!! As a city dweller, I for one am THRILLED that they're FINALLY opening a location of West Elm actually in the city (currently, they only have one in Oakbrook). Do you know where this new location will be? I'm assuming North/Clybourn corridor, or perhaps Halsted/Armitage?

Finally is right! We've never made the trip out to the Oakbrook store and will be happy to be able to check out pieces in person and have more options in town.

One possible location is the current Whole Foods at North and Clybourn, since WF is moving to their new building this year...but that is strictly a guess as there is lots of retail development happening right now on Halsted as well.

Has anyone heard any details on where it may land?

Comments (13)

Great! more junk... I am completely disappointed with the quality of West Elm stuff. I used to buy PB stuff all the time, and thought that the quality was great. The last few pieces we have picked up from West Elm have been crap. The finish rubbs off or nicks easily, the quality is just not near what PB is, and West Elm isn't even cheap anymore...

About a year and a half ago an employee at their Oakbrook store told me that West Elm would indeed be moving into the current Whole Foods location at North & Clybourn, and Whole Foods would be moving to a larger location. I sort of dismissed it because that was so long ago and I heard nothing further about it. Hopefully Whole Foods moving somewhere else will help ease all the congestion in that area...

I have heard that it will be between the Whole Foods and Best Buy - where Ulta and that bookstore used to be...either way, I am looking forward to having it so close!

I was excited when West Elm opened in DC, but I haven't bought a single thing there. I just don't like it. I don't really even like to visit and the location is very handy for me. Looks too cookie cutterish and I wonder about the quality.

That Washington DC location is GORGEOUS. Puts the NYC location to shame.

What are you wondering about quality for? You've seen the stuff, you've seen the prices... what is the wonder?

I look forward to a day when a West Elm post does not end in "I wonder about quality."

Where is the Whole Foods moving to?

I wonder about the quality because the stuff generally looks cheap.

Stop showing the silver Parson's desk... I want it so badly and they don't make them in that color anymore. :(

I, too, was excited when I heard westelm had come to DC, but haven't been to the store (though I work near it). Personally, I like some WE chairs, rugs, and throw pillows. that's it. The quality of their other furniture seems lacking.

BTW: Regarding comparisons between WE and its older sibling, PB, WE was always supposed to be a cheaper alternative to PB geared at a different demographic; hence, the lower prices and lower quality of WE goods.

Kathryn - Whole Foods is moving just about a block and a half south of the current location, south of North Avenue, just beyond DWR.

Thanks for posting my question about the new West Elm, Janel!!!! I really appreciated it and I'm glad to know where it'll be. I'll admit that some of West Elm's products appear to be a little cheap, but I think they have great accessories, pillows, and lamps--many of which are mid-century modern influenced and very affordable. I'm glad it'll only be a train-ride away!

jpriley75,

West Elm is owned by William Sonoma Inc. They also own PB.