While the Windy City may be known for its awe-inspiring museums, thriving music scene and world-class sports teams, these Chicago innovations demonstrate that the city has so much more to offer.
When shopping in Chicago, many people immediately head to the Magnificent Mile to visit the hundreds of name-brand boutiques lining Michigan Avenue. However, those looking for one-of-a-kind goods can also head to neighborhoods like Bucktown and Logan Square to find off-beat outlets such as RSVP Gallery and Bric-a-Brac Records & Collectibles. Additionally, the Chicago French Market is a great spot for those looking to pick up gourmet food stuffs and other pantry staples.
Beyond being a shopaholic's paradise, Chicago is also great for those who enjoy craft beer and spirits. For beer-lovers, spots such as Hopewell Brewing Co. and Emporium Arcade Bar are premier destinations for uncovering some of the best local brews. For something on the stronger side, KOVAL Distillery is known for producing some of the city's finest craft spirits.
Overall, these Chicago innovations reveal a side of the city that attendees to Trend Hunter's Chicago innovation conference will not want to miss.
Top 15 Chicago Innovations
From Exclusive Menswear Boutiques to Old-School Donut Shops:
Katherine Pendrill — Jan 18, 2017 — World
15
Industrial Antique Stores
Chicago's 'Salvage One' Doubles as an Antique Store and Event Venue
14
Chef-Curated Urban Gardens
'The Bayless Gardens' Grows Fresh Produce for Rick Bayless' Restaurants
13
Exclusive Menswear Boutiques
Chicago's 'RSVP Gallery' Blends High-fashion with Streetwear
12
Rustic American Gastropubs
Chicago's 'Girl & the Goat' Elevates Classic Midwestern Fare
11
Diverse Indoor Food Markets
The 'Chicago French Market' Features Food from Around the World
10
Contemporary Brewpub Interiors
Chicago's 'Hopewell Brewing Co.' is a Light and Airy Space
9
Outsider Art Exhibitions
This Chicago Gallery Celebrates Intuitive and Outsider Art
8
Booze-Slinging Arcades
Chicago's 'Emporium Arcade Bar' Combines Craft Beer with Old-school Games
7
Old-School Donut Shops
Chicago's 'Firecakes Donuts' Serves Up Delicious Donuts for Takeout
6
Nostalgia-Inducing Record Shops
Chicago's 'Bric-a-Brac' is a Record Collector's Dream Destination
5
Vibrant Italian Food Stores
Eataly Offers a Unique Shopping Experience for Lovers of Italian Food
4
Urban Whiskey Distilleries
Chicago's 'KOVAL Distillery' is Paving the Way for Craft Distillers
3
Farmhouse-Style Restaurant Menus
The Publican Serves Up Farmhouse Fare in a Beer Hall-Style Space
2
Futuristic Illumination Installations
The Luminous Field by Luftwerk Takes on a Sci-Fi Inspiration
1
Scratch-Off Advertisements
These Ads Promote an Exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
Related Ideas
Canvas Tote NYC Pop-Ups
Lands' End Launched a Personalization Concept Pop-Up Shop in New York
Technology-Driven Retail Spaces
ARK Visual Unveils Future Stores as an Immersive Retail Identity
Customizable Shoe Decorating Events
adidas Hosts a DIY 'Style Your Toe' Pop-Up Event in Hong Kong
Chic Footwear Retail Expansions
Dolce Vita Debuts its First Canadian Flagship Store
Marathon-Inspired NYC Pop-Ups
Bandit x ASICS Partner for a New Capsule and Immersive Experience
Branded Interactive Parks
Birkenstock's Birkenfields Invited New Yorkers to Slow Down
Traveling Luxury Retail Events
The Bal Harbour Shops Access Pop-Up Tour is a Unique Concept
Vintage-Inspired Elevated Accessories
Every Other Thursday Unveils a Range of Accessories
Unique TV Series Pop-Ups
Lillet x Emily in Paris Presents the Café de Lillet Experience in NYC
Retail Store Revamps
H&M Updates Shopping Experience with Luxe, Tech-Savvy Store in London
Parisian Airport Pop-Ups
Moët Hennessy's Paris Concept Event Featured Travel Exclusives
Festival-Ready Fashion Rentals
The Festival Closet by IHG x Pickle Lets Guests Rent Looks for Free
Experiential Intimates Spaces
Knix Opens Immersive Retail Location at Premium Shopping Centre
Italian Luxury Brand Expansions
Loro Piana Celebrates the Launch of its Toronto Boutiques
Selective Retail Pop-Ups
'Woolrich Black Label' by Todd Snyder is Taking a New Retail Approch
Virtually Outfitted Landmarks
JD Sports Dressed Big Ben in a Nuptse 1996 Jacket by The North Face
Sculptural Luxury Fashion Stores
Burberry's New Store in Milan is Situated at Via Sant' Andrea 2
Chic Ballroom Interiors
The Ballroom Bowl Has Made Its Mark in Toronto's Entertainment Landscape
Las Vegas Cognac Pop-Ups
LOUIS XIII Cognac Hosts an Exclusive Vegas Boutique Pop-Up
Revitalized Shopping Destinations
Foot Locker's Home Court is a Basketball-Inspired Retail Space
Customizable Co-Created Sneakers
Golden Goose Offers a Sneaker Maker Experience in Toronto
Creative Play Pop-Ups
The Sharpie Studio Offered Opportunities for Creativity at SXSW
DIY Fandom Initiatives
Scotiabank's Make it Merch Launch Promotes Inclusivity & Sustainability
Multi-Sensory Flagship Stores
KATE Shibuya Offers Immersive Digital and Physical Experiences
Gen Z-Centric Campaigns
Urban Outfitters' Shift Happens Campaign Has Three Phases
Film-Inspired Cocktail Experiences
Absolut Vodka Hosted a Wicked Cocktail Event in NYC
Gilded Retail Exhibitions
Schiaparelli Debuts 'Through the Keyhole' Pop-Up in Shanghai
Ice Cream Sandwich Pop-Ups
Chips Ahoy! Pop-Up to Serve Free Ice Cream in NYC
QSR Sandwich Shop Streetwear
Subway Introduces a Limited-Edition Line of Streetwear
Authentic Streetwear Stores
eBay's Canal Street Wear Features On-Site Authentication
Immersive Jewelry Exhibitions
The TIFFANY & CO. Tiffany Wonder Exhibition in Tokyo is Engaging
Culturally Rich Sports Stores
adidas' New 'Home of Sport' Flagship Features Unique Digital Tools
Collaborative Streetwear Retailers
Better Gift Shop in Toronto is a Bustling Hub for Hip Fashion
Espresso Martini Festivals
The Mr Black Espresso Martini Festival Shares One-Off Serves
Experiential Chocolate Events
Ghirardelli's Sampling Experience in Toronto Offers Indulgent Treats
Premium Athleticwear Pop-Ups
Reigning Champ Announces Pop-Up in Toronto’s Yorkdale Centre
AR Shopping Malls
American Express' Door to Shop Small Highlights 10 Small Businesses
Urban Sneaker-Inspired Exhibits
Museum of Graffiti Introduces the Sneaker Stories Pop-Up Exhibit
Outdoor-Inspired Fashion Collections
L.L.Bean & Noah Kahan Debut the Northern Attitude Collection
Retail-Based Pop-Star Takeovers
H&M and Charli xcx Host a Surprise Event at Times Square
Handstitched Denim Sandals
Birkenstock and Jesse Leyva Honors the Art of Boro in New Capsule
Creativity-Centered Workshops
Gap's Workshop Initiative Empowers Local Makers in San Francisco
Winter-Ready Minimal Apparel
Axel Arigato Presents a Look at its New Winter Apparel Designs
Immersive Intimate Brand Pop-Ups
The Knix Pop-Up in Yorkdale Shopping Centre is Exciting
Immersive Textile Boutiques
100% Silk Shop in Toronto's Downtown Core is Sustainable
Minimalist Brand Exhibitions
MUJI Debuts Its Second Iteration of the MUJI IS Exhibition Series
Cozy Fashion Flagship Stores
The Ba&Sh Flagship Store Opened in New York City's SoHo Neighborhood
Industrial Design Exhibits
Design Burger Hosted a 'Design Dialogues Exhibit' in London
Timeless Jacket Designs
Blackstock & Weber Join Schott Nyc for a Spring/Summer 2024 Release
Scandinavian-Inspired Yurt Pop-Ups
ABSOLUT will Host NORDIC by BarChef in Toronto
Localized Retail Experiences
UNIQLO Sherway Blends Japanese Tradition with Toronto Culture
Pioneering Plant-Based Supermarkets
REWE's Venture is Considered a Bold Innovation in the Industry
Influencer-Crafted Gin Cocktails
These Tanqueray Gin Holiday Drinks Celebrate Canadian Traditions
Modern Private Event Venues
Toronto's Third Place Emerges as a Prime Venue for Events in 2024/2025
Augmented Outerwear Mirrors
Ugg's Flagship Highlights Cold Weather Apparel with a Zero10 Mirror
Immersive Fashion Retail Destinations
URBAN REVIVO Opens Its Flagship Store in Malaysia
Fashion-Forward Layering Lines
SHEIN Introduces Weather-Adaptive Fashion Collection
Virtual Pub Museums
Heineken Pub Museums Spotlight Important Cultural Locations
Nightclub-Collaborative Graphic Streetwear
Carhartt WIP and Tresor Join on a Techno Alliance
Festive Bourbon Pop-Ups
The Winter Wheat Wonderland Brings a Taste of Kentucky to NYC
Workplace-Integrated Store Locations
IKEA Hosts Hej!Workshop Coworking Space in its Store
Shoppable Travel Storefronts
Expedia Travel Shops Make It Easy to Book Recommended Getaways
Heritage-Honoring Collaborative Shoes
Birkenstock Presents a Special Filson Collection of Shoes
Dynamic Art Exhibitions
The 'Art in Motion' Exhibition Features Moving Artworks
Inventive Retail Strategies
H&M is Working to Localize Its Shopping Experience
Web3 Fashion Show Initiatives
Runway Magazine Launches Re-Inventing the Runway
Whimsical Store Expansions
MINISO Jakarta Presents a Retail Space Inspired by an Amusement Park
Stylish Soda Pop-Ups
Poppi World Enticed Health-Conscious, Fashionable Visitors During NYFW
Pop-Up Plant-Based Food Stalls
This Impossible Foods Foodservice Concept is at XMarket in Chicago
Stackable Bottled Cocktails
BLOC's Experimental Cocktails are Packaged in a Convenient Size
Cutting-Edge Design Programming
Triennale Milano Offers an Array of Events for Milan Design Week
Chain Restaurant Food Festivals
Chain is the Worlds First Gourmet Chain Food Festival
Bookstore Wine Shops
New York's Bibliotheque Offers Rare Books and Great Wine
Mall-Based Indoor Adventure Parks
Elev8 Fun is Coming to Miami International Mall
Beer Brand-Supported Fashion Shows
Fashion Art Toronto Has Partnered with Kronenbourg 1664
Collaborative Digital Coffee Campaigns
illy Launches its Digital Content Series 'Coffee Break'
Parisian-Inspired High-End Fashion Boutiques
Jacquemus Has Opened Its First U.s. Boutique
Film Festival Retail Events
The TIFF Pop-Up Shop Features Exclusive 2024 Merch and Apparel
Colorful Textile-Inspired Design Projects
Yinka Ilori Debuts Projects at ART on THE MART & NeoCon
Midwest Kombucha Rebranding Initiatives
Island City Kombucha Elevates Its Branding Aesthetic
Customer-Exclusive Brand Trips
Cocokind is Hosting a Customer Brand Trip to Napa Valley in 2025
Immersive Art-Technology Installations
WNDR Museum Boston Will Feature 20 Exhibitions
Adventure Travel Pop-Up Stores
Craghoppers Has Unveiled a Boutique Store in Kildare Village
Immersive Fashion Week Events
Fashion Art Toronto's 1664 Fashion Week Fall 2024 is Comprehensive
Luxury NYC-Inspired Cafes
Fashion Label Coach Opened a Restaurant and Coffee Shop in Jakarta
Vibrant Fashion Boutique Restorations
Gucci Renovated Its Boutique at 63 Wooster Street
Exploratory Art Exhibits
The Saga of the Department Stores Exhibit Explores Shopping’s Evolution
Scandinavian Aesthetics-Forward Shop Designs
Quadrant Design Shapes the Atmosphere in Eton's Shop
Sustainable NYC Flagship Stores
Rothy's Features NYC's First Streetside Water Refill Station
Viewing Box Cultural Centers
The Center for Arts & Innovation Hosts Events and Education Spaces
Whisky Culture Private Clubs
Craft Irish Whiskey Announces Exclusive Soho Whisky Club Partnership
Communal Social Health Clubs
STUDIO K Designs the BIÂN to Celebrate Third Anniversary
Aluminum-Wrapped Sportswear Store
Oshinowo Studio Designs the New adidas Store in Lagos
Crafted Holiday Activations
Loews Hotels & Co will Offer Festive Pop-Ups and Seasonal Sips
Spray Can Fragrances
Step Aboard's Chicago Perfumes Pay Homage to Works of Art
Multi-Vendor Food Marketplaces
Chef's Hall Offers Multiple High Quality Restaurants Under One Roof
Third-Party Artisanal Marketplaces
Michaels Launches the MarkerPlace Alternative Marketplace
Toronto HIIT Workout Studios
Barry's Bootcamp is the Perfect Spot for a High-Intensity Workout
Miami-Themed Anniversary Celebrations
Alchemysts Inc. Recently Marked Its Five-Year Milestone
Cinco de Mayo Nacho Platters
Old Chicago Pizza's Cinco Beer Tour Features New Nachos Grande
Global Digital Marketplaces
Renaissance Hotels' R FINDS Shares Goods from Local Artisans
Community-Oriented Cookbook Stores
Foodies Cookbook Shop Acts as a Culinary Hub in Stratford
Highly Sought-After Restaurant Features
OpenTable Announces Its Icons Program for Major Cities
Indigenous-Owned Holiday Events
Aaniin Pop-Up Showcases Indigenous Entrepreneurship
Outdoor Toronto Film Festivals
The Lavazza IncluCity Film Festival is Back from June to July
Furniture Flagship UK Expansions
MillerKnoll Opens up a Flagship Location in London
Conversation-Encouraging Retail Spaces
PlayLab Inc Creates a Flagship Store for MadHappy
American Heritage Apparel Expansions
Filson's New Milan Flagship Brings the Outdoors to the City
Italian Rooftop Restaurants
Public Gardens in Toronto Offers a NYC-Inspired Oasis
Checkout-Free Grocery Stores
ALDI Launches the Innovative 'ALDIgo' Checkout-Free Grocery Store
Fine-Dining Bakery Bistros
Bistro Greggs Offers an Elevated Experience from the Bakery Chain
Luxurious Retail Boutiques
Salvatore Ferragamo Inaugurates Its Newly Redesigned Boutique
Incredibly Bold Design Exhibitions
Capsul and Basic.Space Present the Memphis Miami Exhibition
Park-Inspired Outdoor Fashion Capsules
Parks Project Sets out to Preserve National Parks
Regionally Inspired Cocktail Kits
This Summer Cocktail Kit Shares a Taste of San Diego
Vibrant Versatile Furniture Series
Here Now Introduces a Versatile Capsule of Furniture
Broken Bike Lock Furniture
Design Students Showcase the People and Places Exhibition
Authentic Scottish Delis
The Shoap is London's First-Ever Scottish Deli
Artist Loft-Resembling Stores
Tutto Bene Took on a New Retail Design Project in Angel, London
Eco-Friendly Artisan Markets
The ChoZen Artisan Market is a New Eco-Conscious Event in Sebastian
Evolutionary Menswear Fashion Shows
S.S. Daley Unveils a New Capsule During Pitto Uomo 105
Luxury Shopping Activations
Bal Harbour Shops Unveiled Designer Installations
Online Tuxedo Showrooms
Generation Tux Launches a New Physical Showroom in Ohio
Bright Showroom Research Libraries
ANY Designs a Retail Space for Streetwear Imprint Vowels
Youthful Vintage-Inspired Hotels
Standard International is Set to Launch New Hotel Brand
Luxurious Wine Pop-Ups
Kim Crawford will Host a Golden Wine Lounge at The Well Toronto
City Exploration Apps
Concrete is a Social Exploration App Inviting Users to Discover Their City
Italian Design Brand Expansions
Arper Opens a New Showroom in Chicago’s Vibrant Fulton Market
Sight-Seeing Hot Tubs
Chicago Electric Boat Company Added 6-Person Floating Hot Tubs to Its Fleet
Chicken Wing-Inspired Menus
Old Chicago is Serving Up a New Wing-Inspired Menu
Martini-Inspired Candies
The Sugarfina x Chopin Collection Shares Cocktail-Themed Sweets
Sustainably Transformed Tech Headquarters
Google's New Chicago Office Will Be More Ec-Friendly
Curated Vintage Decor Retailers
Vintage Beyond is Toronto's Newest Preloved Design Destination
Traveling Food Festivals
Northern Heat Rib Series Will Be Traveling to 10 Cities in Ontario
Concierge-Style Nursery Stores
The LA Babyletto Flagship Offers Personalized Shopping Experiences
Whimsical Sculptural Furniture Series
Micah Rosenblatt Presents the City Block Series in Art Show
City-Celebrating Sausage Pizzas
Old Chicago Pizza is Serving Up a Chicago Love Pizza This Holiday
Spicy Chili Oil Pizzas
Gino's East of Chicago Created the Crackjack Pizza for National Pizza Month
Scotland-Honoring Design Exhibitions
Slancha Curated the Under One Roof Exhibition in Glasglow
Unique Urban Event Hires
London is Renting Tube Stations, Cable Cars, and Piers for Private Hire