By Sandra M. Jones | Columbia Sportswear Co. plans to open its first Chicago-area freestanding store next month on the Magnificent Mile.
The Portland, Ore.-based outdoor apparel maker said the 11,000-square
foot showcase store is set to debut on March 12 at 830 N. Michigan
Ave., the former home of Victoria’s Secret.
The manufacturer tapped members of the Chicago’s Active Transportation Alliance, formerly Chicago Bike Federation, to appear in an “urban fashion show” for the opening day. The store will carry clothing and footwear for hiking, biking, fishing, golfing and skiing, among other activities.
Columbia Sportswear, founded in 1938, is in the midst of opening a network of branded stores nationwide. It currently has four branded stores: two in Portland, one in Seattle and one at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn. A sixth branded store is slated to open in Minneapolis in April.
Separately, Columbia operates 39 outlet stores, including one in Pleasant Prairie, Wis.
The company first announced its intention to lease the Mag Mile site in 2008. Victoria’s Secret moved down the street to 734 N. Michigan Ave. last fall.
Put in an application for an Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme loan along with a comprehensive business plan and a detailed financial plan drawn up by one of the leading small business consultants in London SIX MONTHS ago. Natwest appeared very supportive and after a month said it was surprisingly rejected and agreed to raise this a higher level.
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