Last week’s news that hip grocer Fox & Obel may come to the northeast corner of Wabash Avenue and Roosevelt Road in the South Loop excited a lot of people.
So we’re wondering what you think of the decision by Kohler Co. Interiors Group’s to open a flagship store at 825 W Chicago Ave, according to a Crain’s article. According to our boundaries, that’s in River West.
The store, which specializes in high-end furniture, plans to open in the fall in a former art gallery. The article suggests that more retail is needed in the area.
Lee Ross, manager of business development for Kohler Interiors, told Crain’s, “We are very much open to the idea of doing some pioneering, and being a catalyst to retail development in the area.”
Will a fancy furniture shop galvanize growth in River West? Click on “Comment” below to let us know.
when the article says, “the area currently is not regarded as a popular shopping district,” what they mean is that there is literally nowhere to shop except at the golf store, the office furniture store, and cvs. i think it’ll take a little more than this to get it going.
I can see how a grocery store, coffee shop or wine bar can “galvanize” a neighborhood, but a boutique furniture store? I don’t see it becoming a regular yuppie hangout.
It’s very expensive furniture too.
http://www.kohlerinteriors.com/index.jsp
Its not like shopping at Crate & Barrel, Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn or Z Gallerie. The furniture is at least twice the price.