A recent post on chain stores in Wicker Park drew some heated debate, so we thought we’d take a look at the neighborhood’s contrasting retail landscape. Along the 1200 block of North Milwaukee Ave, Heads & Threads boutique (pictured above) competes with the Sally Beauty Supply store that displays a “We sell hair extensions” banner in its window.
Locals Diana Shoes and Sunny Shoes, both housed in vintage buildings, compete with the Payless ShoeSource in a newer building across the street.
Local fast-food at 7-D Restaurant competes with national fast food chains.
Diana Fashions, 1252 N Milwaukee Ave, is Wicker Park’s answer to Victoria’s Secret.
Wicker Park just wouldn’t be Wicker Park without Milwaukee Ave’s strip of local furniture stores, like Mr. Furniture (above). So, if the options are out there, what makes a person buy from a local retailer versus a chain store? Head on over to the Wicker Park forum and let us know.