The first store that opened Friday in Chicago will be the model for others that will bow in Asia and the U.S. later this year.
Coach, a global fashion house of modern luxury leather goods, apparel and lifestyle accessories, announces the opening of the brand’s Coach Play concept store in Chicago. The opening marks the first store in a series of concept stores celebrating community that will be unveiled in multiple locations this year.
Located at 444 N. Michigan Avenue in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, the 3,000-square-foot space features Coach’s new retail experience inspired by the brand’s heritage and the local flavor of the surrounding community. Each concept store will be bespoke, featuring design elements that highlight the local neighborhood to create personal and unique environments that celebrate community, environmental consciousness and beautiful things that you can be yourself in.
Incorporating architectural features inspired by New York, the city Coach has always called home, the Chicago store immerses customers in an interactive, playful space designed to reflect the spirit of Chicago. Playing with color and texture to create an explorable, hyper-physical experience, the store will also feature modular furniture uniquely designed to transition the space seamlessly from season to season. Additionally, local touches nodding to the Windy City’s history are displayed throughout the store, including Chicago street signs, a baseball glove art installation and marquee signs displaying locally relevant messages, to be updated based on community happenings. Coach Play Chicago will also feature the newest expression of Coach Create, the brand’s unique customization experience, where local artists will host workshops where customers can create one-of-a-kind pieces at the craftsmanship bar. Customers will also be able to personalize Coach bags with monograms, embellishments and digital prints including special patches and pins exclusive to the Chicago store.
Additional design details include vintage and custom furniture made with sustainable materials, including sustainably crafted mirrors by design studio Skilset and accent chairs upholstered in repurposed leather waste created by artist Elise McMahon. The store also features the brand’s latest collection of ready-to-wear, handbags and accessories, merchandised as all-gender throughout the space, highlighting the brand’s celebration of authentic self-expression and the courage to be real.
