This Week’s Top Story
Ivy Park, a new sportswear line cofounded by Beyoncé, launches today at Nordstrom’s Michigan Avenue, Oakbrook Center, and Old Orchard locations (contact info here). The collection offers fitted tanks with built-in sports bras, body suits, and seamless knits. There are also leggings in lengths ranging from cropped to capri-style, several styles of pants, and T-shirts and vests made out of cotton jersey. Prices start at $14 (for a headband) and top off at $265.
Top Sales This Week
900 North Michigan Shops (900 N. Michigan Ave., shop900.com) will host its eighth annual “tax-free shopping event” Friday through Sunday. During the event, some 30 stores will cover tax fees, giving shoppers a 15 percent discount off merchandise. Participating retailers include Kate Spade New York, Michael Kors, and Karen Millen.
Elements (714 N. Wells St., elementschicago.com) will offer discounts during a “tax relief sale” running through Friday. Spend up to $250 to get 10 percent off purchases; spend $251 to $600 to get 15 percent off; and spend $601 or more to get 20 percent off.
Florodora (330 S. Dearborn St., florodora.com) is offering a buy-one-get-one deal on clearance items through Saturday. The sale section is currently stocked with women’s apparel, shoes, bags, gifts, and accessories.
The Denim Lounge (2039 W. Roscoe St., thedenimlounge.com) will host a “Dash for Detection” kickoff party on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. The event will offer drinks and 20 percent discounts on merchandise. Learn more about the dash here.
Opening
Saks Fifth Avenue Off Fifth (6 S. State St., saksoff5th.com) opens today in the Loop. With multiple levels, the store sells discounted goods from some 800 designer brands; inventory includes clothing, accessories, and footwear for men and women. Need incentive to visit? The first 50 shoppers to stop by today through Sunday will get a "sweet treat" that may contain a $100 gift card.
Trunk Shows
Handle With Care (1706 N. Wells St., handlewithcareboutique.com) will host a trunk show on April 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. The event will showcase spring styles from Chaser and Cupcakes and Cashmere; champagne, cupcakes, and makeup artists from Stylisted will also be on hand. During the show, shoppers can pick up one item and get the second one for 30 percent off.
M & Em’s (460 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn, mandems.com), the suburban boutique holds a trunk show for Infinite Warrior jewelry today through Saturday. The line features yoga-inspired jewelry made from semiprecious stones that are said to have healing properties.
Retail News of the Week
- The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum will honor legendary designer Bob Mackie at its gala on April 19. Read more.
- Local shopping center Block 37 has launched a digital shopping guide called Little Block Book. Read more.
- Stuart Weitzman has partnered with the charity Pencils of Promise to create a yellow-suede version of one of its popular sandal styles; the shoe will be available at the Chicago boutique. Read more.