Leica Camera to open Midwest flagship in Chicago
A well-known German camera brand is expanding its retail footprint with a flagship in Chicago's Gold Coast that combines retail, rotating exhibitions and hands-on experiences under one roof.
Leica Camera will open its first-ever Midwest flagship on April 30, on Chicago's Michigan Avenue, one of the city’s premier retail corridors. The two-floor, 5,000-sq.-ft. store is designed to offer an immersive retail environment where visitors can experience rotating gallery exhibitions, participate in workshops through the "Leica Akademie" and purchase Leica's full range of products, including cameras, watches, home cinema, sport optics and accessories.
Chicago’s architectural heritage is reflected in the new flagship, which features a restored Arts & Crafts facade. The Art Deco-influenced interior blends warm materials and clean lines.
The Chicago flagship opening coincides with the 20th anniversary of Leica’s retail operations, which began with the brand's first store in Japan. The new store adds to a network of around 120 Leica stores worldwide.
[READ MORE: First Look: Leica Camera opens immersive flagship in NYC]
"Chicago has one of the most dynamic and layered cultural histories in the world, shaped by artists and storytellers who are not afraid to challenge perspectives," said Karin Rehn-Kaufmann, art director and chief representative of Leica Galleries International. "Photography is one of the most powerful cultural forces of our time; it influences how we see, how we remember, and how we understand one another."
To honor Chicago's “vibrant artistic spirit,” the new flagship will open with a series of events celebrating the city. Installations by renowned artists including Alana Tsui and Dr. Romanelli will debut during the grand opening weekend, highlighting custom and bespoke works of art showcased throughout the store.
The grand opening will also culminate in the inaugural gallery exhibition, Life Unposed, by celebrated Leica photographer Craig Semetko, whose work captures the “humor, humanity and spontaneity of the world around us.” Semetko will join the opening on April 30 followed by a special artist discussion in conversation with Leica's Chicago gallerist, Lucas Zenk.
"For our Leica customers, a camera is not a one-time purchase. It is the beginning of a lifelong journey; and these experiential spaces are essential to cultivating and sustaining that relationship," said Mike Giannattasio, president of Leica Camera North America. "As we open our doors here, our commitment is not only to present extraordinary innovation and photography, but to foster a creative community that brings people together to create lasting emotional impact."
