WICKER PARK — A string of Dancing Bears or a "Steal Your Face"-inspired design based on one of the Grateful Dead's most iconic albums could soon be running across the tanned and happy feet of diehard Deadheads.
Until July 6, Grateful Dead fans will have a choice of buying one (or both) sandal styles at a Chaco pop-up shop opening two weeks before the soldout 50th anniversary concert weekend at Soldier Field.
The pop-up shop, at 1623 N. Damen Ave. inside of Timbuk2, was designed by Chicago-based Someoddpilot and kicks off with a free launch party from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday.
Complimentary beer from Logan Square's Revolution Brewing Company will be served to shoppers over age 21, and 5411 Empanadas will park a food truck outside the store, selling empanadas for $2.50 each.
Chaco's limited-edition Grateful Dead sandals cost $125 per pair.
"Our store activation in Chicago gives us a great opportunity to celebrate with Deadheads and also to engage a broader consumer group in a key market,” says Josh Weichhand, Chaco’s brand marketing manager. “The store concept marries classic Deadhead psychdelia with a modern design aesthetic to create a retail concept that we think is really unique.”
Chaco is part of a shoe conglomerate that also owns Merrell, Saucony and Cushe. Regular Timbuk2 merchandise, such as bags and accessories, be available during the two-week-long pop-up.
Timbuk2/Chaco pop-up, 1623 N. Damen Ave. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
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