WEST LOOP — A second edition of the popular Bucktown-based Cat and Mouse Game Store will open in the West Loop Saturday.
The store's second location, at 1112 W. Madison St., will stock much of the same unique games, puzzles and toys that the Bucktown store is well known for, co-owner Linda Schmidt said.
As the game business expanded, Schmidt said she debated adding on to the Bucktown shop or opening a second store in another neighborhood. After looking at vacant storefronts, Schmidt was set on the next Cat and Mouse calling the West Loop home.
"I hadn't looked around this neighborhood for years," said Schmidt, who lives in Humboldt Park. "While there is not a ton of specialty retail yet, Madison [Street] has become a real commercial hub."
Schmidt hopes to court some of the future Google crowd, too, when their nearby offices open at 1000 W. Fulton Market.
Because of its proximity to downtown, the West Loop shop can host more events and game tournaments, she said. Owners have also applied for a Children's Activities Facility license that would allow the store to host after-school game clubs and drop-off activities, allowing parents to bring their kids in for a game night while they go out for the evening.
A Ticket to Ride board game tournament is scheduled for 1 p.m. Oct. 4 and a Settlers of Catan tournament, featuring the best-selling strategy board game, will take place at 1 p.m. Oct. 11 at the new store.
The West Loop store will host an opening party with food, drinks and a DJ from 6-10 p.m. Friday before officially opening Saturday.
The Bucktown Cat and Mouse Game Store, 2212 W. Armitage Ave., opened six years ago.
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