Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

New Wicker Park Shop Sells Parkas That Will Keep You Warm in Antarctica

By Alisa Hauser | September 7, 2016 9:34am
 Arc'teryx is now open at 1630 N. Damen Ave.
Arc'teryx Opens
View Full Caption

WICKER PARK —  Though this week's heat wave makes it hard to think about winter, a new store selling rugged outerwear that will keep its wearers warm even in South Pole-like weather has opened on Damen Avenue. 

Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Arc'teryx quietly opened its first Chicago outpost at 1630 N. Damen Ave. last week, replacing the shuttered Asics.

A grand opening celebration is set for 5-8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday with food, music, prizes and gift bags for the first 50 shoppers Saturday morning, according to the Arc'teryx Chicago website.

The shop's sales and training manager, Alex Freeman, said on Tuesday that the expansion created about 10 jobs.

When asked what sets Arc'teryx apart from other rugged outdoor retailers on the same block, such as Stio and Fjallraven, Freeman said that the brand attracts customers who are jazzed about the performance-driven durability of the coats and who have an "obsession with details."

Modeling a moss green Patera parka that costs $640, Lauren Kirk, a sales clerk, said the coat has a Gore-Tex waterproof and breathable shell.

Kirk, who lives in Humboldt Park, said she's an avid mountain climber and was at a climbing gym when she saw a notice that Arc'teryx was hiring and immediately applied for the gig.

Freeman said prices start around $150 for an Arc'teryx fleece item and can go up to about $1,000 for a "parka that will keep you warm in Antarctica."

Arc'teryx makes rugged outerwear, equipment and gear, such as ski jackets, parkas and gloves.  In Chicago, Arc'teryx apparel can be bought at Moosejaw Mountaineering, REI, The Runner's Edge and Nordstrom.

MildBlend, an independently owned boutique at 1324 N. Milwaukee Ave. which carries 60-80 brands in its store, including Arc'teryx, will no longer sell the coats now that the brand has opened a dedicated store nearby, co-owner Candise Cho said.

Cho also stopped stocking Fjallraven in early 2015 when the Swedish brand set up its own store.

Arc'teryx distributes its products through more than 3,000 retail locations in 40 countries worldwide.

Arc'teryx, 1630 N. Damen Ave. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, except for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Phone: 773-697-7381.

Arc'teryx has opened.  [DNAinfo/Alisa Hauser]