Global Sportswear Company Opening First Chicago Store on Damen

A designer sportswear store is moving into an empty Damen Avenue storefront this summer, sources confirmed Tuesday.

Gant USA is in the midst of completing a buildout at 1702 N. Damen Ave., said the space's landlord, who declined to be named.

As of Tuesday, the clothing company was "receiving its fixtures and furniture," he said. The store will be the first of its kind in Chicago, though Gant's merchandise is available at stores including Neiman Marcus, Barney's and Nordstrom.

Gant is a global clothing company that started in the U.S. and touts American sportswear including looks based on old uniforms, sport coats and parade gear, "mixed with local colors and civilian clothes brought from back home."

"Uniform details remain present but subdued with all direct traces removed, sun bleached and worn out in order to avoid detection," the site says, of the company's most recent collection. "The North African influence is is there in colors as well as fabrics."

The Wicker Park store could be open as soon as July, the landlord said, admitting he was making an educated guess. 

"I think it'll make a great addition to the neighborhood," he added.

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