United Colors of Benetton Shutters Doors

The notion of a potential holiday shopping boost being right around the corner isn't keeping the doors to the local United Colors of Benetton open.

The Lincoln Park clothing store at 833 W. Armitage Ave. has closed, according to a Crain's Chicago Business story published on Monday.

An international business, Benetton Group is present in 120 countries around the world, according to its website, and has a network of more than 6,500 stores. Its "bread and butter" is apparel with a strong Italian style and influence.

Despite its global success, the store wasn't resonating with local shoppers.

Crains reports: 

The closure doesn't come as a huge surprise, as many retail analysts have said the brand operated the location at a loss just to maintain the cachet of a trendy non-mall location.

The retail area on North Halsted Street between Armitage and Webster avenues has struggled to keep its tenants, according to the report. 

"A year ago, Barneys Co-op vacated its nearby Halsted location," the story says. "Other major retailers that have closed in the area since 2008 include Paul Frank, Lucy Activewear Inc., Betsey Johnson and an Abercrombie & Fitch."

The store's Magnificent Mile location at 520 N. Michigan Ave. remains open, as does one in the suburbs at Old Orchard Shopping Center, according to the company's website.

To read more background on the story, check out a previously published Crain's article that addresses some of the issues of that shopping area.