National chain is set to open a retail store in former Ulta Beauty (orange awnings), located at 103 S. Washington Street at Van Buren Avenue, with an entrance from the spacious Van Buren Lot, too. (PN Photo)
City of Naperville Report
Downtown Naperville has long been a destination for residents and visitors and a coveted location for businesses looking to expand. Over the last two months, several downtown spaces have been reinvented with new shopping, dining, and office experiences, with more to come before the end of 2024. Notably, this economic powerhouse location will soon welcome a longstanding national retailer to the mix: Abercrombie & Fitch.
Abercrombie & Fitch has been a specialty retailer of quality apparel, outerwear and fragrance since 1892 and will open in 2025 at 103 S. Washington St., the space formerly occupied by Ulta Beauty.
“Abercrombie & Fitch’s classic All-American style is a perfect complement to its surrounding stores – Athleta, Aerie and Offline by Aerie,” Downtown Naperville Alliance Executive Director Katie Wood said. “Together, these stores will attract customers to Downtown Naperville eager to update their wardrobes with trendy fashion apparel, activewear, intimates and more.”
Public-private partnership attracts variety of new businesses
Economic development in Naperville is a public-private partnership. Specifically, in the downtown, the Naperville Development Partnership, Downtown Naperville Alliance, and the City of Naperville work together to support development efforts, including regular reinvestment in infrastructure and aesthetics to attract new businesses and customers alike. With many of these new businesses set to open along or near Washington Street, which has been the focus of reconstruction and streetscape enhancements over the past two years, the upgrades in this area have not gone unnoticed by companies wanting to call Naperville home.
“Illinois’ second-largest retail economy continues to attract a variety of businesses to all four corners of Naperville,” Mayor Scott Wehrli said. “Part of the draw to our downtown is the reinvestment we, as a city, make in our infrastructure. We rely on the strength of our roads, bridges and utilities to drive long-term viability and security. From world-class companies and restaurants to locally owned small businesses and retailers, Naperville has a space for all to succeed.”
The focus on attracting a wide variety of businesses to the downtown area means there is something for everyone to enjoy, including several new stores, restaurants, and offices that have opened or will be opening shortly.
Retail
- Everything But Water (55 S. Main St., now open) – Designer swimwear, resort wear & accessories for your head-to-sandy-toe getaway wardrobe.
- Kendra Scott (55 S. Main St. – opening Oct. 11) – An accessories brand defined by a beautiful collection of dynamic and colorfully confident pieces that exude the passion and vibrancy of its CEO and designer, Kendra Scott.
- The Gallery (133 S. Washington St. – opening soon) – New, used and consignment athletic sneakers and sportswear.
Dining
- Ichiddo Ramen (204 S. Washington St., now open) – Experience the ultimate comfort in a bowl with Ichiddo’s authentic ramen.
- Insomnia Cookies (22 E. Chicago Ave., now open) – Here to the rescue when that craving for something sweet hits (even at 1 a.m.!), Insomnia Cookies offers in-store, pickup, and delivery options for customers to experience the company’s signature warm, delicious cookies.
- Lotus Banh Mi (206 S. Washington St., opening soon) – A Vietnamese restaurant concept with over five locations in the Chicagoland area.
- Pronto Italian Subs (221 S. Washington St., opening soon) – A celebration of Italian cuisine and culture, Pronto will bring authentic Italian sandwiches to the heart of downtown Naperville.
- TemptInn (220 S. Washington St., opening early November) – Cuisine featuring an Italian & Indian fusion.
- Tapville Social (216 S. Washington St., now open) – In addition to the restaurant and tasting room, Tapville Social now has an expanded private event space for up to 100 guests.
Office
- Wells Fargo Bank (47 E. Chicago Ave., permits pending) – Retail bank branch
- Fidelity (47 E. Chicago Ave., permits pending) – Financial institution
For additional details about each business, visit www.downtownnaperville.com/directory.
