Think spring arrivals and discover what’s new along Main Street in downtown Naperville. Venture throughout the Central Business District where folks are sure to find plenty of shopping and dining venues ready to please every taste every day. Parking is free, too. (PN File Photo)
Downtown Naperville has a long history as a destination for residents and visitors. It’s also a coveted location for businesses looking to expand. Over the last several months, downtown spaces have been reinvented with new shopping, dining and office experiences.
Notably, this economic powerhouse location soon will welcome Abercrombie & Fitch, a longstanding national retailer to the mix at 103 S. Washington St. The store is scheduled to open Jan. 31.

In mid-December, Downtown Naperville Alliance and Naperville Development Partnership issued news that on the heels of recent openings, the Central Business District will welcome (and welcome back) the two national retailers in 2025.
ALO will be new to downtown, opening at 21 W. Jefferson Ave. and featuring an array yoga/athleisure wear.

Just steps from its former location, Barnes & Noble will return to a new address at 9 W. Jackson Ave. in the spring of 2025.
Le Macaron at 23 W. Jefferson Ave. and Rowan, an ear piercing/jewelry boutique, at 50 S. Main St., also expect to open this spring.
Downtown Naperville recently has welcomed three new restaurants including Ichiddo Ramen, Lotus Banh Mi, and Temptinn, all located on Washington Street, aligning with the completion of Washington Streetscape construction, and two new stores, Kendra Scott and The Gallery 630.
“We’re excited to welcome so many new businesses to Downtown Naperville,” said Katie Wood, DNA Executive Director, noting teamwork with Monica Conners, Naperville Development Partnership President.
“Together with over 300 existing retail, restaurant and service establishments in the Central Business District, these new additions will continue to drive the success and vitality of our downtown,” Wood added. “We’re proud to be the preferred shopping and dining destination in the western suburbs.”
Wood noted that Abercrombie & Fitch has been a specialty retailer of quality apparel, outerwear and fragrance since 1892 and will open in 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,” 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
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, upgrades have not gone unnoticed by companies wanting to call Naperville home.
“Our downtown continues to thrive with exciting new businesses that have chosen to invest in Naperville,” said Mayor Scott Wehrli. “The City’s commitment to infrastructure improvements and streetscape upgrades shine bright, and the long-awaited completion of the Washington Street Bridge is within sight. Imagine a bridge likely to last through the year 2100.”
Mayor Wehrli continued, “Real estate brokers are reporting brisk activity in the area—attributed to this significant refresh. I’m excited for our future.”
The focus on attracting a wide variety of businesses to the downtown area means something is for everyone to enjoy and experience.
Recently opened retail include Everything But Water (55 S. Main St.) featuring designer swimwear, resort wear and accessories for a “head-to-sandy-toe getaway wardrobe.”
Kendra Scott (55 S. Main St.) offers 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.) sells new, used and consignment athletic sneakers and sportswear.
What’s more, find plenty of free parking just east of Washington St., around the corner with an entrance from Jefferson Ave., conveniently located for all the new establishments along Washington St.

Six new restaurants recently opened
Find Ichiddo Ramen (204 S. Washington St.) to experience the ultimate comfort in a bowl with Ichiddo’s authentic ramen.
Insomnia Cookies (22 E. Chicago Ave.) will rescue that craving for something sweet hits (even at 1AM!). 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.) is a Vietnamese restaurant concept.
Pronto Italian Subs (221 S. Washington St.) features Italian cuisine and culture, bringing authentic Italian sandwiches to the heart of downtown Naperville.
TemptInn (220 S. Washington St.) features Italian & Indian fusion.
Tapville Social (216 S. Washington St.) added a tasting room, Tapville Social, an expanded private event space for up to 100 guests.
For more information about all things happening in downtown Naperville, visit www.downtownnaperville.com.
More about downtown Naperville in January 2025
The Great Indoor Winter Sidewalk Sales are set for all weekend, Jan. 17 through Jan. 20. Participating shops will be cutting winter prices in preparation for the incoming spring fashions. It’s the perfect opportunity to redeem your Downtown Naperville holiday gift cards, accepted at 150+ businesses where folks can let the shopping begin. Enjoy the opportunity to support local enterprises while treating yourself to traditional styles, delicious eateries and all that’s new throughout downtown. For more info, visit downtownnaperville.com.
Restaurant Week runs January 20 through February 3
For everything about Naperville Restaurant Week, visit www.dinenaperville.com. Check out new listings as well as the tried-and-true restaurants throughout downtown to please every taste and appetite.