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Showcasing the retailers who power the Illinois retail industry.

Whether you’re starting your retail career or looking to grow your business, our mission is to support and celebrate your journey to success in Illinois retail.

Explore Retail Stories

WE ARE RETAIL

We Are Retail is dedicated to empowering and celebrating Illinois’ diverse retail community. From local shops to thriving small businesses, we’re here to shape, connect, and grow the future of retail in Illinois.

We Are Retail features a diverse array of retailers across Illinois.

To find one near you, check out the new map feature!

Retailer Map

What Illinois retailers are saying:

I really do love that people can come here and say I feel seen... and you just realize that you're doing something more than what you think. You're not just selling something.

DinaENJOY

When we see our people come in the door and just get hyped up for our products, that's rewarding. For me, it's like striking gold... seeing people's eyes just light up and then connect with it.

NoahMother Murphy's

I just think that this is the best leap of faith that I've ever taken, and if I had to do all over again, I would a hundred times over.

BarbaraCuddle Bunny

In retail, I love the idea that every day is a challenge. Everything's new. One thing is really hot one week and another trend happens another week, and you have to kind of chase these evolving retail environments. To me, that's fun.

MichealFroth

What I really like about retail is that each day is a unique day. You have no idea what's going to happen. The possibilities are endless.

KevinKone Ranger

Retail is so different because children walk in your store, and older adults walk in your store. You get such a variety of people to be able to speak to, laugh with, and have fun with. It just makes your day. It's a very nice realm to be in.

CandyTaste of Candy

Retail, I do think, can be a career that you actively want to pursue, and I don't think it is this secondhand, less valuable work in any capacity. It's honestly, I think, more valuable than a lot of corporate jobs available.

BethWolfbait and B-Girls

I think the coolest part about being a retailer is that we are able to play into the things that are actively happening in the world and adjust our stock, adjust our mindsets, adjust our messaging and merchandising accordingly.

DanielleSemicolon Books

Retail taught me that the hard work we put into building a supportive, family-like team environment comes back tenfold in the culture and energy of the store.

LeahEmbers + Apothecary Co.

We've seen the neighborhood around us blossom. Being part of that transformation and knowing we’ve contributed to it is incredibly rewarding.

JaneSalvage One

I think retail is a blank canvas. That's why I love retail... it is an experience that someone crafted.

AdriennePonnopozz