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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.

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Metro East

Fantasy Books Inc.

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Southern Illinois

The Chocolate Factory

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:

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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
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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
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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.
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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

Showcasing the retailers who make Illinois work. Subscribe and never miss out on new stories.

WE ARE RETAIL

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