Two New Athletic Stores Coming to Bucktown

As Wicker Park and Bucktown grow, they're keeping runners in mind

Nike may have just opened up shop in Bucktown, but two more athletic stores are right behind them. ASICS, a Japanese shoe and athletic apparel company, is planning on opening a location just across the street from the Nike store.

According to a senior director at RKF, a retail leasing firm that represents the building's owner, ASICS signed a lease at 1630 N. Damen. The company will be taking over the spot formerly occupied by retailer Psychobaby until they moved in July. This location will be the ASICS' first standalone store in the Chicago area, according to ChicagoRealEstateDaily.com

Last month, Chicago Real Estate Daily also reported that Indianapolis-based Finish Line, Inc. is also opening a location directly across the street from both Nike and ASICS, at 1629 N. Damen. According to the company's website, there are 36 stores in a 50-mile radius of Chicago, all housed within a shopping mall or Macy's location. The store on Damen would also be the company's first standalone shop in Chicago, much like ASICS. 

Right next to the forthcoming Finish Line store is a Lululemon Athletica store, which also sells high-end women's exercise apparel. As more national retailers flock to this area, it seems like they're keeping runners in mind. 

What do you think of these new shops opening up? Let us know on Twitter at @StrideNBC!

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