Two longtime retail tenants in Oakbrook Center have expanded their presence in the mall with larger stores that opened in April.
Jeweler CD Peacock, which has been in business since 1837, on April 3 opened a luxury 20,000 square feet flagship store, The CD Peacock Mansion at 298 Oakbrook Center. Inspired by lenticular cloud formations, the structure incorporates a serpentine glass facade that gives way to sun-drenched interiors, featuring organic forms, custom furnishings, and a heightened experiential environment, according to information from CD Peacock.
In addition, on April 18, Aritzia, which launched its business in 1984, opened a newly expanded boutique that spans more than 14,000 square feet, nearly double the size of its original boutique at Oakbrook Center.
“Oak Brook is a top destination for fashion and jewelry,” said Serge Khalimsky, Oak Brook Center’s senior general manager. “The fact that these two stores decided to expand here tells me they were wildly successful and want room to grow.”
The CD Peacock Mansion represents Vice Chairman Steven Holtzman’s vision for building the United States’ premier jewelry and watch shopping destination by bringing 187 years of history-making moments to life, according to a release from CD Peacock.
“Now, three generations of the Holtzman family will usher in this new era to preserve the enduring legacy of one of the country’s leading jewelers, founded in 1837, by rethinking the typical jewelry store shopping experience,” the company stated, adding that the basis for creating The Mansion was to engage each of the five senses in ways that elevate the shopping environment.
“We know that generations of Chicagoans have shared historic moments with CD Peacock since 1837, which is why we have focused our storytelling around the notion of ‘making history’,” Holtzman said in a release. “We are revolutionizing the way clients shop for watches and jewelry by changing the face of luxury retail with a Chicago twist.”
An array of private and semi-private rooms with intimate seating areas are available for clients, including a Bridesmaid Room and Proposal Room.
“Clients are encouraged to bring their creativity to The Mansion, which will feature an in-house jewelry designer who can create bespoke jewelry or refresh an existing piece,” the company stated.
The Mansion has an extensive assortment of watch straps with materials such as alligator, crocodile, kangaroo, and calf leather and suede. A special selection of Chicago-made Horween leather straps will also be exclusively available at The Mansion, the company stated. The Mansion also features on-site jewelry and watch repair service.
The company said a focus on hospitality is another key feature of its new facility, with a full-service, circular bar with a beverage menu that has an extensive array of cocktails, mocktails, and flavored lemonades with gemstone-inspired names. The Mansion also features a commercial kitchen and event spaces for hosting private events, charity functions, and exclusive culinary experiences.
Outfitted with 19 styling suites, the new Aritzia boutique will feature details such as hand-painted murals, specially curated furniture, and a marble feature wall from Italy, according to information from the company.
Aritzia specializes in women’s clothing and accessories, including jackets, coats, sweaters, and dresses. The company bills itself as a design house with an innovative global platform.
“We are creators and purveyors of everyday luxury, home to an extensive portfolio of exclusive brands for every function and individual aesthetic,” the company stated. “We’re about good design, quality materials and timeless style — all with the wellbeing of our people and planet in mind.”
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
