World Business Chicago’s cultural showcase program was first piloted with Colores Mexicanos located in a previously vacant retail space on the Mag Mile.

World Business Chicago’s cultural showcase program was first piloted with Colores Mexicanos located in a previously vacant retail space on the Mag Mile.

World Business Chicago, the city’s economic development agency, driving inclusive economic development and promoting Chicago as an international hub, announces the expansion of its cultural showcase program with the opening of two new retail spaces in The Wrigley Building: Argentine Connection at 410 N. Michigan, and Nordic House at 400 N. Michigan Avenue. These new cultural experiences are now open and run through the 2022 holiday season.

World Business Chicago’s cultural showcase program was first piloted with Colores Mexicanos located in a previously vacant retail space on the Mag Mile. Colores Mexicanos opened as a temporary pop-up in 2021 and the concept was so successful the lease was extended. This Mexican cultural experience features the sale of handmade clothing, rebozos, jewelry and home to cultural events like mezcal tastings, local artist exhibitions, and soccer viewing parties.

This cultural showcase program, part of Chicago’s COVID Recovery Plan, comprises a series of “pop-ups” that focus on a consulate, their culture, and Chicago businesses that represent that culture. Other cultural experiences are expected to open in the future. The mission for each showcase is to transform a vacant downtown storefront and promote small, local businesses—offering visitors and patrons enriching, immersive cultural experiences, and great gift shopping. The Consular Showcase prides itself on:

  • Highlighting Chicago’s culturally diverse communities.
  • Promoting small Chicago businesses and provide them with a unique opportunity to market themselves and grow revenue.
  • Increase foot traffic and commercial spending in downtown Chicago.

Argentine Connection and Nordic House feature authentic, handmade art, décor, jewelry, and other cultural treasures, anchored in love and honor for Argentine and Swedish traditions and culture. Specific information is below:

Argentine Connection enjoys the inclusion of:

Nordic House (Instagram: @NordicHouseChicago), is supported by:

  • Swedish American Museum
  • Consulate General of Denmark
  • Honorary Consulate of Finland
  • Honorary Consulate of Iceland
  • Honorary Consulate of Sweden
  • Norwegian Honorary Consulate

The opening of these new retail experiences includes a passport program. To participate, visitors are invited to stop by and pick up a passport at one of the three showcases. After visiting each of the three locations, and getting a stamp, guests can redeem the fully stamped passport for a limited-edition sticker.

World Business Chicago’s website and social will feature links and news about the showcases through the end of the year.  The economic development agency also invites interested businesses, with culturally authentic products, to apply for Summer 2023 Cultural Showcase pop-ups. Visit www.worldbusinesschicago.com/showcases for more information.

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