Why the Magnificent Mile Continues to Attract Retailers

14,182-Square-Foot Flagship Slated to Open in 2027 at Key Michigan Avenue Intersection

Chicago, IL – American Eagle Outfitters has signed a lease for a new flagship store at 600 North Michigan Avenue, at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Ontario Street, adding another major national retailer to the continued repositioning of the Magnificent Mile.

The 14,182-square-foot flagship is expected to open on July 1, 2027, occupying a prominent corner opposite UNIQLO and completing both flagship corners at the property.

The Chicago flagship will be American Eagle’s second flagship store in the U.S., following the opening of its New York City flagship late last year—a statement to the retailer’s commitment to Chicago and the strength of North Michigan Avenue.

The surrounding stretch of Michigan Avenue continues to draw investment from national and global retailers, including the recent opening of Aritzia, a new home for The North Face, and the upcoming opening of The Cube—a London-based Urban Playground concept—set to debut its first U.S. location on the building’s third floor this summer. It also follows the recent announcement that the Candy Hall of Fame is coming to the third through fifth floors of 830 North Michigan Avenue in summer 2027.

“North Michigan Avenue has been and will continue to be one of the ten great avenues of the world. There are cycles in retail and real estate, and North Michigan Avenue retail is enjoying very positive momentum. American Eagle’s commitment to the Michigan Avenue and Ontario Street corner is a prime example of a nationally recognized retailer prioritizing North Michigan Avenue for an especially significant presentation. Retailers and investors who have been early believers in the Avenue’s recovery will be richly rewarded.”
— Stan Nitzberg, Principal, Mid-America Real Estate Corporation

Mid-America Asset Management’s Marget Graham, Dick Spinell, and Stan Nitzberg represented the owners of 600 N Michigan Avenue. American Eagle was represented by Jim Sakanich and Riley McCarron of CBRE.

###

About Mid-America

Mid-America Real Estate is #1 in retail real estate services in the Midwest, with full-service offices in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. An exclusive focus on retail property, combined with cutting-edge technology and unsurpassed service, distinguishes Mid-America within the industry and provides clients with a competitive edge. The total consideration value of leasing and investment sales transactions facilitated in 2025 was $2.6 billion. Mid-America leases and manages more than 50 million square feet of retail space, represents over 270 retailers, and provides comprehensive self-performing facility services. For more information, visit www.midamericagrp.com.