On April 8, plus-size clothing store Torrid opened a new location in Chicago, at 7 N. State St. in The Loop.
Shoppers partied with champagne and appetizers from noon to 5 p.m. in the 3,000-square-foot space. This is the first central business district location for the popular trendy store. Long lines filled the room throughout the day, with associates ringing up the paying customers while dance tunes played and discounts were given.
Fashion guru George Kotsiopoulos was on hand to celebrate the grand opening along with two model ambassadors, Georgina Burke and Philomena Kwao.
Kotsipoulos styled two lucky raffle winners during the day. He has styled a few of the brand's campaigns in the past so returned with that past experience.
The style expert spoke to Windy City, stating that all fashion sizes should be accessible to women while remaining fashion-forward and fun. When asked about missing Fashion Police on E!, he said that he missed Joan Rivers and laughing every week. Also, Kotsiopouloswho mentioned he went to Roscoe's Tavern the night before to watch a drag showwill be featured on QVC with his own brand.
Lisa Harperthe CEO of Hot Topic, who owns Torridtalked about the brand being around for 13 years and having opened 60 stores last year. There are future plans for more openings, with at least 60 more by the end of this year. Torrid is one of the fastest growing retail stores in the United States. This makes the tenth location in Chicago for Torrid, which specializes in clothes sizes 12- 28.
Visit torrid.com for locations and details.
Photos and text by Jerry Nunn