Forman Mills Opens New Chicago Store in Time For Back-to-School Season

Sept. 1, 2011 - PRLog -- Forman Mills, one of the fastest-growing major retailers in the off-price apparel sector (www.FormanMills.com), today announced it is opening its third store in the Chicago area on Friday, September 2. Doors will open at 7 a.m. The new department-style store will be located at 120 W. 79 Street and inhabit the space formerly occupied by Dominick’s food store.

Just in time for back-to-school shoppers, the new Forman Mills shop in Chicago boasts 50,000 square feet of designer fashions sold at significant discounts on high-profile brand name apparel.  Catchy slogans that challenge shoppers to “Stretch Those Bills” and bright yellow facades help make Forman Mills a powerful and recognizable force on the retail scene.  The discounter is expected to be one of the area’s leading sources of school uniforms, as well as authorized apparel from major league sports teams, including the Chicago Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs and White Sox.

In honor of the opening, Chicago Bears wide receiver Johnny Knox will make an appearance at Forman Mills from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., on Sunday, September 4.

Forman Mills offers apparel for every member of the family, including a wide assortment of men’s, women’s and children's everyday and special occasion apparel, as well as school uniforms, shoes and home fashions.

“It was important to us that we get this store open in time for back-to-school,” said Richard Forman, the company’s founder and CEO.  “Forman Mills delivers the fashion people are seeking without breaking the bank. Families are struggling and we’re eager to help residents stretch their hard-earned dollars that much further.”

More than 200 new jobs are to be created as a result of the store opening, with an estimated $1 million expected to be annually invested by this store’s payroll into the Chicago economy.

Added Forman, “While the area has been hungry for fashion for some time, it is exciting for us to be among the first companies that really are investing in the community and one on of several retailers recognizing the importance of this market. We are looking forward to good things here.”

At the young age of 17, Forman launched his retail career with an $80 loan from his father in 1977.  He aggressively grew the business, personally overseeing and participating in every aspect.  He began to specialize, selling printed T-shirts three for $5, a promotion for which Forman Mills would become renowned.

In October 1981, Forman opened the first Forman Mills clothing store, then known as Forman Knitting Mills, in an alleyway on Frankford Ave. in Philadelphia.  The store combined an outdoor flea market with an indoor showroom.  

Through hard work, fair prices and quality merchandise, the first Forman Mills quickly became a major success, and in 1985, the first Forman Mills Factory Clothing Warehouse superstore opened in an old warehouse in South Philadelphia.

What began as Richard Forman’s simple flea market venture has grown into a nationally- respected brand. Today, Forman Mills thrives in areas that other retailers have often failed to explore.  The company continues to be successful, delivering affordable, quality merchandise to eager consumers in underserved, urban areas through its unique and enthusiastic marketing tactics.  The Forman Mills “shout,” heard on television and in radio spots around the country, has become the battle cry of the exceptional-value category shopper.

With the opening of the new Chicago store, the company will have more than 30 store locations.  It is the company’s third store in Illinois.  In addition to further Midwest expansion plans, Forman Mills is researching additional opportunities across western portions of United States.

Video preview at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rkwortpDJA&feature=related.



The hours of operation of Forman Mills in Chicago are Monday – Saturday 9 a.m.–9:30 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

Renowned for low prices, bright-yellow facades and catchy slogans, FORMAN MILLS CLOTHING FACTORY WAREHOUSE is a Philadelphia-area based retailer with more than 30 store locations.  The company is committed to bringing top quality goods at rock-bottom prices to consumers in underserved communities. www.FormanMills.com.

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