So, if you watch any Blackhawks games on TV or paid any attention to the news when the "new" Blackhawks store opened you probably expect to walk into giant Blackhawks emporium selling all the official Blackhawks apparel, gear, accessories, etc. and be in absolute awe. It was promised as the ultimate Blackhawks fan experience. If that's the case, you'll be very disappointed.
The "old" Blackhawks store was a tiny store packed with everything you could possibly be looking for. The back wall had all the players jerseys and blank jerseys available for purchase or customization. Player jerseys used to cost $225 while blank jerseys were $140ish if I remember right. Two years ago I paid about $220 to have a blank jersey customized. The store also had a wall of pucks, books, mugs, DVDs, stickers, etc., a wall of hats, and clothing racks everywhere with all sorts of apparel. While this store was cramped, it had everything you could want and served it's purpose really well. It featured Blackhawks gear from floor to ceiling.
Now for the "new" store... When you walk in the doors there is a ton of Blackhawks memorabilia all over the walls, signed gear, game worn gear, etc., there is a wall of flat panels playing game footage, and there is a giant Blackhawks logo made from hockey sticks. Definitely pretty cool. When you walk into the main part of the store everything is very sterile. It's white everywhere. White walls. White floors. White fixtures. Is this supposed to be a high end boutique or a sporting apparel store?!? Nothing about this space screams Blackhawks. In fact, if you packed up all the Blackhawks gear you wouldn't have any clue you're in a space occupied by the Chicago Blackhawks. It's as if they hired Burberry to design the store.
As for the apparel, gear, and accessories, everything is incredibly expensive and the shelves tend to be pretty sparse. Player jerseys have a $350 price tag attached. Who can afford that?!? These aren't replica jerseys though but still, that's expensive. You can find all their replica jerseys on their website for a more reasonable price and there are a few other venues in the city selling officially licensed gear for far more reasonable prices. Also, the selection of gear in this store is also quite limited.
If I'm looking for some Chicago Blackhawks gear I won't return to this store. I'm not willing to pay a premium in this tourist trap of a store when I can shop online and find the items I'm looking for. read more