July 27--Canadian menswear e-tailer Frank and Oak, which bills itself as a lifestyle brand "for the creative generation," is opening a long-term pop-up next month in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood, marking its second foray into the U.S.
Montreal-based Frank and Oak will open Aug. 8 at 1953 W. Wabansia Ave., a space last occupied by HomeMade Pizza Co. before the chain went out of business last year. The pop-up will operate for a year with the option to extend the lease to two years.
The company, which designs, manufactures and sells its own apparel and accessories, launches a new menswear collection online and in stores every month. Customers can pay $20 a year to become members of Hunt Club, whereby they receive a box of items selected by a style adviser that they can try on at home with no obligation to buy. Polos run about $40, casual pants about $60 and sneakers about $75.
Frank and Oak targets young men of the "creative class" not only through its designs but also immersive content. A blog features articles ranging from an interview with Skrillex to tips for beard grooming. The company also produces a biannual print magazine called Oak Street that "explores the intersection between work, culture, and community."
It also uses technology to connect with shoppers. The company, which has six stores in Canada, picked Chicago for its second U.S. location, after Boston, through an online competition similar to a crowdfunding campaign. Shoppers could vote for their city to get a store by pledging a certain amount of money, which they would get back in the form of a Frank and Oak gift card. The six cities that raised the most money are getting a store.
Frank and Oak, founded by childhood friends Ethan Song and Hicham Ratnani, has raised $21 million since its launch three years ago. Its most recent round of $15 million was led by Silicon Valley-based Goodwater Capital.
aelejalderuiz@tribpub.com
