Gucci pop-up store lingers after NBA has left town

The Gucci pop-up store at 160 N. Morgan St. | David Roeder for the Sun-Times

The crowds and hoopla from the NBA All-Star game in Chicago have gone, but the Gucci pop-up store in Fulton Market, set up to snare the event’s biggest spenders, remains open through March 2.

Decorated in purple and filled with disco balls, the store at 160 N. Morgan St. is selling clothing, handbags and other items from Gucci’s “psychedelic” collection.

An assortment of items at the Gucci store, including an $8,900 guitar case.

It opened just in time for All-Star weekend in Chicago Feb. 14-16 and has a great location next to the CTA’s Morgan stop on the Green Line. But NBA royalty has departed, so what’s the market for its $1,700 jackets, $2,590 duffle bags and $670 sneakers?

A few customers ambled into the store after its opening Wednesday morning, but it appeared their cellphone cameras got more of a workout than their credit cards. Staff members confirmed the site will remain through March 2, but referred other questions to a Gucci spokeswoman, who did not return calls.

Gucci sneakers, ready to go.

The pop-up occupies and disguises a former South Central Bank branch. It’s a site owned by developer Sterling Bay.

The items, down to a $20 notebook, have a 1960s-influenced design credited to Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele that reworks the retailer’s “GG” logo.

The store is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. One possible benefit for shoppers: No lines.