Chicago’s Southport Corridor continues to attract high-end national retailers, with luxury custom rug company Ernesta set to open its first Chicago showroom at 3530 N. Southport Avenue, former home to Claire’s.
The new showroom will occupy approximately 1,475 square feet next to Anthropologie, bringing the fast-growing home furnishings brand to one of the city’s most popular shopping destinations.
Founded in 2022 by Peloton co-founders John Foley, Hisao Kushi, and Yony Feng, Ernesta specializes in premium, custom-sized rugs designed specifically for each customer’s space. The company combines an online-first shopping experience with personalized design consultations, room visualization tools, and made-to-order rugs that cater to homeowners as well as interior designers.
Positioned as an upscale home furnishings brand, Ernesta has quickly established itself as a destination for customers seeking designer-quality rugs without the traditional showroom experience. The company has also attracted significant investor interest, raising $46 million in Series A funding to support its national expansion.
The addition of Ernesta further strengthens Southport Corridor’s reputation as one of Chicago’s premier retail districts, where established national brands continue to invest in brick-and-mortar locations alongside locally owned boutiques and restaurants. The neighborhood’s strong pedestrian traffic, affluent customer base, and vibrant shopping environment have made it a preferred destination for experiential retail concepts.
While an opening date has not yet been announced, Ernesta’s arrival adds another notable name to Southport Avenue’s growing collection of fashion, beauty, home, and lifestyle retailers.
Southport Corridor News and Events - Chicago, Illinois 