Women’s fitness apparel store Athleta opens in Park Ridge

An Athleta store is opening at the former location of Five Guys, a hamburger restaurant, at 25 S. Northwest Highway in Park Ridge.

Jaqueline Matthews, executive director of the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce, said it’s good to have a mix of both corporate and small businesses in Park Ridge’s central Uptown district.

The store has its grand opening Sunday, according to Klare Williamson of Athleta. Prior to opening, the brand participated in the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce’s Wine Walk event on May 1.

Athleta, a B Corporation, is a women’s and girls’ athletic and lifestyle wear brand. The company began in 1998, was acquired by Gap Inc. in 2008 and more recently expanded to a global market.

According to Williamson, Athleta’s goal by 2023 is to reach $2 billion in net sales.

Williamson said customers can expect the Park Ridge store to include 3,000 square feet showing the brand’s products for women, including their Athleta Girl collection which launched in 2016. Customers can order in store, buy online, pick up in store and get alterations. The store will employ about 20 to 30 people.

Williamson said Athleta’s products are for activity, a workday and in-between.

“Park Ridge is an amazing community… which made it a natural fit for our newest store,” Williamson said. “From the parks to the biking trails, we can’t wait to get out and explore!”

Matthews said the store would find a market in Park Ridge.

“We have people who are very dedicated to their health and wellness, we have many successful health and wellness organizations in Park Ridge… we’re a great environment,” Matthews said. “We have an amazing park district that contributes to the health and wellness of our people, our community. And so I think that it’s a wonderful enhancement to have a business like Athleta come to Park Ridge.”