WILMETTE, IL – Plaza del Lago, the historic shopping center in Wilmette, is set for a dramatic revitalization with the announcement of thirteen incoming businesses, including several prominent luxury and lifestyle brands. Ownership group WS Development revealed the comprehensive list on Monday, June 30, 2025, signaling a major step in their strategic curation of the property.
Among the thirteen businesses slated to open, nine had not been previously disclosed. These new additions are primarily focused on fashion and lifestyle, bringing a mix of established high-end names and popular contemporary brands to the North Shore destination. Many of these new tenants are targeting openings in July, accelerating the transformation of the center.
New Tenants Unveiled
The newly revealed roster features an impressive array of retailers designed to enhance Plaza del Lago’s appeal as a luxury and lifestyle hub. Headlining the list are esteemed fashion houses and sought-after brands including Oscar de la Renta, known for its elegant ready-to-wear and bridal collections, and LoveShackFancy, celebrated for its whimsical and feminine aesthetic.
They are joined by classic menswear purveyor Peter Millar, the popular lifestyle and loungewear brand Hill House Home, and the eclectic designs of Cynthia Rowley. Further enriching the fashion offerings are La Vie Style House, Veronica Beard, James Perse, and Jenni Kayne.
These nine businesses represent a significant infusion of new retail energy into the center, broadening its scope beyond its traditional offerings and aiming to attract a wider, fashion-forward clientele.
Anchor Stores and Previously Announced Arrivals
The newly announced tenants will complement several key businesses that had been revealed previously, anchoring the center’s redevelopment efforts. Chief among these is a substantial two-story, 8,000 square foot Hermés store, positioned as a major anchor for Plaza del Lago. The presence of the iconic French luxury brand underscores the elevated positioning of the center.
Also previously announced and eagerly anticipated is SPACE 519, the Chicago-based department store known for its curated selection of apparel, accessories, home goods, and gifts, which will also incorporate a dining component. SPACE 519 is scheduled to open on August 1.
Another significant prior announcement was rag & bone, the contemporary fashion brand. These anchor and early arrivals set the stage for the wave of new businesses now confirmed.
Opening Timelines Emerge
Specific opening dates have been provided for several of the incoming retailers, offering a clearer timeline for the public to experience the revitalized center. Rag & bone and James Perse are both slated to open their doors on July 9, marking an initial burst of activity. Jenni Kayne is set to follow shortly thereafter, with an opening date of July 11. As mentioned, the unique retail and dining concept of SPACE 519 will debut on August 1.
While many of the other new businesses are targeting openings throughout July, precise dates for the remaining nine tenants were not included in the initial announcement, though their inclusion in the June 30th reveal signals preparations are well underway.
WS Development’s Vision
WS Development President Samantha David commented on the significance of the announcement. She stated that revealing the names of the thirteen incoming businesses represents a “major milestone” in the company’s strategy for the historic shopping center. David emphasized the meticulous process of “curating the right mix” of retailers and experiences to best serve the community and enhance Plaza del Lago’s stature as a premier retail destination.
The development represents a pivotal moment for Plaza del Lago, which has seen the departure of several longtime local stores in recent years. The influx of these nationally and internationally recognized brands marks a clear pivot towards a luxury and high-end lifestyle positioning for the center.
Integrating with Existing Mainstays
The incoming businesses will join a roster of existing, well-established tenants that have served the Wilmette community for years. These include beloved local institutions like Convito Cafe & Market and Burhop’s Seafood, providing essential dining and grocery options. Complementing these are service providers such as StretchLab and Big City Optical, along with national retailers like CVS, Jewel-Osco, and Starbucks.
The coexistence of these long-standing, community-focused businesses with the new wave of luxury and lifestyle brands is central to WS Development’s vision of creating a dynamic and diverse shopping environment that appeals to a broad base of customers while elevating the center’s overall profile.
Outlook
The comprehensive announcement of thirteen new tenants, including high-profile names like Oscar de la Renta and LoveShackFancy joining anchor Hermés, signals a significant capital investment and strategic shift for Plaza del Lago under WS Development’s ownership. The planned July and August openings promise a rapid transformation of the center, positioning it as a major retail destination in the Chicago metropolitan area, particularly for those seeking luxury goods, contemporary fashion, and unique lifestyle offerings. The success of this ambitious revitalization will hinge on the integration of the new tenants with the existing center character and the ability to attract consistent foot traffic to the historic Wilmette location.
