Witty Midwestern Brand Raygun to Open New Location at Historic State & Madison Intersection

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/The Loop · November 14, 2025

The Loop's ongoing retail revival will gain a distinctive new voice this March as Raygun, the Midwest-based printing and clothing company known for its clever and often irreverent merchandise, prepares to open its second Chicago location at 5 N. State Street. The new shop, taking over a former Claire's store at the iconic intersection of State and Madison, represents a significant vote of confidence in downtown's recovery.

Mike Draper, who founded Raygun in 2005 and began by selling T-shirts on college campuses, is part of a wave of entrepreneurs taking advantage of the Loop's steady recovery. The area is seeing clusters of new restaurants, cafes, coffee bars, and clothing stores popping up in healthier areas, especially on tourist-heavy blocks like State Street. More than 30 new businesses will have opened by the end of 2025, according to the Chicago Loop Alliance. "What is happening, and it may not always feel like it, is that a recovery has started," notes John Vance, principal at Stone Real Estate Corp. Raygun joins other exciting newcomers to the downtown scene including Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Mendocino Farms, Hello Kitty Café, and River Roux Café and Bistro.

"Downtown! Yes indeed. Little shirt shop in the big city!" Raygun proclaimed with characteristic humor in their announcement of the new location. The company, which currently has an Andersonville store and eleven other Midwest locations, is known for products that celebrate regional pride with witty slogans and progressive values. Visit their storefront at 5 N. State Street to watch the progress as they prepare for their March opening, and experience how independent retailers are contributing to The Loop's vibrant transformation.

Sources:
1. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/10/chicago-loop-entrepreneurs-real-estate/
2. https://www.raygunsite.com/blogs/news/new-chicago-location
3. https://loopchicago.com/in-the-loop/new-businesses-in-the-loop/