Viral Plushie Brand Jellycat Brings Joy to The Loop with Second U.S. Location
By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/The Loop ·
British toymaker Jellycat — the company behind the popular 'jellies' plushies in shapes from animals to food — has opened its second permanent U.S. shop in the Loop. The 'shop-in-shop experience' inside Nordstrom's Michigan Avenue store opened in October. The space, called 'Road Trip to Joy,' is designed to feel like a playful cross-country stop, complete with immersive displays, local Chicago touches and an exclusive plush character called Carrot Cake. The opening marks just the second Jellycat shop-in-shop in the United States. Fans can explore a curated selection of the brand's popular characters and get a first look at future Jellycat 'destinations' as part of the brand's storytelling.
Founded by brothers Thomas and William Gatacre in London in 1999, Jellycat has evolved far beyond traditional teddy bears. The first character was a black cat named Jake Jellycat, and the collection now includes everything from bunnies to hot dogs to coffee cups, all sporting the brand's signature cute smile. The plush toy industry has grown an astonishing 102% from 2019-2024, with Jellycat at the forefront. As the regular lines at Chicago's new store indicate, the brand has captured the hearts of not just children, but adults too, who find joy and community in collecting these whimsical creations. Visit the new Jellycat shop inside Nordstrom on Michigan Avenue to experience this delightful addition to downtown Chicago's retail landscape!
Sources:
1. https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2025/10/03/british-toymaker-social-media-sensation-jellycat-store-chicago
2. https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/jellycat-opens-second-u-s-shop-in-shop-downtown-chicago
3. https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/18/chicago-jellycat-adult-plush-toy-craze