Chicago is considered a primary retail and commercial hub of the U.S. Midwest, with a number of global and national retail companies establishing roots and recruiting talent in the city. This reputation is underscored by Chicago’s 13-year streak as the top U.S. metro for corporate relocation and site selection as of 2026, a momentum driven by commercial and industrial growth that generated over $1.7 billion in annual earnings in 2025. Chicago’s status as a premier retail hub is also fueled by a massive 5.5 million-person workforce and corporate retail presence, which power a retail investment market that saw $3 billion in sales through 2025.
From retail giants to local businesses, check out the retail companies with corporate office locations in Chicago and the the broader Chicagoland area.
Top Retail Companies in Chicago
- Amazon
- CVS Health
- Ulta Beauty
- Aldi
- Grainger
Retail Companies in Chicago to Know
Headquarters: Seattle, Washington
Amazon is a global retail and technology company that operates the world’s largest online marketplace, offering everything from household essentials to electronics with a focus on rapid delivery and logistics. Beyond retail, the company also provides cloud infrastructure through its Amazon Web Services (AWS) division, and continues to expand into digital streaming, artificial intelligence and satellite internet.
Amazon has a corporate office (Amazon office ORD10) located in Chicago’s West Loop.
Headquarters: Woonsocket, Rhode Island
CVS Health is a health solutions company that aims to provide affordable care through its network of pharmacies and health insurance plans. The company has retail locations across the United States that offer health and wellness products, in-person clinic visits and pharmacy services.
CVS Health has a corporate office located in the West Loop neighborhood of Chicago.
Headquarters: Bolingbrook, Illinois
Ulta Beauty is the largest specialty beauty retailer in the United States, offering a selection of thousands of products that span cosmetics, skincare and fragrances. Outside of retail, the company works to distinguish itself by running full-service hair salons in select stores and maintaining a presence through its loyalty program and partnerships.
Ulta Beauty’s headquarters is in Bolingbrook, Illinois, which is in the southwest suburbs of the Chicagoland area.
Headquarters: Batavia, Illinois
ALDI is a global supermarket chain and food retailer known for its private-label products and commitment to low-priced groceries for customers. Originally founded in Germany, ALDI has since expanded to operate thousands of stores internationally across Europe, the United States, Australia and China.
ALDI’s U.S. headquarters in Batavia, Illinois is in the far western suburbs of Chicago.
Headquarters: Lake Forest, Illinois
Grainger is a broad-line distributor of maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products, supplying global industrial and commercial businesses with an inventory of items ranging from safety gear and power tools to motors and lighting. The company aims to enhance its digital edge with technologies like machine learning, IoT, cloud automation and data-driven insights. Grainger operates an online retail platform as well as retail store locations across the United States.
Grainger is headquartered in nearby Lake Forest, with a corporate office in Chicago’s River North neighborhood.
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois
True Value Company is a global hardware wholesaler and retail brand that supplies hardware tools, paint and home improvement products. It supports thousands of independently-owned hardware retail stores with marketing, manufacturing and merchandising services, plus runs multiple of its own name brand stores throughout the United States.
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois
Paper Source is a stationery and gift retailer that offers a selection of specialty papers, stationery and desk supplies, custom invitations and curated gifts. The company also strives to foster a creative community by providing themed designs, crafting supplies and interactive workshops.
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois
Wilson Sporting Goods is a manufacturer and retailer of high-performance sports equipment, apparel and accessories, serving as the official ball provider for major organizations like the NFL, NBA and NCAA. The company offers a range of specialized sports gear, including those for tennis, baseball, basketball, football and golf.
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois
AKIRA is a fashion retailer that offers a size-inclusive collection of women’s apparel, footwear and accessories through its e-commerce platform and over 35 U.S. retail locations. Known for its latest trend styles, AKIRA also provides expert personal styling services and a curated selection of both private-label and high-end streetwear brands.
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois
Threadless is an online clothing retailer and e-commerce platform that sells a variety of apparel, home decor and accessories featuring designs from independent artists. The Threadless platform allows artists to turn their art creations into a product line, where the company handles logistics such as printing and shipping.
