A new clothing boutique rooted in Navy Pier is set to open in DownTown Park Forest with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon on Saturday, Sept. 6. Swanqee, located at 301 Main St., is owned by Clifton Pickett and will be one of three businesses celebrating grand openings on that day.
Pickett, a DJ and entrepreneur, launched Swanqee as a clothing brand nearly a decade ago, drawing inspiration from his stage name and personal philosophy.
“I decided to start a clothing brand about eight or nine years ago,” Pickett said. “I took the word ‘swanky,’ which means being elegant and going out, and changed the spelling to Swanqee. Now it represents positivity.”
After hosting pop-up shops and eventually operating a store at Navy Pier, Pickett expanded Swanqee into a boutique concept that supports local artists and independent brands. His decision to move to Park Forest came after he recognized the potential in the Village’s downtown area.
“I literally drove down here one day and thought, ‘Oh my God, this is a beautiful place.’ It’s kind of deserted, but it’s beautiful. I see the potential," Pickett said. "After talking with one of the theater owners here, I knew this was where I was meant to be.”
The new store will offer Swanqee’s original clothing line, along with artwork, locally made items, and unique boutique pieces. Pickett also plans to provide small-batch custom printing for local businesses.
“My goal is to offer something affordable for small business owners who want to print shirts or custom designs,” Pickett explained. “Sometimes people just need 10 or 20, not 100.”
Swanqee will be open Tuesday through Friday from noon to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m. Pickett mentioned that the hours may adjust as he learns more about the community’s needs.
For him, the move to Park Forest represents not only business growth but also an opportunity to build community.
“I believe everything happens for a reason,” Pickett said. “It just takes one person to start something, and it can grow into a brand. I’m very happy to be here.”