In an effort to expand job opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired, The Chicago Lighthouse has launched an exciting new retail venture at Navy Pier, the city’s premier tourist attraction. The NEW Chicago Lighthouse Retail Store is NOW OPEN during Navy Pier Operating Hours.

The store provides full-time and part-time employment for individuals with visual impairments and offers a broad array of colorful gift items focusing on lighthouse and nautical-related themes.

Among products available are Lighthouse replicas, home décor items, clocks, adult/kids apparel and children’s toys/games/books. Prices range from $2.50 to $50.00 per item to appeal to a wide variety of customers.  All revenues go directly to supporting the 28 programs at The Chicago Lighthouse that are dedicated to improving the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired.

The Navy Pier store is overseen by two managers who are visually impaired:  Rob Cancilla, director of new business development, who supervises the operation and Elbert Ford who serves as manager.

Hours for the Navy Pier Store are:
Sun-Thurs 10-8pm
Fri and Sat 10-10pm  

For further information, please contact:
Terry Longo
Executive Vice President/ Chief Operating Officer
Ph: 312-997-3660
Email: terry.longo@chicagolighthouse.org

To view a video about the Navy Pier Store, click here.

Elbert Ford, tending the store at The Chicago Lighthouse Shoppe

Wine bottle "lifejackets" 

 Lighthouse replica novelty items