In a move that’s meant to turn airport terminals into destinations, Urban Outfitters has opened a free lounge at Chicago O’Hare International Airport with the goal of easing the holiday travel experience.
Launched on Nov. 19, 2025, the temporary installation is a key part of the retailer’s ambitious “Everything, Everywhere, All You Want” campaign, designed to combat seasonal chaos and inject some genuine joy into the season.
The pop-up, running through Dec. 14 in Terminal 2, is called “Club Holiday.” It’s a whimsical blend of festive design, described by the brand in a statement as “part igloo, part sandcastle,” giving travelers a much-needed moment of comfort and calm. For anyone passing through one of the nation’s busiest airports this month, the space offers a vibrant, playful pause.
From Jet Lag to Joy: Wishlists and Creator Sightings
Why set up shop in an airport? UO Head of Brand Marketing, Cyntia Leo, explained the strategy behind targeting high-stress environments. “The holidays come with enough pressure, so our goal is to make things feel easier and spark real moments of joy along the way,” Leo stated.
“We’re always focused on meeting our community where they are and for the moments that matter most. This season, that meant being a bright spot in the hustle of the holidays, whether that’s a pop-up between flights, a bounce house in the middle of the city or a digital wish list on Canva,” she added.
The lounge blends immersive physical design with digital utility. Guests can play holiday games, grab exclusive brand swag, and build their holiday gift registries using a Canva wishlist integration. The experience will be amplified by surprise appearances from Gen Z creators and community builders throughout its run.
NYC Gets a Bounce: UO Teams Up with Nike for Downtown Pop-Up
The O’Hare lounge isn’t the only destination UO has created this season. The brand is doubling down on experiential retail in New York City with a completely different kind of holiday event.
From Dec. 5-6, Urban Outfitters is partnering with Nike to launch a giant puffer-inspired bounce house. This playful, two-day event celebrates Nike’s latest puffer collection, available at Urban Outfitters, and offers a way for fans to “jump into the season.”
While the specific location for the New York activation is still under wraps, the focus remains on transforming high-traffic spaces into memorable, fun moments for their community.
The twin activations—the relaxed “Club Holiday” at O’Hare and the energetic Nike bounce house in NYC—underscore a broader retail trend: using creative, temporary spaces to connect with consumers on an emotional level during peak shopping times.
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This story was originally reported by Parade on Nov 21, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.