My initial work with Lotties began as a freelance creative focused on building out a fresh line of retail offerings (above and below). From headwear and apparel to accessories, I developed new and exciting products that captured the character of the brand and gave fans unique ways to connect with their favorite neighborhood bar. This product-first approach laid the foundation for expanding Lotties into a lifestyle brand and set the stage for the successful development and launch of its e-commerce platform.
As part of my work shaping Lotties Pub’s retail identity, I designed a signature hat that quickly became one of the brand’s best-selling products. Its impact grew even further when Preston Brust of the country music duo LOCASH was seen wearing it (below), giving the piece cultural relevance and extending Lotties' reach well beyond Chicago. The hat’s success exemplifies how intentional design, paired with authentic moments of influence, can transform merchandise into a true lifestyle statement while driving meaningful sales growth.
A standout concept was designing custom basketball jerseys, built for retail and inspired by the core elements of the Lotties brand.
Cream/Off-White: Honoring Lotties’ status as an official alumni bar for the University of Kansas Alumni Association, and the only Chicago bar that is 100% Kansas alumni owned.
Green Camo: A nod to the bar’s connection and love for country music.
Black: Paying tribute to the city it calls home, with details inspired by the Chicago flag.
As my role expanded, I partnered with Lauren Rogina to guide the full e-commerce launch of shoplottiespub.com, transforming Lotties Pub from a beloved Chicago bar into a lifestyle retail brand. My role touched every stage of the process — from designing site structure and managing the Shopify backend to curating product presentation and shaping the brand storytelling.
The result was a digital storefront that not only showcased Lotties merchandise but also captured the character and community spirit of the pub. The launch generated immediate traction with loyal patrons and new customers alike, expanding the brand’s reach beyond its physical walls and creating a fresh revenue stream that positioned Lottie’s for long-term retail growth.
Following the launch of shoplottiespub.com, I equipped the Lotties team with the tools and knowledge to successfully manage their new e-commerce platform. This included hands-on training for staff on website maintenance and updates, as well as the creation of a detailed operations manual for day-to-day reference. In addition, I provided coaching and a strategic roadmap for SEO best practices, ensuring the site was not only sustainable but also positioned for long-term growth and visibility.
CREDITS
Creative & Retail Marketing Consultant: John Sandberg
E-Commerce Consultant: Lauren Rogina
