Chris Casacchia

More consumers are shifting away from alcohol but the move has presented an opportunity for Chicago's craft beer industry.

More consumers are shifting away from alcohol, but the move has presented an opportunity for Chicago's craft beer industry.

Gold prices hit a record this week and the new gold rush is electrifying the jewelry industry and commodity markets — creating an unprecedented era for Chicago retailers, consumers and traders.

This year, gold is up 53.7%, and it's on track to have its best performance since 1979, when prices rose more than 100%.

Since the team’s victory against the Green Bay Packers, player jerseys and other Bears merchandise have been the top sellers for Chicago retailers.

The auction cements the spirit's top shelf position among alternative assets while highlighting the appeal of sellers and buyers flocking to Unicorn Auctions.

Online ticket exchanges are predicting the game will set the benchmark for record prices for a wild card game, as several factors prop up the market.

Venues with affiliations and partnerships with Big Ten schools fared even better, leveraging a deep roster of local alumni and other Midwest transplants.

President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement has been affecting Chicago’s labor market, notably tradesmen like roofers, framers, concrete layers and landscapers.

“As soon as we signed him we changed our thinking and moved our ticket sales targets up because we anticipated him bringing in more interest,” Sox chief revenue and marketing officer Brooks Boyer said.