Replica Chicago, which grew out of an online business, will take over the empty storefront next door. View Full Caption Submitted photo; DNAinfo/Heather Cherone

JEFFERSON PARK — Replica Chicago, which had a blockbuster holiday season, will expand and take over the empty storefront next to its Milwaukee Avenue store in Jefferson Park.

"I'm so happy to be part of this neighborhood," said Lyn Hooley, who owns the store and custom printing business with her husband Jeremy. "We swiped up the vacant space before someone else took it."

After starting online, Rep Chi opened its Jefferson Park store at 4425 N. Milwaukee Ave. in 2012, and has been the go-to source for Chicagophiles all over the city ever since.

The expanded space will allow the store to stock more of its Chicago-themed shirts and gifts — and hold classes — including candle making — and special events, Lyn Hooley said.

The plan is to knock out part of the shared wall between the existing store and the empty space next door to more than doubling the store's floor space, Lyn Hooley said.

"A lot of folks didn't think a little shop like ours would sustain here," Lyn Hooley posted on Facebook, thanking her friends, family and customers. "It seriously means the world to us."

An online competition, sponsored by Ald. John Arena (45th), named Replica Chicago the best retail establishment in the 45th Ward.

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