JC Licht

JC Licht is an independent specialty retailer focused on premium paints, window treatments, and wall coverings, serving both residential and commercial customers across the Midwest. The company traces its roots to 1907, when it opened as a single paint store in Chicago. Over the decades, JC Licht built its reputation on personalized service and deep product expertise, becoming a trusted source for homeowners, contractors, and designers.

As of November 2025, JC Licht operates 62 stores throughout Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana. This makes it the largest Benjamin Moore dealer in the Midwest. The company’s locations include flagship design centers as well as smaller neighborhood stores, reflecting a flexible approach to retail formats. In recent years, JC Licht has accelerated its expansion, targeting high-traffic urban and suburban markets, particularly in the Chicago metro area, suburban Illinois, Milwaukee, and Northwest Indiana. Growth has come through a mix of opening new stores and acquiring independent paint retailers, allowing the company to broaden its reach and strengthen its presence in established retail corridors and growing residential communities.

A notable milestone in JC Licht’s evolution has been the integration of additional product lines, such as Farrow & Ball paints and Hunter Douglas window fashions, expanding its offerings beyond core paint products. The company remains headquartered in Chicago and employs approximately 400 people as of 2025.

JC Licht’s ongoing expansion and its ability to adapt store formats to a variety of locations have established it as a reliable and stable retail tenant. Its consistent investment in both flagship and neighborhood concepts, along with its status as a leading regional dealer for major brands, underscores its credibility and staying power within the home improvement and design sector.