I trying to locate a retail or outlet store that specializes in travel equipment and apparel....?

Roots has a lot of travel accessories and apparel. Also, the Container Store is worth checking out for storage equipment, but of course no apparel. Eddie Bauer has both but it is geared a little more to camping.

Try www.travelsmith.com.

Also try REI, Magellans, Sundowners, they all have excellent websites and some have outlet stores.

Well, in the Chicago area you can always try Erehwon (http://www.erehwon.com/storelocations.asp?), REI in nearby Niles (http://www.rei.com/stores/niles/) or good ol' Uncle Dan's army surplus (well, they used to be army surplus, now they're upscale) (http://www.udans.com/istar.htm?info)