Chicago Shopping

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Chicago has department stores a la Macy’s, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales and Saks offering sprawling floors of inventory as well as plenty of independently owned shops stocking the uncommon while sporting a ton of heart and personality.

Visitors and locals adore shopping along the Magnificent Mile and Water Tower Place (as evidenced by the throngs no matter the weather) because, honestly, it’s all there from Uniqlo to Tiffany, American Girl Place  in Water Tower Place to an Amazon Pop-up Store in The Shops at North Bridge. You can stroll and window shop outdoors and pop into one of the indoor malls like 900 N. Michigan Shops for a breather from icy winds or thick-as-pea-soup humidity in the summer. Attracting tons of international tourists, Michigan Avenue is perfect for people watching, too. Those shopping according to Gywneth’s goop, may want to take a turn just a tad west for Oak Street’s couture and class.

Like many urban downtown areas, State Street had it’s tacky era but we’re gleeful to report that the Great Street is back teeming with with college students and their fave shops like American Apparel and Urban Outfitters. Macy’s, ensconced in our beloved Marshall Field’s building, is a testament to the rich history of American department stores, and don’t miss Block 37  with its eclectic mix of retail and dining in a five-story shopping mall.

Chicagoans love their neighborhoods and the indie retailers lining Wicker Park, Bucktown, Andersonville, Edgewater, Lincoln Square and others. Take a water taxi to Chinatown for great eats and shops offering inexpensive imported treasures.

The suburbs beckon with an impressive designer outlet mall is in suburban Rosemont, next to O’Hare, and one of the largest indoor malls in the country, Woodfield Mall, lies just a little further northwest in suburban Schaumburg.

WOODFIELD MALL

Every imaginable national clothing store chain is inside this massive, indoor mall, one of the largest in the United States. You’ll find everything from Claire’s Boutique to Coach, plus kiosks inviting customers to sample new products. Nearly 30 full and quick service eateries are scattered throughout and a new dining pavilion is in the works. Entertainment options include The Improv, a comedy club, and Yu Kids Island, a toddler play area. Mall exercisers can blow out their pedometers walking the more than 2.2 million square feet and if you can take even more retail exposure, hop the trolley to more shops outdoors at Woodfield Village Green and The Streets of Woodfield.

ANDERSONVILLE

During the 19th century immigrant Swedish farmers began to move north from the center of the city into what was then considered a suburb of Chicago. By the 20th century, the entire commercial strip was dominated by Swedish businesses and today the smorgasbord includes the Swedish American Museum and one-of-a-kind, locally owned, independent businesses. Among the shops in the National Historic District you’ll find more than a few antique and vintage stores; candy shops; bookstores; lots of spots featuring clothing and accessories; furniture; music; kitchenware; pet supplies; shoes; and food and wine. Unfortunately, Swedish Bakery recently closed after 88 years but you can still get pickled herring or the Stockholm Special at Svea.

RIVER NORTH

Chicago’s gallery district in the River North neighborhood is just a few blocks from Michigan Avenue and if you’re shopping for original art, this is your bliss among the former warehouses turned exhibition spaces. If the creme de la creme of furniture and home decor is calling, you’re a few blocks from the Merchandise Mart and furniture showrooms. Don’t miss The Golden Triangle, an 18,000 square foot global design resource featuring hand-selected vintage and modern furnishings from around the world. The Bloomingdales Home Store in the former Medinah Temple is four levels of luxury home furnishings set in the distinctive historic building. Treat yourself to chocolate in the new neighbor, L.A. Burdick, and P.O.S.H. has been enchanting locals and visitors for years with its flea market finds, hotel silver and French kitchen accessories.

STATE STREET

Like many urban downtown areas, State Street had it’s sad, downtrodden days but the Great Street is back teeming street musicians and college students and their favorite shops like American Apparel, Puma, Sephora, Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters. Macy’s, ensconced in our beloved Marshall Field’s building and the second largest department store in the world, is a testament to the rich history of American department stores, and don’t miss Block 37 with its eclectic mix of retail and dining in a five-story shopping mall. The food court at Seven on State in Macy’s is a who’s who of celebrated chefs like Rick Bayless, Takashi Yagihashi and Marcus Samuelsson. Sports fans should head for the two-level New Era Chicago flagship and a House of Hoops by FootLocker.

FASHION OUTLETS OF CHICAGO

Fashion Outlets of Chicago offers more than 130 designer outlets, high-end amenities and a contemporary art collection. The Rosemont mall is anchored by Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store, Forever 21, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Nordstrom Rack and Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH. Some of the newer retailers to open at the shopping center include Stuart Weitzman, Superdry, Ted Baker, TimBuk2, Movado and Dockers. Those with little consumers appreciate Fashion Outlets’ children’s wing with retailers such as the Disney Outlet, Carter’s, Oshkosh B’gosh and the Gymboree Outlet, all situated in the same wing on level one. Because it’s next to O’Hare, expect a bevy of traveler-friendly services, like bag checks, free shuttles to and from the airport, and a service deck that tracks your flight.

WATER TOWER PLACE

There’s more than shopping at Water Tower Place, an eight-level shopping center located at the northern tip of the Magnificent Mile. In addition to 104 stores, there are myriad dining options, a theater that is part of Broadway in Chicago and the Chicago Sports Museum. Shops like a massive Lego Store, Macy’s, Forever 21 and Sephora share space with foodlife, which features 14 kitchens serving food made from scratch daily. People come from all over the world to shop at the American Girl Place store. New shopping include IRL (in real life) an immersive experience that aims to keep brick and mortar shopping alive. You are encouraged to touch, learn and experience new products from brands that are normally only available online. Forever 21’s new beauty boutique. Riley Rose, is a bright and colorful new space focused on accessories, cosmetics and home goods for millennials.

LINCOLN SQUARE/RAVENSWOOD

European ambiance, cobblestone streets and quaint storefronts make Lincoln Square (and the Ravenswood corridor) an appealing outing for shopping, dining, drinking and discovery. Home to the Old Town School of Folk Music where you can catch a concert in an intimate space and then purchase a mandolin, Lincoln Square feels like the Chicago immigrants built in the 19th and 20th centuries. Stop in Gene’s Sausage Shop and Delicatessen, a full range European market, or The Chopping Block for classes and a gourmet retail store with wines, craft beer and spirits. See what local artists and artisans are creating at a bevy of boutiques and galleries and don’t miss Merz Apothecary, Chicago’s oldest pharmacy, established in 1875. Uncle Dan’s is a legendary outfitter for outdoor apparel and travel gear. There are shops specializing in spices, books, clothing, jewelry, home decor and vintage goods. And don’t get us started on the restaurants from which to choose.

OAK STREET

If words like Prada, Hermes, Tory Burch, Armani and Jimmy Choo increase your pulse rate, Oak Street should be your shopping destination in Chicago. High-end shops, from international couture houses to local boutiques, adorn the one block shopping district, many of which are located in converted town homes. Oak Street”s collection of shops and eateries are wedged between Michigan Ave and North Rush Street. For a see and be seen spot, order a glass of champagne at Fred’s at Barney’s New York especially after a visit to the In-house Vera Wang bridal salon. Visit Harry Winston after plied with bubbly to pick out the rings.

WICKER PARK & BUCKTOWN

Once the purview of Nelson Algren, Wicker Park has been disparaged as “hipster central” but take it from someone who grew up in the ‘hoods pre gentrification – this is way cooler – and safer. Snag an Eastwood hat, Inspired by classic Americana western films, at Wayward and browse wool pea coats and signature Perfecto motorcycle jackets at The Chicago Flagship of Schott NYC. You’ll find trendy fashion at Fab’rik, Current/Elliott and Oak + Fort. Stop in Velvet Goldmine for Mid Century Modern furniture, housewares, barware, pottery, clocks and artwork; and there’s fine vintage decor and womenswear at North Avenue Collective. The area is a magnet for artists who work on the canvas and the plate so don’t leave without having a bite and a pint. Better yet, plan to visit during one of the annual events like the WPB Summer Sidewalk Sale; Chillfest; and Wicker Park Fest.

MAGNIFICENT MILE & STREETERVILLE

Apple, Nike, Cole Haan, Uniqlo, Crate & Barrel, Burberry, Neiman Marcus, and Tiffany & Co. all call the famous shopping stretch home. On the north end of the strip is Water Tower Place and the 900 North Michigan Shops, with stores like Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue among the anchors. You’ll find The Shops at North Bridge on the southern section which includes a four-story Nordstrom with a shoe department that occupies the entire first floor. Hello, Manolo! Not resting merely on laurels, new retail includes several new openings in 2017: a flagship location of Ulta (430 N. Michigan); ELOQUII and an Amazon Pop-up Store (The Shops at North Bridge mall, 520 N. Michigan); Ugg Store (545 N. Michigan Ave); Canada Goose (800 N. Michigan); and Sugar Bliss, 822 N. Michigan.

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