Chicago has department stores like Macy’s, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus offering extensive inventory floors as well as many independent stores that stock rare items while sporting a ton of heart and personality.
Visitors and locals love shopping along the Magnificent Mile and Water Tower Place (as the crowds attest, no matter the weather), because, frankly, it’s all there from Uniqlo to Tiffany, American Girl Place to Water Tower Make way for 50 stores and 20 restaurants at North Bridge Shops. You can stroll outside and shop in one of the indoor malls like 900 N. Michigan Shops to breathe in the freezing winds or humidity of pea soup in the summer. Attracting tons of international tourists, Michigan Avenue is also perfect for people watching. Those who shop according to Gywneth’s Goop, may want to take a little west for the sewing and class of Oak Street. Like many city centers, State Street had its sticky days, but we’re happy to report that the Great Street is full of students and their favorite stores like American Apparel and Urban Outfitters. Macy’s, located in our beloved Marshall Field 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 mall. Chicagoans love their neighborhoods and the independent retailers that line Wicker Park, Bucktown, Andersonville, Lincoln Square and more. Take a water taxi to Chinatown for good restaurants and shops offering inexpensive imported treasures. Suburb attracts an impressive designer mall with permanent and rotating art exhibits in the suburb of Rosemont, next to O’Hare, and one of the country’s largest indoor malls, Woodfield Mall, is located right a little further north-west in the suburb of Schaumburg.
1. Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Apple, Nike, Cole Haan, Uniqlo, Burberry, Neiman Marcus and Tiffany & Co. all call the famous shopping house. At the north end of the strip is Water Tower Place and the 900 North Michigan stores, with stores like Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue among the anchors. You’ll find The Shops at North Bridge on the south section which includes a four-story Nordstrom with a shoe department occupying the entire first floor. Hello Manolo! The new store includes several openings in 2018: LIK Fine Art Gallery, originally from California, in building 444 N. Michigan, which will soon host the enlarged, relocated and popular Purple Pig. Sports enthusiasts will want to browse the Cubs Team Store (668 N. Michigan Ave.) and Dylan’s Candy Bar is now halfway down the Mile. The gigantic Starbucks Roastery is scheduled to open before the Festival of Lights parade in November 2019.
2. Wicker Park Bucktown
Once the skill of Nelson Algren, Wicker Park and Bucktown has been disparaged as “central hipster”, but take it from someone who grew up in the hoods before gentrification – it’s cool too – and safer. Browse Chicago’s only international brands, such as Ministry of Supply and Deciem. Enaz, unique in the Chicago area, has a new location here offering denim, sweaters, t-shirts, dresses and accessories. For high-end looks at affordable prices, go to the new Matty & Lou’s; You’ll find works of art and household items in stock, and you’ll only find Gemini and Robin Richman in WP / BT. The area is a magnet for artists working on canvas and 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.
3.Oak Street
If words like Prada, Hermes, Tory Burch, Armani and Jimmy Choo increase your pulse, Oak Street should be your Chicago shopping destination. High-end boutiques, international fashion houses, and local boutiques adorn the shopping district, a block away, many of which are located in converted row houses. The collection of shops and restaurants on Oak Street is wedged between Michigan Ave and North Rush Street. For a place to see and see, order a glass of champagne at Fred’s at Barney’s New York, especially after a foray into the wedding house Vera Wang Visit Harry Winston after working with bubbles to choose the rings.
4. Lincoln Square/ Ravens Wood
The European vibe, cobblestone streets and quaint storefronts make Lincoln Square (and the Ravenswood Corridor) an attractive outlet for shopping, eating, drinking and exploring. Home to the Old Town School of Folk Music where you can attend a concert in an intimate space and then buy a mandolin, Lincoln Square looks like Chicago immigrants built in the 19th and 20th centuries. Stop in Gene’s Sausage Shop and Delicatessen, a full European market. Discover what local artists and artisans create in a multitude of boutiques and galleries and don’t miss Merz Apothecary, Chicago’s oldest pharmacy, founded in 1875. Uncle Dan’s is a legendary supplier of outdoor clothing and equipment of travel. There are stores specializing in books, clothing, jewelry, interior design and vintage products. And don’t get us started on restaurants. New additions include Sailor, a designer-owned jewelry store; Timeless tots; Ambertique; Genevieve and One River School of Art and Design.
5. Water Tower Place
There’s more than shopping at Water Tower Place, an eight-story mall located at the north end of the Magnificent Mile. In addition to 104 stores, there are a myriad of dining options, a theater that is part of Broadway in Chicago, and the Chicago Sports Museum. Stores like a gigantic Lego store, Macy’s, Forever 21 and Sephora share the space with foodlife, which includes 14 kitchens serving food from scratch daily. People come from all over the world to shop at the American Girl Place store. New purchases include IRL (in real life), an immersive experience that aims to keep brick and mortar purchases alive. We encourage you to touch, learn and discover brand new products that are normally only available online. Forever 21’s new beauty store. Riley Rose is a bright and colorful new space focused on accessories, cosmetics and homeware for millennials.
6. Fashion Outlets of Chicago
Fashion Outlets of Chicago offers more than 130 designer boutiques, high-end equipment and a collection of contemporary art. The THE COLLECTION: Where Art Meets Fashion art program offers a new rotating exhibition, a 22-piece lighting installation. and 19 standing orders specific to established artists’ sites. The Rosemont shopping center is anchored by The Outlet Store of Bloomingdale’s, Forever 21, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Nordstrom Rack and Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH. Some of the new retailers to open at the mall include Polo, Club Monaco, Columbia, Stuart Weitzman, Jimmy Choo and Zadig & Voltaire and Aerie will open later in 2019.
Popular Visas
Those with few consumers appreciate the children’s wing of Fashion Outlets with Disney Outlet, Carter’s, Oshkosh B’gosh and Gymboree Outlet, all located on level one. Because it’s next to O’Hare, expect a host of traveler-friendly services, such as baggage check-in, airport shuttles, and a service bridge that follows your flight.
7. State Street
Like many city centers, State Street has known sad and oppressed days, but the Great Street is back full of street musicians, students and their favorite stores like American Apparel, Puma, Sephora, Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters. Macy’s, located in our beloved Marshall Field 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 food outlets. a history shopping center. Notable stores include BellaNiecele, Chinelas, a Chicago-based shoe line, and the eight innovative kitchens from Latinicity. The Seven on State food court at Macy’s is a who’s who of famous chefs like Rick Bayless, Takashi Yagihashi and Marcus Samuelsson. Sports enthusiasts should head to the New Era Chicago two-tier flagship and a FootLocker House of Hoops.
8. River North
Chicago’s gallery district in the River North district is just a few blocks from Michigan Avenue and if you’re shopping for original art, this is your delight among old warehouses turned into exhibit space. If the crème de la crème of furniture and home decor calls you, 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 including vintage and modern furniture hand-picked from around the world. The Bloomingdales Home store in the ancient temple of Medinah consists of four levels of luxury home furnishings located in the distinctive historic building. Treat yourself to chocolate from the new neighbor, L.A. Burdick and P.O.S.H. enchanted locals and visitors for years with his finds at the flea market, his hotel money and his accessories of French cuisine.
9. Andersonville
During the 19th century, Swedish immigrant farmers began to move north from the center of the city to what was then considered a Chicago suburb. In the 20th century, the entire trading strip was dominated by Swedish companies, and today the smorgasbord includes the Swedish American Museum and one-of-a-kind independent companies. Among the stores in the National Historic District, you will find more than a few antique and vintage stores; confectionery; bookstores; lots of spots with clothes and accessories; furniture; the music; cooking tools; animal supplies; shoes; and food and wine. The community celebrates Hygge Fest throughout the neighborhood in winter and spectacular sidewalk sales in summer. The new retail business includes Graham Cracker Comics, Dearborn Denim, Rattleback Records and Buffalo Exchange. Unfortunately, the Swedish bakery recently closed its doors after 88 years, but you can still get marinated herring or the Stockholm Special in Svea.
10. Wood Field Mall
Each national chain of imaginable clothing stores is located inside this gigantic indoor shopping mall, one of the largest in the United States. You will find everything from Claire’s store to Coach, as well as kiosks inviting customers to taste new products. Nearly 30 full and quick service restaurants are scattered throughout and there is a new food pavilion. Entertainment options include The Improv, a comedy club, and the children’s playground in Macy’s Wing, next to Grand Court. PAC-MAN Entertainment offers bowling alleys and a games room in addition to food and drinks. Mall exercisers can detonate their pedometers by browsing over 2.2 million square feet and if you can get even more retail exposure, hop on the cart to more stores outside at Woodfield Village Green and The Streets of Woodfield.
