We love shopping in Chicago – it’s a traditional retail paradise here. Winter’s a great time to shop, whether you’re engaging in downtown bustle or suburban leisure time. Looking for top brands, unique markets, or great deals? No problem! Check out some of our favorite spots for spending money.
1. The Mag Mile
There’s no topping the shops on Michigan Avenue for internationally-known brand names. Apple, Burberry, Nieman Marcus, Giorgio Armani, Tiffany & Co., Kenneth Cole, the Disney Store, the American Girl Store – it’s all here. From the Chicago River at Wacker Drive up to about Oak Street (and don’t miss turning down Oak Street), you can find countless vertical malls (Water Tower Place, 900 North Michigan Shops) boutiques, department stores, and pretty much anything you want.
2. Fashion Outlets of Chicago
Over in Rosemont near O’Hare International Airport, this giant full-service indoor mall features great food, art, and amazing deals. It’s the kind of place people drive from neighboring states just to visit, because the deals are so great and they’re on top-tier brand names like Tory Burch and Gucci and Barney’s.
3. Suburban Mall-Hopping
Still one of the largest indoor malls in the U.S., Woodfield is out in Shaumburg, about 40 minutes northwest of downtown. But there are tons of great malls in the suburbs, from Oakbrook Center in the western suburbs to Westfield Shoppingtown Old Orchard in Skokie. Movie theaters, exciting restaurants, and much more make these family-friendly places to see, do, and buy.
4. State Street and Jeweler’s Row
In the Loop area, you can find the Macy’s that used to be Marshall Field’s, a historic center of retail in Chicago. A number of discount stores line State Street here, catering to students and those of us who can’t afford the goods on the Mag Mile. And, if you turn onto Wabash Ave. about a block east of the south end, you’ll be in Jeweler’s Row.
5. Chicago Neighborhoods
From edgy retailers in Lakeview to home design stores in Andersonville, Chicago’s neighborhoods are purveyors of the unique and funky. Logan Square features indie shops you’ll love. Lincoln Square caters to the hip and new; Chinatown is perfect for gifts and Hello Kitty lovers. West Devon St. is perfect for your Bollywood craving. Love vintage clothing and cool little shops? Take a jaunt down to Wicker Park.
6. Suburban Downtowns
Suburban downtowns are a bit off the beaten path for many, yet still a great place for retail discoveries. In Naperville, for example, we’re talking a city center full of popular and high-end retailers, along with upscale entertainment options and attractions. In Wilmette, you can experience great little boutiques and unique restaurants. In Long Grove, the picturesque surroundings allow for charming excursions and a visit to a famous chocolate shop. In Oak Park, an old-style movie theater nestles among so many cool places to stop. We urge you to get out and explore, because you never know what you’ll find around the Chicago area.
Don’t limit yourself! Chicago and its suburbs are full of hidden shopping gems!
We know, because this is our home turf, and we live and shop here ourselves. We at Elite Moving & Storage love Chicago and the suburbs, and we want to help you move there (or out, or around, no judgment here). Let us know how we can help you. Get an estimate with us today!