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Shopping in Chicago

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Chicago Shopping

A potent concentration of famous retailers around Michigan Avenue and neighborhoods bursting with one-of-a-kind shops combine to make Chicago a shopper's city. Michigan Avenue's world-class Magnificent Mile lures thousands of avid shoppers every week. How often can you find Neiman Marcus, Macy's, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor, and Barneys New York within walking distance of one another? Neighborhood shopping areas, like fun-but-sophisticated Lincoln Park or the hipster haven of Bucktown/Wicker Park, have singular stores for specialty interests, whether Prairie-style furniture, cowboy boots, or outsider art. But those averse to paying retail won't have to venture far to unearth bargains on everything from fine jewelry to business attire. When it comes to shopping, this is one city that has it all.

Be forewarned that a gulp-inducing 9% city sales tax is added to all purchases except groceries and prescription drugs. Neighborhood shops on the North Side, especially those in Bucktown and Wicker Park, tend to open late—around 11 or noon. Most stores, particularly those on North Michigan Avenue and the North Side, are open on Sunday, although this varies by type of business; where applicable, more information is provided at the beginning of each area or category.

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