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A potent concentration of famous retailers around Michigan Avenue and neighborhoods bursting with one-of-a-kind stores combine to make Chicago a shopper's paradise. Michigan Avenue's legendary Magnificent Mile lures thousands of avid shoppers every week. How often can you find Neiman Marcus, Macy's, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Barneys New York within walking distance of one another? In recent years State Street has regained some of its former glory as well, with discount department stores sharing prime real estate with trendier clothing boutiques and the Block 37 retail development.
Neighborhood shopping areas, like fun-but-sophisticated Lincoln Park, eclectic Lakeview, and the hipster haven of Wicker Park/Bucktown, offer countless independent stores that cater to every desire, whether Prairie tyle furniture, cowboy boots, or outsider art. And there are countless smaller shopping enclaves within these neighborhoods that have concentrated clusters of antiques stores, home-furnishings shops, high-end boutiques, and other specialty stores. 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 steep 9.5% sales tax is added to all purchases in the city except groceries and prescription drugs. Neighborhood shops on the North Side, especially those in Wicker Park and Bucktown, 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 (galleries, for example, are often closed on Monday); where applicable, more information is provided at the beginning of each category.
This full-service liquor store specializes in wine, microbrews, and obscure spirits from small-batch distilleries. Attend one of the frequently held wine tastings to try before you buy. There is also a branch in West Town ( 1412 West Chicago Avenue).
The Chicago flagship on State Street, formerly Marshall Field’s, is known for the beloved Walnut Room and iconic holiday traditions like the Great Tree and their magnificent holiday windows as well as for its position as a National Historic Landmark. Macy’s State Street is well known for its architecture and ornamentation; it has a Louis Comfort Tiffany vaulted ceiling, two "Great Clocks" on State Street at Randolph and Washington, the Burnham Fountain, and more.
For more than 35 years, this showroom has presented the finest in elegant modern furniture from designers such as Poltrona Frau, Ceccotti, Wittmann, and COR, as well as custom in-house designs by the Manifesto Design Group.
This massive marketplace between Wells and North Orleans streets just north of the Chicago River is just as notable for its art deco design than its shopping. Many of the stores inside are only for the design trade. However, the first two floors have been turned into retail with the unveiling of LuxeHome, the world's largest collection of high-end kitchen, bath, and building showrooms open to the public.
For the best in fluffy fresh-baked pita breads, olive oils, spice blends, and sweets, this grocer should be your first stop. If you want a quick snack, don't pass up their savory hand pies stuffed with spinach, artichoke, lamb, olive, and feta or other fun fillings. Want a full meal while you're here? The attached Middle East Grill next door has great shawarma and hummus.
At this beautiful boutique moms and moms-to-be find a social scene, thanks to story and music times. The clothing for newborns, babies, and toddlers is top-quality, with organic fabrics in adorable original prints you'll want to post on Instagram.
This fabulous museum gift shop has out-of-the-ordinary accessories, tableware, and jewelry, as well as a wide collection of books on modern and contemporary art. Some of the items you'll find here are truly one of a kind, as the museum has collaborated with artists and designers to develop exclusive/limited-edition products.
Museum reproductions in the form of jewelry, posters, and Frank Lloyd Wright–inspired decorative accessories, as well as books and toys, fill the Art Institute's gift shop. If you're keen on one of the museum's current big exhibits, chances are you'll find some nifty souvenirs to take away.
With hundreds of small businesses in their roster, including many from around the Midwest, Neighborly goes beyond your average boutique. You'll find products whose purchase supports nonprofit organizations, environmentally conscious and zero-waste home goods, as well as budget-friendly gifts, stickers, and Chicagoania. Originally located in Lincoln Square, there's now a Wicker Park storefront plus space at the Community Marketplace along the Riverwalk in the Loop.
You'll find one of Chicago's best selections of fresh flowers here. Designed by architect Cynthia Weese, this breathtaking shop carries singular antique and vintage furnishings and accessories as well as a fanciful selection of candles, vases, tiles, and pots.
This is a lovely department store with a killer shoe department, a vast juniors' section, great petites and menswear departments, and outstanding customer service. Leave yourself time to linger at Café Nordstrom on the fourth floor.
This spot within the Old Town School of Folk Music has a solid selection of kids' instruments, plus all manner of instruments for rent. There's a sibling store in Lincoln Square (4544 N. Lincoln Avenue).
One of the last establishments of its kind, Optimo makes high-end custom straw and felt hats for men in an atmosphere that evokes 1930s and 40s haberdashery. It also offers a complete line of related services, including cleaning, blocking, and repairs.
The go-to resource for modern furniture, lighting, and accessories in Chicago carries pieces by Minotti, Philippe Starck, and Piero Lissoni in a bi-level industrial space.
This store is a must-hit for its fashion-forward collection by a cadre of hip women's designers like Eugenia Kim, Rachel Comey, and The Great. Customers from all over the city and well beyond come for adventurous to elegant styles at prices that don't get out of hand.
It's hard to resist the charming, piled-up displays of vintage hotel and restaurant china here. There's also an impressive selection of silver gravy boats, creamers, hotel silver, and flatware that bear the marks of ocean liners and private clubs. P.O.S.H., in business since 1997 and in this location since 2003, is also known for its French flea market signs.
Browse through an extensive collection of contemporary art with a special emphasis on folk and outsider pieces at this gallery, which is run by well-known local owners Aron Packer and William Schopf.
Chic urban brides trust Jane and Saeed Hamidi for their clean-lined bridal collection.
Love writing notes to your friends? Appreciate the look and feel of a fine pen? This shrine to the handwritten word sits in a small storefront just off Andersonville's main drag and offers a variety of high-end and fun-colored pens, ink stamps, notebooks, paper products, and stickers, plus a variety of greeting cards just waiting for the perfect message.
This locally-grown boutique is more than a paperie (athough they do have reams and reams of unusual varieties). There are quirky gifts, bookbinding and scrapbooking supplies, rubber staps, and an entire custom invitation department.
All sorts of paper goods are on offer here, from sassy letterpress cards and stickers to journals and hip art prints. Many of the offerings have a Chicago theme, making this a good spot to pick up souvenirs of the Windy City.
This thoughtfully curated shop features beautiful wooden toys, kid-appropriate art supplies, whimsical costumes, and a range of storybooks chosen so every child can see themselves represented on the page. The goods aren’t cheap, but they’re built to last.
There's something for everyone at this spacious Ukrainian Village shop. Step inside for graphic two-piece sets from Compania Fantastica and cool knits from All:Row, as well as funky accessories such as Jenny Lemons earrings. Menswear by the likes of Native Youth and Rhythm plus a selection of children's clothes, housewares, and gift items round out the collection.
The bookshelves here are stacked high with new and used reads in all genres. The employee-owned and -operated shop also supports local literacy programs.
Owner Ann Kienzle has cornered the neighborhood toy market with wonderful books, games, and stuffed toys that spark the imagination, whether the little one in question's into STEM or just a good old round of dress-up. Favorite throwbacks include Slinkys, jacks, and Lite Brite. There are locations in Lincoln Park, Andersonville, and the West Loop, too.
Stock up on bubbly and assorted accoutrements at the retail shop of a popular champagne bar.
An ever-changing selection of vintage streetwear like T-shirts, snapback caps, windbreakers, and Jordans make up the stock at this Milwaukee Avenue spot. Much of the merch reps Chicago sports teams, so you can grab that Bulls 3-Peat button or 90s White Sox jersey you didn't know you were missing.
Find ethnic and tribal art, including textiles, furniture, and jewelry, at this longtime Chicago favorite.
