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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.
One of Chicago's largest used-book dealers carries more than 80,000 titles and buys books from the public on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. Bookworms, be sure to budget ample time: a quick browse here has a way of turning into a lost afternoon.
Since 1980 this independent bookshop has maintained a loyal clientele who love its vast selection and dedicated staff who are happy to share recommendations. Known for having one of the most extensive gay and lesbian sections in the city, it also has an impressive array of travel guides, children's books, and poetry. Even if you can't stop in, they're always sharing a literary quote out front for all to enjoy and contemplate.
This inclusive, progressive feminist bookstore stocks fiction and nonfiction, periodicals, journals, small-press publications, self-published pieces from area authors, and a strong selection of LGBTQ+ titles. The children's section also has a great array of books, including many about anti-racism, immigrant experiences, and social justice. Writers, both local and world-famous, often give readings here.
Everyone talks about getting lost in a good book, but what about getting lost in a good bookstore? With its series of low-ceilinged rooms that progress into one another, this neighborhood icon, which turned 41 in 2024, encourages slow exploration of its holdings, which range from literary fiction to children's picture books. Around the block, sister bookshop the Seminary Co-op is more academically inclined, but no less special.
The bright, inviting Book Cellar has a well-edited selection of works ranging from local interest to popular fiction. There's also a small wine bar and coffee shop on-site, where customers can linger over their purchases. Readings and other literary events are held here frequently.
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.
This indie bookstore offers one of the city's most diverse selections of reading material. You’ll find everything from fancy coffee-table art books and flashy comics to hand-drawn zines created by obscure local artists.
The quirky name here references a local plant that emerges early each year, melting the snow around it and helping ready the ground for spring. It's a metaphor for the shop's project of creating a community ecosystem by hosting events like poetry and gardening workshops, and stocking ceramics and candles from local makers. Oh yeah, there are books too; the indie fiction offerings shine, and the nonfiction section's ready to sate curiosity on subjects from climate change to cooking.
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