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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.
"Why do parts of River North smell like freshly baked brownies?" is a question you hear fairly often. The oh-so-sweet reason: it's downwind from the Blommer Chocolate Factory, which has been making wholesale chocolates since 1939. More important, the retail outlet store is also here, so you can snap up your Blommer chocolates and candies at a discount—a handy tip to know when those aromas give you the munchies.
Opened since 2013, Chicago’s sprawling Eataly location has a little bit of everything. Part-market, part–upscale food court with multiple cafés, and a gelato shop thrown in for good measure, it is a foodie’s paradise.
The Spice House draws rave reviews from local home cooks and glossy national food mags alike for its head-spinning range of top-quality spices sourced from around the globe. At the brand’s Old Town outpost, an aromatic storefront with a modern apothecary vibe, you can shop for edible reminders of your Chicago sojourn in the form of spice blends created to capture the essence of the city’s neighborhoods.
Olive oil is only the start at this Andersonville gourmet shop focused on sharing the joys and health benefits of the Mediterranean diet. Dozens of olive oils from around Europe are available, as are oils infused with flavors like garlic, lemon, and truffle. You can also pick up vinegars, mustards, and other foodstuffs to pair with your oil—and of course, they've got actual olives, too.
Bring home a tin of Chicago's famous popcorn and you'll score major points. Lines can be long, but this stuff is worth the wait. To avoid lines, you can place an order in advance on the website, then go to the pickup window at certain Garrett’s locations, including the one on the Mag Mile.
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.
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