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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.
Kiddos from just about everywhere arrive here with their signature dolls in tow. There's easily a day's worth of activities offered at American Girl Place—you can shop the doll boutiques, browse in the bookstore, get some pampering in the salon, and have lunch or afternoon tea at the café, where dolls can partake in the meal from their own "treat seats." Brace yourself for long lines just to get into the store during high shopping seasons.
From cars and train sets to puzzles and musical instruments, Building Blocks carries classic toys designed to appeal to kids' natural curiosity and imagination—and they'll gift wrap them for you at no charge. In Wicker Park, stop by the store at 2130 West Division Street.
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.
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.
A toy store for grown-up kids, Rotofugi specializes in artist-created, limited-edition playthings. You'll find dozens of lines from the United States, China, and Japan, like Pop Mart blind boxes and fanciful figures by artists like Kohei Ogawa and B. Wing. The store also hosts revolving gallery exhibitions.
This old-timey toy shop has served multiple generations of kids and parents since opening in 1993. Lose yourself in a magical mix of classic wooden toys alongside fanciful dress-up costumes, plush puppets, cuddly stuffed animals, board games, puzzles, and books.
Outfit your aspiring sleuth with the necessary spy paraphernalia and secret agent supplies—such as mirror glasses, fake mustaches, and voice amplifiers—as well as stationery, books, and puzzles at this shop run by writer Dave Eggers's nonprofit group 826CHI. Proceeds help fund the group's after-school tutoring and writing programs for kids.
At this Mouse emporium, there's everything little Disney disciples need for a fix: a plethora of plush toys, DVDs, games, and other goodies. You'll find a second store in Block 37 (108 N. State Street).
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