Arts & Artisans
With four downtown locations, LaTonya Lindsey of LL Concierge Services likes this shop as they boast the largest selection of contemporary American art and jewelry. They provide a vast collection of art media including unique Chicago-themed works.
The Museum Shops
Penelope Hughes of Shamrock Concierge Services loves the shops at The Art Institute in Chicago. In the main shop you’ll find exceptional glass objects in addition to artistic scarves and other gifts. For more contemporary finds, check out the Modern Wing’s shop.
Transit Tees
For locally made, Chicago-inspired clothes, accessories, and home goods Etienne Padin, concierge at Midtown Athletic Hotel, recommends this Wicker Park gem. He says it is his favorite place to grab a memory to commemorate your visit. He’s partial to the “El” stop magnets and tees.
Strange Cargo Wrigleyville
For funky accessories, creative Chicago-centric novelty apparel (including a plethora of Starter jackets), and other strange merchandise you’d never imagine existed. Ramon Gomez, chef concierge at The Gwen, says you need to visit this Chicago staple.
Reckless Records
John Patrick Dillon, concierge at the Ritz-Carlton, says no trip to Chicago would be quite complete without popping into one of the three locations of this independent Chicago record store. It’s what inspired the record store set in “High Fidelity” after all.
Chicago Architecture Foundation Shop
Vineeta Santoshi of Corporate Concierge Services says this shop is a must for architecture buffs, as well as anyone who just loves good design. Look for an entire section devoted to one of Chicago’s favorite architects. Frank Lloyd Wright.