Edition: Holiday Shopping
In the Bag: Concierges' favorite stores!
Author: Jody Robbins
Chicago's top concierges have sifted through the best and come up with their favorite places to ring the register. From neighborhood boutiques to the best of the Magnificent Mile; here's a sampling of Chicago's coolest stores.
DEPARTMENT STORES
Macy’s on State Street is one of the most well-known and –visited department stores (800,000-sq.-ft.) in the world. Nordstrom is paradise for anyone with a night out in the offing; stop in for an outfit and leave with that—plus a bag full of accoutrements, from handbags to fragrances. Floors and floors of goods, ranging from high-end blenders to beaucoup clothing options, make Bloomingdale’s a must-shop at either of its two locations in Chicago.
SHOES/ACCESSORIES
Ah, glorious footwear. Visit Lori’s Designer Shoes in the Lincoln Park neighborhood for of-the-moment togs. Mothers and babies never had it so good as at Glam To Go; find high-end products from specialty baby items to skin care products and jewelry. You can ease your arches at one of multiple Florsheim Shoes locations; stop in on Michigan Avenue or head out to Woodfield Mall.
SUBURBAN SHOPPING CENTERS
Sprawling begins to describe Oakbrook Center, in suburban Oakbrook: six department stores and more than 160 shops and restaurants make shopping at this open-air mall a full-day experience. No slouch in the everything-you-need department itself, Woodfield Mall is one of the state’s largest tourist attractions—and locals trade there, too. For deals too good to be true, sometimes you’ve got to hit the road; there, you’ll find Lighthouse Premium Outlets.
JEWELRY
Unique jewelry creations and a tradition of fine jewelry come together at Lester Lampert: celebs like Kanye West find it a hip brand, as have customers since it opened in 1920. Of course, you can’t go wrong with Cartier. Visit the sparkling showroom on Michigan Avenue. Local designers rule at M. Boutique in Lincoln Park; handbags and accessories are available at un-Lincoln Park-like prices.
BEAUTY/SPA
Forward-thinking spa and beauty treatments are the rule at Spa Space. Its close-to-the-Loop location recommends it for an array of day-time spa treatments. Custom treatments draw both men and women to the Kaya Day Spa: massage (and a high-def TV) for the guys, nail services for the ladies—or vice versa. Skincare goes high-tech at Channing’s Day Spa and massage options dissolve tension like butter in brownies.
HOME
If it’s for the home, you can get it at places like Room & Board, which displays furnished suites designed for everyday life. A very personal touch is given to the service at Sawbridge Studios, and the craftsman-made merchandise is constructed to suit your individual needs. A national chain that originated in Chicago, Crate & Barrel turns up the heat at its mega-store on the Magnificent Mile. If you can leave here without buying something, you don’t have a shopping bone in your body.
BOOKS/MUSIC
Anything but corporate, Reckless Records is full of eclectic musical choices and old music in almost any format is accepted in trade: Steely Dan for Radiohead, anyone? If literature is more your cup of tea, head to Myopic Books and slowly cruise through the makeshift racks and veritable crawlspaces; leave with a stack of books for what your lunch cost. Or, go for the latest bestsellers at Borders on Michigan Avenue. There’s plenty of spots to get in a quick read.
CHILDREN’S
Everybody loves Mickey and his friends, from Pooh to Pluto; they, along with videos and other Disney paraphernalia call the Disney Store on the Mag Mile home. Kids can make Lego creations in-house at the Lego Store; a comprehensive array of take-home options are also available. Competition is healthy and it’s the point at Go The Game Store, which makes its home at Chicago’s Navy Pier.
SHOPPING CENTERS
Winter-time on the Mag Mile is holiday spectacle at its best, and you can also put on a grand show when it comes toshopping at Water Tower Place. More than 100 different retail entities are arranged vertically here,around the eight-level atrium. At The Shops at North Bridge, start with Nordstrom, then fan out to enjoy specialty shops hawking brands from Armani to Harley-Davidson. Closing out this trio of hardcore-shopping venues are The 900 Shops, where you come for Bloomingdale’s and stay for the other 70-plus places to spend your paycheck.
GALLERIES
Fine art is made approachable at Atlas Galleries. Both contemporary and classical pieces are available here, and wallet-friendly purchase plans are available. Find paintings, photography, sculpture, video and more at Las Manos Gallery . All aspects of the art world—from production to display—are view-able at the River East Art Center, as is the property, a work of art in and of itself.
Macy's On State Street
111 N. State St, Chicago, IL 60602
Taking up an entire Chicago shopping block on State Street, this landmark department store opened in 1852 and continues to offer top levels of service and merchandise.
Macy's
835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611
Part of Water Tower Place, this is a second downtown location of this famed department store.
Akira
1814 W. North Ave., Chicago, IL 60622
Selling women's clothing and accessories with other surrounding locations selling men's clothing and shoes.
TK Men
1909 W. North Ave., Chicago, IL 60622
A place where men look like rock stars!
H&M
840 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611
Urban clothing store with a Swedish origin.
Nordstrom
55 E. Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
This Pacific Northwest department store is know for its wide selection and unbeatable service.
Bloomingdale's
900 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611
Six floors of designer clothing, cosmetics, shoes and more.
Glam to Go
2002 W. Roscoe , Chicago, IL 60618
High-end products for baby and mommy.
Florsheim Shoes
835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611
Style and comfort are a family tradition at Florsheim.
Oakbrook Shopping Center
100 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL 60181
This popular outdoor shopping destination has six major department stores and over 160 upscale shops and eateries.
Woodfield Mall and Shopping Center
5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, IL 60173
Visit Illinois' #1 tourist attraction. With nearly 300 shops, stores and restaurants, you can shop Schaumburg stores or the Chicago area's largest shopping mall.
Lighthouse Place Premium Oulets
601 Wabash St., Michigan City, IN 46360
Premium outlet mall just a short trip from Chicago.
Lester Lampert
57 E. Oak St., Chicago, IL 60611
For more than 80 years, Lester Lampert has been Chicago's premiere high-end custom jewelry boutique. Lampert designers breathe new life into old-world craftsmanship with unique, original, and award-winning creations.
Spa Space
161 N. Canal St., Chicago, IL 60606
Specialists in massage therapy and skin care.>
Kaya Day Spa
112 North May Street, Chicago, IL 60607
Kaya (a Japanese tree) is a relaxing spa in an urban setting
Channing's Day Spa
54 East Oak Street, Chicago, IL 60611
Located in a luxurious vintage townhouse on Chicago's famed Oak Street, Channing's Day Spa has been in business for over 22 years. Cutting-edge skin and body care therapies, along with customized and seasonal programs make each experience a unique one.
Room & Board/Retrospect
55 E. Ohio St., Chicago, IL 60611
Fine furniture and furnishings range from modern to Old World styles at these popular sister stores.>
Sawbridge Studios
153 W. Ohio St., Chicago, IL 60610
Gallery-esque store featuring handcrafted furniture and home accessories.>
Myopic Books
1564 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
One of the largest, and oldest, bookstores in Chicago.
Borders Books & Music
830 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Multiple stories, featuring books, magazines, videos and CDs.
Disney Store
717 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
Everything Disney at this Magnificent Mile location.
The LEGO Store
520 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611
Thousands of toys for kids of all ages.>
Water Tower Place
835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611
A twist on the Old Water Tower building, Water Tower Place is an eight-floor shopping adventure with all of your favorite shops under one roof.
The Shops at North Bridge
520 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Anchored by Nordstrom, Westfield North Bridge shopping center—conveniently located along the Magnificent Mile—offers a variety of specialty shops. From A/X Armani Exchange and Kenneth Cole to The LEGO® Store and Sephora
The 900 Shops
900 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
A haven for the most fashion-savvy among us, this 900 Michigan Avenue location houses some of the most elite names in designer goods. With names like Bloomingdale’s, Coach, and Gucci, these stores require serious shoppers. Complete with a fitness center, salon and spa, movie theatre, and a variety of dining options, it is worthy of a visit.
Atlas Galleries
535 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Family-owned, this gallery features everything from Renoir prints to contemporary originals.
River East Art Center
435 E. Illinois St., Chicago, IL 60605
Visit Chicago's newest destination for all the arts.
Habit
1951 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60622
This boutique is dedicated to new and up-and-coming designers.
