Categories: Shopping
Macy's: Overview
Author: Amber Chibucos
Here, we take a general look at the tradition and modern-day underpinnings provided by this stanchion of the Chicago retail market:
Situated downtown on historic State Street and Water Tower Place, Macy's is the epitome of the classic American department store. Still today, its services speak to a more gentle time when shopping was an all-day affair; at the same time, modern Macy's has a range of programs that cater to the quick pace of commerce in Chicago today.
Macy's on State Street is housed in one of the most historic buildings in the country, receiving National Landmark status in 1979. High points architecturally include a Tiffany-made ceiling on the seventh floor and the seven-ton clocks hanging above the people-packed sidewalks surrounding the building. History also finds a home here in "The Archive," which contains historical items from the last 150 years.
In the end, though, Macy's is all about the merchandise; tourists the world over (and locals) peruse mountains of goods amidst the 800,000-sq.-ft. retail paradise here. Upon beginning an expedition at Macy's, one should first ask, 'Where do I start?'.
With departments covering all kinds of folks, men, women, children can find what they need and/or want here: clothing, home decor, shoes, accessories, toys...anything! In addition to local, independent designer goods, browse designer brands like Waterford, COACH, DKNY, Cole Haan, and Martha Stewart. Macy's also carries jewelry in the form of diamond-and-gemstone bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings, and watches--all priced to meet budgets from high to low.
Service isn't just a conversation point at Macy's, and is doled out on an individual basis. Nowhere is this more true than when it comes to the personal shopping program at Macy's. Fashion advice and purchasing help are doled out free of charge. Wardrobe consultations, custom gift wrapping, gift ideas, and anything else that assists your shopping is the point of this program. The latest service to land at Macy's on State Street is the "Personal Fashion Advisor" program: specialized "stylistas" provide fashion advice as to the latest trends and help find fashion-forward looks to suit the customers' taste and the occasion. Walk-ins are welcome.
Whether tying the knot with your significant other or having a baby, Macy's Gift Registry makes gift buying easy for friends and family. Macy's has teamed up with WeddingChannel.com to help with the perfect wedding. As part of this program, a number of different options are available to clients, including access to wedding-oriented websites, enclosure cards, budget calendar, guest list manager, inspiring ideas, scrapbooks, and sample registries.
Visiting from out of town? Stop by the Macy's Visitor Center, located on the seventh floor. In addition to helpful information and advice, the Visitor Center provides free saving passes, free coat, luggage and package check, as well as guided tours and audio tours.
Other unique programs: Macy's Express gets you what you need (a tie, a shirt, even a souvenir) and gets you out the door, while Macy's by Appointment allows customers to call ahead with size requirements and to then arrive to an already-stocked fitting rooms. Here, you can even order lunch.
Macy's covers more bases with a number of dining options, culminating in the ever-popular Walnut Room and signature Frango mints.
There's so much to do at Macy's and Macy's on State Street, that we wanted to give you a general idea of what you'll find. In the future, we'll be expanding our coverage of this Chicago institution to give Macy's customers the ability to maximize a world-class shopping experience that's part and parcel of what makes Chicago an internationally-renowned city.
Check out places of interest near Macy's: Overview:
17 West at The Berghoff
17 W. Adams St.,
Chicago, IL 60603
The Berghoff, a traditional 19th-century German beer hall located in Chicago's downtown, has been re-born under the direction of the founder's great-grandduaghter Carlyn Berghoff.
312 Chicago
136 N. LaSalle St.,
Chicago, IL 60602
This seasonally influenced Italian-inspired American eatery buzzes by day with politicians (City Hall is across the street), and buzzes with diners heading to the nearby Cadillac Theater at night.
Make a Reservation
Bloomingdale's
900 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Six floors of designer clothing, cosmetics, shoes and more.
Custom House
500 S. Dearborn St.,
Chicago, IL 60605
Custom House, led by Shawn McClain, named Best Chef Midwest by the James Beard Foundation in 2006, focuses on offering the finest artisanal meats and fresh, seasonal ingredients. Unlike most classic steak houses, Custom House allows carnivores to savor their meat raw, cured, marinated, braised, roasted and slow-cooked.
Walnut Room
111 N State Street,
Chicago, IL 60602
The historic Walnut Room, located on Macy's seventh floor, has been a premier Chicago dining destination since 1907.
Bloomingdale's
4963 Old Orchard Center,
Skokie, IL 60077
The high-end retail outlet brings its trends to Skokie, with name-brand products for men, women and kids.
Garrett Popcorn Shop
4 East Madison Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60602
Since 1949, Chicagoans have been enjoying Garrett Popcorn, Carmel Corn, and Cheese Corn. The popcorn is hot-air popped using no oils or fats.
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.
Macy's
1 Woodfield Mall,
Schaumburg, IL 60173
The world's largest department store.
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.
Urban Shop Guide
815 W. Dickens Avenue,
Chicago, IL 60614
Urban Shop Guide offers guided, customized shopping tours of Chicago’s trendy neighborhoods, providing visitors access to small boutiques and the essence of Chicago shopping.
17 West at The Berghoff
17 W. Adams St.,
Chicago, IL 60603
The Berghoff, a traditional 19th-century German beer hall located in Chicago's downtown, has been re-born under the direction of the founder's great-grandduaghter Carlyn Berghoff.
312 Chicago
136 N. LaSalle St.,
Chicago, IL 60602
This seasonally influenced Italian-inspired American eatery buzzes by day with politicians (City Hall is across the street), and buzzes with diners heading to the nearby Cadillac Theater at night.
Make a Reservation
Potter's
17 E Monroe St.,
Chicago, IL 60603
Located inside the Palmer House Hilton, Potter's offers unique retro cocktails and delicious small plates in a classically elegant setting.
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.
Wendella Sightseeing Boats
400 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Located on the Magnificent Mile, Wendella Boats are guided by expert staff.
