Everyone needs some retail therapy now and then. There’s no better place to get your shopping fix than Downtown Chicago and its iconic neighborhoods- home to some of the greatest malls and shopping neighborhoods in the United States. Whether you stop by your favorite retailers or check out a locally owned small business, you’ll be able to find everything you need right here in the windy city!
The Magnificent Mile
You can’t go shopping in Chicago without hitting up The Magnificent Mile, home to some of the best shopping centers in the city. Check out 900 North Michigan Shops for upscale luxury retailers and boutiques and grab a bite to eat at Aster Hall. Head over to Water Tower Place where you can shop at over 100 stores, dine at one of the many restaurants, or visit the iconic American Girl Place. And don’t forget about the Shops at Northbridge- a six-block shopping district along The Magnificent Mile featuring over 50 retailers for a world-class shopping experience!
State Street
If you’re near The Loop you’ve got to check out the shopping opportunities on State Street! Chicago’s oldest shopping district is where you can shop at Macy’s- one of the largest department stores in the country. See the world’s largest Tiffany glass mosaic dome or have a meal in the iconic Walnut Room. If Macy’s isn’t for you, there are plenty of other State Street shops to check out for awesome deals like Nordstrom Rack and Filene’s Basement!
Armitage Avenue
Sitting near Old Town and Lincoln Park on Chicago’s North Side, Armitage Avenue has slowly built its reputation as a sophisticated and trendy shopping area. In addition to the neighborly atmosphere, Armitage Avenue is home to unique boutiques and gift shops. Visit an upscale resale shop like Green Goddess Boutique and Second Time Around or check out Art Effect for a quirky collection of assorted gifts and trinkets you won’t find anywhere else.
West Division Street
If you’re looking for newer small businesses in the Chicago area, Wicker Park’s West Division Street is the perfect shopping location for you! Look around small quirky boutiques like Mulberry & Me and Habit or check out Renegade Handmade- a place for eccentric handmade T-shirts, totes, and more. West Division Street is a great place to find unique talent from out-of-the-box designers!
Block Thirty Seven
Located in the Theatre District of Chicago’s Loop, Block Thirty Seven is a must for city shoppers. Classic mall staples like Akira, Sephora, Anthropologie, and more can be found here as well as fan favorites like the Disney Store and Godiva Chocolatier. Additionally, Block Thirty Seven is home to an AMC Movie Theatre, a fitness center, Magnolia Bakery, and more! This is the perfect mall to get all your shopping done in one stop!
Andersonville
This quaint Swedish neighborhood in Edgewater is another great shopping destination for those looking for small, hipster businesses. Check out a number of vintage hotspots like Woolly Mammoth and Anderson Antiques, become a plant parent after picking up some greenery at Gethsemane Garden Center, or try on a cute pair of jeans at Dearborn Denim. There are all kinds of quirky shops in Andersonville from furniture to music and everything in between!
Fashion Outlets of Chicago
Fashion Outlets of Chicago is one of the most popular shopping locations for both Chicago tourists and locals. Favorites like Nike, Gap, and Saks can be found here as well as high-end brand stores like Prada and Gucci. Grab a bite at any of the delicious food options or sip on craft beers and ciders at Tapville Social. Make Fashion Outlets a stop on your next shopping day for great products at prices that fit your budget!
We hope this prepares you for your next shopping excursion. Now get out there and shop till you drop!
Written by: Lindsey LeBeda
