Chicago’s Top 10 : Shopping Destinations – Top 10 Souvenirs

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  1. State Street

    A slew of chain stores line this legendary street , but it’s the two old-time department stores that make it unique. The former Marshall Field’s, now Macy’s,
    here since 1907, has merchandise to satisfy every wealthy woman’s
    needs. At Filene’s Basement the prices are lower, but the variety is
    still extensive .




    State Street Store

  2. Magnificent Mile

    Some
    450 stores make this stretch of North Michigan Avenue one of the
    world’s retail meccas. Besides sophisticated designer boutiques, there
    are malls (each with high-end department stores); and big-name chain and
    flagship stores .

  3. Oak Street

    If
    you have to ask how much it costs, you should probably plan on just
    window-shopping along this stretch of Chicago’s upper-crust Gold Coast.
    Boutiques here sell designer wear, accessories, and shoes fit for a
    Paris runway – and include some shops exclusive to Chicago such as
    Tessuti (menswear) and Designs by Ming (custom clothing design).

    Borders

    • N. Michigan Ave. & Rush St.

  4. Jeweler’s Row

    This
    small strip in the Loop boasts a large number of jewelers that sell
    everything from discount diamonds to top-of-the-range gems. The Jeweler’s Center at the beautiful 1912 Mallers Building
    packs about 50 wholesale and retail jewelers and appraisers into 13 floors.

  5. Bucktown Neighborhood

    Once
    a hot-spot for starving artists, Bucktown and adjacent Wicker Park are
    now gentrified locales brimming with vintage clothes stores, edgy music
    shops, high-style designer boutiques, and antiques importers.

    Borders

    • Fullerton Ave. to North Ave. & Kennedy Expressway to Western Ave

  6. Broadway Antique Market

    An
    old-time movie palace marquee indicates the 1939 building that houses
    this market. With 85 dealers stocking artwork, jewelry, clothing, and
    more in styles such as Arts and Crafts, Art Deco, and Victorian, you’re
    sure to find something that pleases.

    • 6130 N. Broadway

    • Open 11am–7pm, Mon–Sat, 11am–6pm Sun

    • DA

  7. Prairie Avenue Bookshop

    It’s
    fitting that a city known for its architecture has one of the best
    architectural bookstores in the world. Besides carrying a range of
    17,000 new and 7,000 out-of-print titles, the store is also appointed
    with furniture designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Mies van der Rohe, and Le
    Corbusier .




    Prairie Avenue Bookshop

  8. Chicago Architecture Foundation Shop

    Located in the historic Santa Fe Center,
    this shop is part of the CAF’s ArchiCenter, which also puts on
    exhibitions and runs city tours. Browse the shop for architecture and
    design-related books; art-glass panels and lamps in Frank Lloyd Wright
    designs; desk gadgets; and desirable kitchen gizmos.

    • 224 S. Michigan Ave.

    • Open 9:30am–6pm daily

    • DA

  9. Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store

    This
    store’s lovingly restored 1913 Moorish-style building is an attraction
    in its own right. Inside there’s a sleek, four-level atrium with home
    decor departments that sell everything from high-thread-count bedding to
    chic cookware and top-quality furniture.

    • 600 N. Wabash Ave.

    • Opening times vary

    • DA




    Bloomingdale’s Home Store

  10. Armitage Avenue

    This tree-lined street in Lincoln Park 
    is a favorite for those who are seeking out-of-the-ordinary clothing,
    home decor, bath and body products – and don’t mind spending more to get
    it. Have patience finding a parking spot on weekends; once you’re in,
    just shop-hop from one adorable boutique to the next.




    Endo Exo, Armitage Avenue


Top 10 Souvenirs

  1. Frango Mints

    Marshall Field’s/Macy’s doesn’t make these meltaway mint chocolates anymore, but still sells them by the box-full.

  2. Blues & Jazz CDs

    CDs by Chicago music legends are on sale at the Water Tower Visitor Information Centers.

  3. Cows on Parade

    Mini versions of the highly decorated cows from 1999s “Cows on Parade” display are sold at the ArchiCenter store.

  4. Art poster

    See the real thing, then buy a copy at the extensive Art Institute gift shop.

  5. Michael Jordan Jersey

    No longer a Bull, but he’s still a star. Buy Jordan’s merchandise at United Center’s Fandemonium store.

  6. Cubs baseball cap

    Head to the Tribune Tower gift shop for caps of the Major League team owned by the Chicago Tribune.

  7. Art glass

    Get a little Prairie style with a replica Frank Lloyd Wright art-glass panel from the Chicago Architecture Foundation store.

  8. Chicago mugs

    The Chicago Historical Society sells mugs depicting the faces of famous local residents like Al Capone.

  9. Sue skeleton

    Sue, the world’s largest T. rex skeleton is far less menacing in mini model form from the Field Museum.

  10. Chicago snowglobe

    Recall Chicago winters with a city skyline snowglobe from Accent Chicago in the Water Tower Place mall.