Chicago – Streetsmart – Shopping Tips

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  1. Store Hours

    Regular
    store and mall hours are usually 10am to 9pm, Monday to Saturday, and
    11am to 6pm Sunday. However, Northside boutiques and stores along the Mag Mile often stay open ‘til 7–8pm.

  2. Taxes

    Chicago state and local sales taxes are among the highest in the country at 9 percent on all non-food items.

  3. Sales Periods

    Some
    Chicago stores have items on sale all year round, but expect real
    bargains after Christmas, on Presidents’ Day, and on Labor Day .

  4. Department Stores

    You’re
    in shopper’s heaven when it comes to department stores in Chicago,
    which are mostly located on North Michigan Avenue and State Street. They
    include upscale Macy’s, practical Sears, traditional Lord & Taylor, and stylish Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store.

    Lord & Taylor

    • Water Tower Place, 835N. Michigan Ave.

    Bloomingdale’s

    • 900 N. Michigan Ave.

  5. Shopping Malls

    There’s no shortage of malls in the city, especially vertical ones on the Mag Mile. Here you’ll find Water Tower PlaceWestfield North Bridge

    Chicago Place

    • 700 N. Michigan Ave

  6. Chicago Souvenirs

    Accent on Chicago and the City of Chicago Store have shelves filled with Chicago mementos. Authentic local food such as pizza and Eli’s cheesecake can be shipped anywhere in the US by Taste of Chicago.

    Accent on Chicago

    • 875 N. Michigan Ave.

    City of Chicago Store

    • Chicago Waterworks Visitors Center, 163 E. Pearson St.

    Taste of Chicago

  7. Discount Outlets

    Look
    for real bargains at Filene’s Basement, while higher-end men’s and
    women’s clothing are discounted in the Mark Shale and Gap stores. Good
    value jewelry can be found at the Jeweler’s Center, and cheap housewares at Crate & Barrel.

    Filene’s Basement

    • 1 N. State St./ 830 N. Michigan Ave.

    • Mark Shale Outlet

    • 2593 Elston Ave

    Gap Outlet

    • 2778 N. Milwaukee Ave

    Crate & Barrel Outlet

    • 1864 N. Clybourn Ave

  8. Music & Books

    Borders
    and Barnes & Noble bookstores are all over the city. But for
    specialty books and personal service, try the Savvy Traveller or
    Sandmeyer’s Bookstore. The Virgin Megastore looks cool inside, but for
    great value CDs check out the back wall racks of the legendary Rolling
    Stones shop, or go to Reckless Records for used vinyl.

    Savvy Traveller

    • 310 S. Michigan Ave

    Sandmeyer’s Bookstore

    • 714 S. Dearborn St.

    Virgin Megastore

    • 540 N. Michigan Ave

    Rolling Stones

    • 7300 W. Irving Pk. Rd

    Reckless Records

    • 3161 N. Broadway

  9. Art & Antiques

    For information on art exhibitions, get a copy of Chicago Gallery News, which is available at visitor centers, or head to the River North Gallery District. Taylor’s Guide to Antique Shops in Illinois and Southern Wisconsin (available in bookstores or by calling 1 847 465 3314) will direct you to the best local antique dealers.




    Broadway Antique Market

  10. Size Conversions

    Clothing and shoe sizes in the UK, Europe, and the US differ, and conversions are complicated. Look at www.onlineconversion.com for help with sizes.