Shopping in Chicago

Chicago is a shopper’s fantasy come true. Imagine a place with world-class department stores, every kind of boutique from upscale to “sassy,” specialty shops, and fabulous discount shopping, and you’ve just begun to picture the retail adventures in store for you here.

Make the most of Chicago’s shopping opportunities by taking a divide-and-conquer approach to the city’s incredible retail districts. How many cities have a Director of Fashion? Chicago does – and that’s why more and more designers are showcasing their talents here.

One important Chicago destination is The Magnificent Mile along Michigan Avenue. In this eight-block stretch, 460 stores offer luxury items, beautiful bargains, and everything in-between. Along Michigan Avenue north from the Chicago River, nearly 500 stores showcase everything from high-end retail to bargain shopping to specialty stores such as American Girl Place. Retail giants anchor centers with multiple levels of upscale retailers, restaurants, salons and spas, and more. Find Bloomingdale’s fashion department store at The 900 North Shops, Macy's at Water Tower Place, Saks Fifth Avenue at Chicago Place, and Nordstrom at The Shops at North Bridge.

Shoppers from all over the world love Oak Street, an international style center with high-end stores and salons just steps off Michigan Avenue. Art and antiques collectors hunt for treasure in the 60-plus galleries of nearby River North Gallery District. Oak Street is a “street of dreams” for shoppers worldwide. Find Kate Spade, Barney’s New York, Prada and other exclusive retailers and salons in this Gold Coast shopping district. Nearby River North galleries feature works by established and emerging artists and antiques. Find clothing, jewelry, home décor and more in posh new shops.

Shopping is plentiful and varied in the landmark State Street Retail Historic District and surrounding Loop stores. Walk one block east of State to Jeweler’s Row for dizzying displays of diamonds and gems in the Midwest’s largest jewelry district. The landmark State Street Retail Historic District features the gigantic flagship Macy’s on State, Sears, and other Loop options including H&M, Nordstrom Rack, Urban Outfitters, Old Navy and Forever 21. Get the world’s greatest popcorn at Garrett Popcorn Shops’ three Loop locations. Shop for fine diamonds and gems on Wabash Avenue, the Midwest’s largest jewelry district.

Chicago’s neighborhoods offer the newest in destination shopping. Find one-of-a-kind items, trendy clothing, accessories, furniture, and much more in such areas as Lincoln Park and Armitage Avenue, and Wicker Park-Bucktown – recently called “a square mile of sassy boutiques” by Vanity Fair.

Need a boost? Drop in at one of the city’s amazing spas to recharge your batteries. Or take advantage of experts who provide customized shopping tours – with special amenities and transportation – to help you find Chicago’s very best needful things.

The following are among the best places to shop in Chicago:

Bloomingdale's
900 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL, 60611
The Chicago flagship store features six levels of shopping that includes men's, women's and children's clothing, shoes, cosmetics and b'cafe. Out of town customers may stop by the first floor Visitors Desk for information and gift with purchase.

Chicago Premium Outlets
1650 Premium Outlets Blvd., Aurora, IL, 60502
Chicagoland's newest shopping attraction. 120 designer and name-brand outlets featuring Banana Republic, Coach, Giorgio Armani, Guess, Kate Spade, Kenneth Cole, Locoste, Max Mara, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Theory, Timberland, Sony and more.

Macy's
835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL, 60611
Our Magnificent Mile location offers eight floors of designer fashions, accessories, shoes, cosmetics and house wares.

Nordstrom Michigan Avenue
55 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL, 60611
Nordstrom, one of the nation's leading fashion specialty retailers, offers its Michigan Avenue customers 271,000 sq. ft., four levels of contemporary and classic shoes, clothing, and accessories for the entire family. A wide range of special services and amenities are available including personal shoppers, concierge, in-store alterations, shoe shine and free delivery service.

Oakbrook Shopping Center
100 Oakbrook Ctr., Oak Brook, IL, 60523
A premiere shopping destination known for its outstanding mix of retailer and beautiful outdoor ambience. Neiman Marcus, Macy's, Lord & Taylor, Bloomingdale's Home Store, Sears and Nordstrom plus 160 specialty shops and over 14 famous restaurants.