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.
Taxes
Chicago state and local sales taxes are among the highest in the country at 9 percent on all non-food items.
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 .
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.
Water Tower Place, 835N. Michigan Ave.
900 N. Michigan Ave.
Shopping Malls
There’s no shortage of malls in the city, especially vertical ones on the Mag Mile. Here you’ll find Water Tower Place; Westfield North Bridge; Chicago Place – featuring the Midwest’s flagship Saks Fifth Avenue – and 900 North Michigan Shops. Regular malls are scattered all around the city and its suburbs.
700 N. Michigan Ave
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.
875 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago Waterworks Visitors Center, 163 E. Pearson St.
1 877 908 2783
www.tastesofchicago.com
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.
1 N. State St./ 830 N. Michigan Ave.
Mark Shale Outlet
2593 Elston Ave
2778 N. Milwaukee Ave
1864 N. Clybourn Ave
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.
310 S. Michigan Ave
714 S. Dearborn St.
540 N. Michigan Ave
7300 W. Irving Pk. Rd
3161 N. Broadway
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.
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.
