When you move to Chicago, finding an apartment is just the beginning. Once you settle into your new home, you’ll likely want to upgrade or enhance your new home and stock your pantry with fresh ingredients. Fortunately, Chicago offers a shopping experience like no other. From the bustling streets of downtown and the iconic State Street, to hidden gems and small businesses scattered throughout the city, Chicago sells what you need.
To help you navigate the shopping scene, we put together the “Ultimate Chicago Shopping Tour.” Dive into our guide and discover where to find the best deals, unique items, and top-notch service in the Windy City.
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The Best Chicago Shopping Destinations
Chicago Shopping Malls
When it comes to shopping malls, Chicago can’t be outdone. Whether you are looking for a high-end experience or a bargain hunt, you can get what you need without straying from the city limits.
- 900 North Michigan Avenue anchors the Magnificent Mile, Chicago’s 13-block stretch of iconic shopping. This large, airy destination offers boutique shopping, luxury brands, Equinox fitness, and salon & spa options. Mall food courts don’t normally gain a reputation for outstanding fare, but Aster Hall proves that exceptional, but still convenient food belongs in a mall setting, so plan a meal here as part of your excursion.
- Stop by Block 37 the next time you head out for a day in the heart of Chicago’s Loop. This five-level fitness and lifestyle center offers premier shopping at well-known spots like Zara and Anthropologie as well as a dine-in movie theater, an indoor golf experience at Five Iron Golf, and plenty of quick dining options on-site. The block has served as a social place for Chicagoans since 1830, and the tradition continues with this perfect mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment.
- You can stick around the Mag Mile and other urban malls for upscale shopping, but everyone loves a deal sometimes – and that’s where Fashion Outlets of Chicago comes into play. Located just minutes from O’Hare airport, this two-story outlet mall just outside of the city houses more than 130 luxury brands at a discount.
Downtown Chicago Shopping
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, everyone takes advantage of Chicago’s incredible shopping scene. The areas listed below each include a diverse collection of stores, so you can take care of all your needs in just a few stops.
- The Magnificent Mile is synonymous with downtown Chicago shopping. This stretch of Michigan Avenue features 460 stores, 275 restaurants, and three multi-level shopping malls. For a one-stop shopping day, head to the Mag Mile to hunt for clothing, accessories, homewares, and more.
- Macy’s on State Street anchors an enclave of shopping options, including fast-fashion favorites like Banana Republic and trendy boutiques selling jewelry and footwear. Marvel at Macy’s ornate 1900s architecture and enjoy lunch at the Walnut Room, the first restaurant to open in a department store. Afterward, explore more State Street Chicago shopping mere steps away.
- The Shops at North Bridge is a sprawling six-block area in the Michigan Avenue district, centered around Nordstrom. This chic shopping destination includes over 50 upscale stores like Stuart Weitzman, BOSS by Hugo Boss, and Untuckit as well as more than 20 eateries, allowing you to shop and refuel as needed.
Chinatown Chicago Shopping
- Chinatown Square Plaza is a must-see destination for shopping in Chicago’s Chinatown. The two-story open-air mall is one of the largest Chinese malls in the country, featuring vibrant gift shops, boutiques, beauty products, and incredible dim sum on-site. Don’t miss the chance to take in the 12 bronze zodiac sculptures and a mural made from 100,000 individually cut pieces of hand-painted glass from China.
- AJ Housewares and Gifts will delight the avid bargain hunter. This store overflows with housewares, including bargain-priced rice bowls, gorgeous Chinese tea sets, walls of beaded bracelets and paper lanterns, and much more. Stop by for kitchen items, trinkets, small gifts for kids, and the list goes on.
- Aji Ichiban is a snack lover’s dream. Browse the bins of chocolate, caramel, and fruity candy from Asia and beyond before you pay by the pound. Looking for something savory? Aji Ichiban sells salty snacks too, such as dried seaweed, wasabi peas, unusual chip flavors, and more.
Shopping for Your New Home
After your move, you’ll want to buy some fresh items to spruce up your old look for your new space. While Chicago contains all the big-box stores you want to shop in (TJ Maxx, Homegoods, etc.), you’ll find adorable boutiques and unique items in every Chicago shopping district across the city.
- Neighborly gives you a chance to support fellow Chicago makers and other small businesses while you outfit your new apartment. This Wicker Park home store carries tableware, pillows and throws, bed and bath decor, and much more. The best part: Neighborly carries goods from companies that make their own products (or maintain a direct relationship with manufacturers) to ensure that everything is made with eco-friendly materials and a transparent manufacturing process. A win-win!
- If you plan to give your new place an Old-World feel, stop by P.O.S.H. first. Located along State Street in River North, P.O.S.H. carries an eclectic mix of vintage housewares, flea market finds, stoneware, and silver. Shop for a gorgeous new table spread or a few show-stopping serving pieces for a dinner party at your new place.
- The Eastern Accents Outlet Store might require some serious digging, but you can find everything you need to outfit your new place all under one roof. The warehouse-sized location is jam-packed with high-end goods that won’t break the bank. From bedsheets and pillows to throws and bath towels, this shop will help you make your new apartment a home.
Pro tip: If you love hunting for treasures at secondhand, vintage, and antique shops, you landed in the middle of a gold mine by choosing Chicago. Check out District Chicago, Mint Home, and Salvage One to jumpstart your exploration.
Stock Your Fridge at Local Grocery Stores
Of course, you’ll find national and regional grocery store chains all over Chicago, but for specialty ingredients or great deals on produce, these local spots shouldn’t be missed.
- Venture to La Casa del Pueblo for your typical grocery needs alongside dry goods and specialty items from Mexico. You’ll find squash blossoms, a variety of dried chiles and spices, and freshly made tortillas to take dinner at home to the next level.
- With locations all over the city, you’ll certainly find a Pete’s Fresh Market near you. And, it’s a good thing, too. Pete’s has great deals on produce and incredible grab-and-go items like fresh-pressed juices, savory pies, and much more.
Pro tip: From spring through fall, dozens of farmers’ markets pop up all over the city. The biggest one, Green City Market, actually operates year-round, a rare and notable feat considering Chicago winters. For local produce delivered to your doorstep (or a pre-arranged pickup spot), many farms also run CSA programs (community-supported agriculture).
Shop for Your Next Chicago Apartment
Ready to move to Chicago? Now that you know where to shop, all you need is the perfect place to call home. Luckily, we can help with that. Contact AptAmigo for help finding a luxury apartment you can afford in a neighborhood you’ll love. We’ll make relocating as easy as possible.
