Best Shopping Areas in Chicago

Best Shopping Areas in Chicago

An emerging name in the map of the world’s shopping destinations is Chicago. Shopping in Chicago will bring you to a wide variety of shopping places from upscale boutiques to fashionable stores, specialty shops, malls and departments stores.

Michigan Avenue

The ultimate shopping experience in Chicago can be enjoyed in Michigan Avenue. It is the version of Beverly Hill’s Rodeo Drive or New York’s Fifth Avenue. This part of Chicago is known for the density of places to shop with dozens of shopping stores, some of which span six stories, to cater to all your shopping whims. Almost every fashion, clothing, shoes and bag designer label has a boutique in Michigan Avenue. This thoroughfare is also the site of the infamous Magnificent Mile or Mag Mile, a stretch that is home to high-rise malls housing upscale retailers and department stores.

Oak Street

Another Chicago destination for those with expensive tastes is Oak Street. Located near Michigan Avenue, this one-block shopping neighborhood also plays host to some of the most elite and upscale shops in the city. Compared to the high-rise Mag Mile stores though, Oak Street has smaller and private stores. It is frequented by the city’s elite since it is a symbol of expensive designer label shopping.

State Street

State Street was once Chicago’s most popular shopping neighborhood until it was eclipsed by Michigan Avenue. Located south of the Chicago River, this shopping site features a combination of old architecture and retail establishments. Two main department stores in the area are Macy’s which occupies an entire block, and Sears on State.

Wicker Park/Bucktown

Those who want to buy unique finds should head to Wicker Park/Bucktown. Taking up two blocks, this shopping neighborhood is home to boutiques, art stores and specialty shops. Items that can be found in this shopping area include designer handcrafted jewelry, rare artworks, antique furniture and pieces, hip clothes including denims, unique accessories, and other hard-to-find gifts.

Other shopping neighborhoods to check out include Armitage Avenue, Lincoln Park & Lakeview, Southport Avenue and West Division Street.

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