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Shopping - Shop 'Til You Drop
When it comes to shopping, Chicago is the place. The inspiration behind many top modern department stores including Selfridges, Chicago continues to build on its cutting edge legacy as a world-class shopping destination. From exclusive boutiques to shopping malls, Chicago boasts endless opportunities to shop for every taste, size and pocket with more than 200 retailers under one roof. What’s more, visitors can cover nearly all of the central shopping hotspots on foot, just as the locals do. Downtown Chicago a.k.a. ‘The Loop’ is great for wandering and friendly encounters. It’s not uncommon to exchange pleasantries with a native Chicagoan whilst walking the streets on a shopping excursion. What’s more, for international visitors, shopping bags are quickly filled without the need to be a big spender. Favourable exchange rates to the British pound make for a great opportunity to indulge in retail therapy at low prices.
A shopping spree in Chicago is not complete without a visit to the famed ‘Magnificent Mile’, the nickname for the 1.8 mile stretch of North Michigan Avenue that runs from Lake Michigan to the Chicago River. Rivalling the Champs-Elysees with its array of chic boutiques, this grand boulevard is a mix of art deco and contemporary designs that provide an unforgettable backdrop for a unique urban shopping experience. It’s no wonder that the Mag Mile attracts the glitterati. The likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Britney Spears, Mel Gibson, David Schwimmer, Justin Timberlake and Cameron Diaz have all been spotted on the spend in this lovely stretch of retail heaven. The cornerstones of the area are four vertical shopping malls, packed with hundreds of shops and boutiques waiting to be explored. Chicago Place, at 700 North Michigan Avenue, is anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue and offers a host of prestigious stores. 900 North Michigan, a few blocks away, is home to the famous Bloomingdales. This six-storey emporium offers a range of leading designer goods including Gucci and Club Monaco. Water Tower Place on Michigan Avenue, the pinnacle of the Magnificent Mile, is an eight level atrium with over 100 shops and restaurants for high-energy, one-stop shopping. It includes the ever-popular Abercrombie & Fitch, The Gap, Lacoste, Banana Republic and Marshall Field’s. Westfield North Bridge, Chicago’s newest shopping mecca, is anchored by the department store, Nordstrom. This elegant, European-style arcade covers four floors with a great selection of upmarket boutiques including A/X Armani Exchange and Benetton. Other not-to-be-missed shops on Michigan Avenue include the enormous Niketown for the latest trainers and sportswear, the Polo Ralph Lauren flagship store – famed as the world’s largest – and Crate & Barrel, where ‘Oprah’s favourite shop’ sells a range of stylish homewares. American Girl Place, just around the corner, is made of sugar and spice and all things nice. Seeing is believing at this fairytale entertainment destination at 111 East Chicago Avenue. This store is every little girl’s fantasy, where kids can create their own dolls, have etiquette lessons and even buy matching outfits for themselves and their dolls. American Girl Place offers everything a little girl needs to transform into princess.
Oak Street, situated just west of Michigan Avenue, is perfect for big spenders seeking the ultimate cosmopolitan feel. The vibe on this lush and leafy street is ‘Sex in the City’ chic, with an array of speciality stores and upmarket boutiques, comprising a diverse mix of American and international designers such as Hermès and Prada.
The State Street Shopping Corridor lies in the heart of Chicago’s theatre district and is home to the stunning Marshall Field’s, the first-ever department store. The UK’s own Selfridges was opened after Harry Gordon Selfridge left his job at Marshall Field’s in Chicago to move across the pond and introduce the department store concept to Londoners. The original Selfridges took its inspiration from Marshall Field’s, right down to the ornate window displays. Carson Pirie Scott department store was designed in 1899 by the famous Chicago architect Louis Sullivan. One of the most important structures in early modern architecture, it merges beauty with function and features an ornate grillwork combined with modular design. Steps away from Marshall Field’s, this store also offers all types of women’s and men’s fashions, housewares and electrical goods. TJ Maxx and Filene’s Basement, based on State Street, are the best bargain houses in Chicago. These stores offer massive discounts on designer labels, be it an Armani suit or a Calvin Klein T-shirt. Also on State Street, Old Navy offers affordable, fashionable clothing under its own label. The chain was opened by Gap, Inc.
Chicago Premium Outlets recently opened in Aurora, 40 miles west of Chicago. With more than 120 designer outlets, shoppers are treated to massive savings on leading brands including Tommy Hilfiger, Versace and Armani.
Woodfield Mall, just 40 minutes northwest of the city, is an ideal excursion to more wide open spaces. With incredible finds, this shopping mecca attracts more than 27 million visitors each year and provides the ultimate combination of luxury, pricing and products with more than 285 stores. Oakbrook Center is an open-air shopping mall set amongst lush gardens and flowing fountains just a 30-minute drive from downtown Chicago. Offering a lovely day out, it has 18 restaurants and 140 shops, including Burberry and Banana Republic. Gurnee Mills, just 40 minutes north of the city, is another great shopping and entertainment day out. It is the Midwest’s largest value retail and entertainment mall with more than 250 outlet stores including Abercrombie & Fitch and Polo Jeans. Whatever one is looking for, it can be found in Chicago. One small piece of advice for visitors….set aside enough money to pick up an extra suitcase, just to take it all home.
For more information or to obtain a brochure, call the Chicago & Illinois Tourist Office’s Freephone Brochure Line on 08700 503410 or visit online www.gochicago.com For further information or photography, (media only) please contact Jackie Cooper PR:
Magnificent Mile Saks Fifth Avenue Niketown Polo Ralph Lauren Bloomingdale’s Water Tower Place Crate & Barrel The Shops at North Bridge American Girl Place Hermès Prada
Marshall Field’s Carson Pirie Scott Old Navy TJ Maxx Filene’s Basement
Chicago Premium Outlet Oak Brook Centre Woodfield Mall Gurnee Mills |
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