Shopping in Downtown Chicago

"After having spent hours online trying to find where to buy sterling silver trays, Theresa Carter of The Local Tourist, sent me an answer by return email.  (I'm still waiting to hear from the emails I sent to the stores directly.) I live in Switzerland and will be in Chicago for a few days in September and don't want to waste time going to stores which do not carry what I need, since I'd like to see some of the sights, too. Theresa's service is a great time-saver for tourists and I can recommend it whole-heartedly." - S. Meyer, Switzerland

Downtown Chicago has the finest shopping in the midwest. The choices can seem overwhelming, so here's a quick primer to get your spending spree started. Be sure to visit the Chicago Shopping Directory to find your favorite shops.

Magnificent Mile

The length of Michigan Avenue stretching from the river north to where the shoreline curves west is Chicago's most famous shopping district. Cartier and Tiffany have outposts here, as do Burberry, Armani and Gucci. Crate & Barrel's huge windows invite people in with promises of a cleaner, more fashionable, more organized home. H&M replaced the famous FAO Schwartz, and Filene's Basement is actually on the second floor.

On a cold, windy day (and we do have just a few of those), shoppers have four escapes from the weather. Water Tower Place, next to the famed Water Tower pumping station, is anchored by Macy's and Lord & Taylors. After traversing its eight floors, visit its upscale food court "foodlife". Really, you don't HAVE to have bourbon chicken or greasy pizza just because you're in a mall.

Across the street are the 900 North Michigan Shops. Bloomingdales is the centerpiece of this shopping center. Further south you'll find Chicago Place with its Saks Fifth Avenue outpost. And just a couple blocks south of that Nordstroms holds sway at the Shops at North Bridge. In between Chicago Place and North Bridge don't be surprised to see a big line of people waiting to get inside Garrett's Popcorn. People will stand outside for hours in the freezing cold for a taste of their CaramelCrisp!

Oak Street

If you've got a lot of money to spend, and I do mean a lot, and your idea of shopping is reclining with a glass of champagne while they bring the goods to you, then Oak Street is your stop. This tree lined boulevard is home to the most exclusive shops in the Midwest. It's located at the north end of Michigan Avenue and stretches west to around LaSalle Street.

State Street

Made famous as "that Great Street" in the 1922 song Chicago, State Street used to be the city's favorite shopping district. After a hefty slump and failed experiment making the street pedestrian only, State is finally coming into its own. It lays claim to the Marshall Field's (now Macy's) flagship store as well as the Louis Sullivan-designed Carson Pirie Scott (closed February 21, 2007) building. Shopping in the loop is a bit more affordable than further north, with national chains like Old Navy, TJ Maxx, Payless and Bakers lining the sidewalks. (And Filene's Basement is actually in the basement.) One block east of State on Wabash is Jeweler's Row. There you can find buildings literally filled with gems.

River North

If you're shopping for the person who has everything, head west of Michigan Avenue and north of the river. The River North Gallery District has the highest concentration of galleries outside of Manhattan. Located around Wells, Orleans, Superior and Huron, this area provides art collectors of all tastes with eye candy.

River North is also home to LuxeHome. A few years ago the Merchandise Mart decided to move its kitchen and bath showrooms to the first two floors from the thirteenth. Although they were always open to the public, any floors above the second were seen as the prohibited environs of designers and trade professionals. Now anyone can easily stroll through the luxurious showrooms, sit down with a designer and plan that perfect kitchen or bath. Try to do it on a Friday - Artisan Cellars on the first floor hosts wine tastings every Friday afternoon!