Where to go shopping in Chicago

For decades, Chicago’s shopping scene has been dominated by Michigan Avenue, otherwise known as “the Magnificent Mile” which runs north-south along Millennium Park. Other stretches of Oak Street and State Street are the usual go-to destinations for out-of-towners. But as the city changes, new hotspots have popped up in the neighborhoods. This has not only coincided with a culinary and cultural renaissance that lands Chicago on the top of travel lists, but the shopping has benefited from the expanded cultural footprint. 

This might make it a little more difficult to pinpoint exactly where you’ll be shopping, but with a little planning, you’ll be able to find your retail therapy sweet spot. Regardless of your exact shopping plans, you may need a secure place to stash your haul while you hit a Cubs game or musical. That’s where the Bounce luggage storage service in Chicago can help. 

All you need to know when shopping in Chicago

The downtown area, otherwise known as “the Loop” to locals, is where you’ll find stretches like Michigan Avenue and the nearby River North neighborhood. This is where you should expect major department stores and destinations like Water Tower for upscale designer brands. During the holiday season, the downtown area is where you’ll find the amazing Christmas tree at Daley Plaza along with the Christkindlmarkt German holiday market.

Out in northwest neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Logan Square, you’ll find quirky boutiques and vintage shops clustered around Milwaukee Avenue. Further North, nightlife hotspots like Lincoln Park and Lakeview (the home of Wrigley Field) will have upscale shopping along stretches of Armitage Avenue, Lincoln Avenue, and Clark Street. 

For Americans or international travelers familiar with the country, there won’t be anything overly surprising about shopping in Chicago. Stores are open a little later during the holiday season, but expect standard opening hours into the early evening and standard practices regarding credit cards.

Unique shops to visit in Chicago

Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, and these are where you’ll find specialty shops and art galleries that exude the character of the Windy City. For the most interesting stores and boutiques, head to Wicker Park, Logan Square, Bucktown, and other areas on the West and Northwest sides. There are even a few gems downtown.

Mildblend

For the hipster-chic look you’d expect to find in a neighborhood that redefined Chicago-cool in the 90s and early 2000s, one of the top Wicker Park stores is this denim and accessory boutique. While the aesthetics take a page out of the vintage playbook, everything is new and carefully curated by designers like Naked and Famous and Pure Blue Japan. 

• Pro tip: The location in Wicker Park is only about a 20-minute train ride via the Blue Line from O’Hare, making it an easy stop for a layover. This is where Bounce’s neighborhood locations can help! 
• Address: 1342 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Lost Girls Vintage 

The ‘bespoke’ word gets tossed around a lot these days. But if this locally-owned chain of vintage clothing and decor doesn’t fit the description, then nothing does. Expect expertly curated homeware and ephemera alongside carefully sourced vintage threads that are perfect for putting together your outfit for that arty dinner party or Lollapalooza getup. 

• West Town Address: 2710 N Sawyer Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
• Logan Square Address: 2710 N Sawyer Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Water Tower Place

One of the northernmost shopping destinations on the Magnificent Mile is this 8-storey mall marked by Chicago’s historic water tower. You’ll find almost everything you’d need here. From major fashion brands to electronics and (of course) toys for the kids. Akira, American Girl, Bath and Body Works, Express, Finish Line, Forever 21, Hollister, Lacoste, and Lego all have a presence at Water Tower Place. 

• Pro tip: If you don't have time for a full shopping spree, it's easy to stroll by the iconic landmark on your way to the John Hancock Tower. And there are multiple Bounce locations nearby if you want to stash your shopping bags or luggage. 
• Address: 835 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

Raygun

This Andersonville (secretly Chicago’s coolest neighborhood) boutique allows you to design and print your own T-shirts. It’s been used countless times for political and social justice campaigns, but it’s popular for bachelor and bachelorette parties, too. 

• Address: 5207 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640

Shopping in Chicago beyond clothing 

Chicago has a quirky streak that extends beyond vintage clothing. Here are some of the craft shops and designers bringing the City of Broad Shoulders quality products of all sorts. 

The Silver Room

Hyde Park, home to the Obamas, is one of the best areas on the south side. With stores like The Silver Room, which is a black-owned boutique curating art, literature, and homeware showcasing the city's strengths. There’s also a wonderful program of workshops and other events to keep an eye out for. The Silver Room is all the proof you’ll need that Hyde Park is home to one of the most vibrant and promising cultural scenes in the city. 

• Pro tip: If your bags are full but you want to tour the Hogwarts-esque University of Chicago campus, stash them with Bounce before you head out to explore! 
• Address: 1506 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615

Bric-a-Brac Records 

One of the top record stores in Chicago recently moved to a brand new spot on the ever-trendy Milwaukee Avenue, but it’s keeping its nostalgia-based theme intact. Above the shelves of new and used records (with an emphasis on indie-rock and new wave sounds) are Blade Runner and E.T. posters along with racks of old cassettes and VHS tapes. They (along with beloved John Hughes movies) are keeping the 80s alive in Chicago. Don’t have a record player? From vintage Star Wars toys to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles posters, the store stocks all manner of geeky goods, 

• Pro tip: Records can be difficult to fit in luggage lockers, but you won't have strict size limitations with Bounce facilities. Drop the shopping bags with those 12” LPs before you head out to brunch at Logan Square institutions like Longman & Eagle or Lula Cafe. 
• Address: 2845 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

In Good Spirits 

Chicago is a famously boozy town (dating back to the days of Al Capone and now in its craft brewery heyday), but the Windy City wellness scene is strong in West Town where you’ll find the city’s first (and best) non-alcoholic spirits shop. Shop through inventive concoctions featuring high-quality botanicals and organic ingredients. Your future self will thank you come Dry January! 

• Pro tip: You may not want to ride around all day with a bunch of bottles. That’s where a well-placed Bounce location can help. 
• Address: 858 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Traditional shopping options in Chicago

Chicago’s downtown area and suburbs are home to plenty of malls, department stores and fashion outlets for a straightforward shopping experience. These are great for practical purchases, but don’t sleep on the inviting atmospheres and friendly locals. 

Saks Fifth Avenue

One of the premier names in fashion, this NYC institution’s Chicago outpost has been a destination for Midwesterners for decades. From Louis Vuitton to Lacoste, expect all your go-to luxury brands across its multi-level space in a historic building overlooking Michigan Avenue. 

• Pro tip: While the space is gorgeous and approachable, it’s sorely lacking in proper storage. That’s where one of Bounce’s many locations across the downtown area can certainly help. 
• Address: 700 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

900 North Michigan Shops

Across 70 retail spaces, you’ll be able to shop for brands like J.Crew, Louis Vuitton, Polo, Gucci, and hundreds of other labels at this luxury-based retail space on the northern end of Michigan Avenue. That’s hardly the end of it, as there’s an observation deck offering unbelievable panoramas of the Chicago skyline (rightly regarded as the country’s best) along with a golf simulator and full gourmet food court. 

• Pro tip: If you’re traveling with your golf clubs, you’ll be able to store them with Bounce. Unlike standard lockers, there aren’t any size limits for Bounce locations. 
• Address: 900 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

Woodfield Mall and the Fashion Outlets of Chicago

There are a few malls situated within a 15-minute drive from O’Hare Airport, making it possible for a quick trip during a layover. The massive Woodfield shopping mall is the crown jewel of Chicago’s suburbs, and you’ll find essentially every brand across its department stores and retailers. The Fashion Outlets of Chicago are situated practically across the street and are where you’ll find J. Crew, Polo, Lacoste, and other familiar brands. 

• Pro tip: Instead of dragging your luggage around the mall while you’re on a layover, drop them off with Bounce on your way to Woodfield! 
• Woodfield Address: 5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, IL 60173
• Fashion Outlets Address: 5220 Fashion Outlets Way, Rosemont, IL 60018

While its reputation is staked on bizarre hot dogs and ancient baseball stadiums, Chicago shopping is as good as you’ll find anywhere in the US. It’s absolutely worth taking a break from inhaling deep-dish pizza or attending events like Lollapalooza and enjoying some retail therapy during your trip to the Windy City. Just don’t let your luggage get in the way while you're a the Shops at North Bridge or cruising Michigan Avenue and the Magnificient Mile. Download the Bounce mobile app to access dozens of secure Chicgao luggage storage locations, like spots near Chicago Union Station, downtown, or close to either Midway or O'Hare Airports.