When it comes to shopping opportunities, Chicago has a lot to offer. If you live in or around the Chicago area or plan to visit, be prepared to find great bargains on virtually everything. Of course, like other cities, some shopping spots and outlets stand out as being better than others. Since a number of malls are located within close proximity to the airport, shopping is an excellent way to spend a few hours while waiting for an outbound flight.
Great Places to Shop in Chicago
- Oakbrook Center—Just 30 minutes from the Chicago downtown area, this mall features several major department stores, including Nordstrom and Macy’s, as well as more than 160 shops and restaurants.
- Oak Brook Center – With more than 100 shops and excellent hours, this Chicago mall attracts people from near and far. Along with shopping, you have multiple choices of salons for pampering. The mall also boasts a number of eating establishments, including The Cheesecake Factory and Wildfire.
- Woodfield Mall—This indoor mall is another excellent choice in Chicago, perfect for shopping on cold days. Ranked among the largest malls in the country, Woodfield has a new 5D movie theater, toddlers’ play area, comedy club, and many amazing stores, as well as kiosks for sampling new products.
- Old Orchard Mall—You might also consider this shopping spot when in Chicago. Along with the beautiful landscaping on the exterior, inside you will discover multiple upscale stores like Michael Kors, Henri Bendel, and Rolex. However, there are also boutique-style shops, as well as a Tesla Motor and a fresh market where you can buy organic foods.
- Lincoln Park—Probably one of the more popular shopping spots is Lincoln Park, which boasts trendy shops, theaters, and bars. This mall has numerous brands, including Vosges Haut Chocolate, Intermix, and Nike Training Club, among others. Best of all, patrol attendants are available to offer assistance for people who park on the premises.
- Green City Market—As the only sustainable market in Chicago, this is a great place to explore. Here you will find all types of fresh produce and organic products. You can even visit with local farmers, sample different foods, and watch demonstrations from local chefs. Each month, the Green City Market also hosts a hands-on gardening workshop at no charge.
- Wicker Park & Bucktown—If you are interested in visiting one of Chicago’s most fascinating neighborhoods and shopping for antique furniture and discounted prices, this is the ideal shopping spot.
Making a Day for Shopping
Although shopping is fun, it also comes with the challenges of fighting traffic, finding a decent place to park, and of course, loading purchased merchandise into the car. To make your day of shopping something extraordinary, consider hiring a limo service like Pontarelli, which will ensure you have a stress-free experience.