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Best Local Chicago Businesses To Shop On Black Friday 2014

Black Friday is just around the corner on November 28, 2014. Do you know where you're planning to shop? This year, skip the malls and big-box retailers and head to independent stores in the Chicago area for your holiday shopping needs. While you won't exactly avoid the crowds when you shop at independent stores, you will be supporting local businesses right in your own community. From electronics to toy stores, check out where you can shop on Black Friday.

Abt Electronics
1200 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Glenview, IL 60025
(847) 967-8830
www.abt.com

Do you need to pick up an iPad for your brother, a DVD player for your parents, and what the heck, maybe a new TV for your living room? Then consider checking out Abt Electronics on Black Friday. A longtime favorite of the Chicago area, the electronics store is a favorite of both local celebrities (check out the store's wall of fame while you're there) and Chicagoans alike. You can purchase Apple products, a dishwasher, a new small kitchen appliance and even a bed, all under one roof.

Cat And Mouse Game Store
2212 W. Armitage Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 384-4454
www.cat-n-mouse.com

Located in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood, Cat and Mouse Game Store can be a one-stop shop for just about every puzzle and game fan on your shopping list this holiday season. The store features games for game fans of all ages, as well as a wide selection of both well-known games and titles from new game companies. If you need help making a gift selection, then check out Cat and Mouse's website for the company's gift guide. Brainteasers, logic games, party games and other popular categories are also available. While you're there, consider signing up for one of Cat and Mouse's game tournaments for a fun weekend activity. The store's second location is in the West Loop neighborhood (1112 W. Madison St.).

Related: Best Local Bookstores In Chicago

Graham Crackers Comics
77 E. Madison St.
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 629-1810
www.grahamcrackers.com

If you know a comic book fan or two, then head to Graham Crackers Comics. The store offers a wide selection of comic books ranging from The A-Team to Zombie Team, and just about everything in between. Graham Crackers also offers more than just comic books, so if you're not sure which comic books to pick out, you can always get merchandise from your comic book fan's favorite series. Graham Crackers has nine locations in and around Chicago, including stores in Naperville and Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood.

Schaefer's Wines, Foods & Spirits
9965 Gross Point Road
Skokie, IL 60076
(847) 677-9463
www.schaefers.com

Get the wine enthusiast in your life a bottle of something special at Schaefer's Wines, Foods & Spirits. Not sure what to pick out? Don't worry, as the store is widely recognized by a number of publications for its wine selection and service. Schaefer's offers a wide selection of wine available at a number of price points from vineyards all over the world, too. For a bit of added flair, you can also peruse the store's gift selection of wine and treats.

Seminary Co-Op Bookstore
5751 S. Woodlawn Ave.
Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 752-4381
www.semcoop.com

Pick up a book or two (or three, or four…) for the bookworm in your life at Seminary Co-Op Bookstore in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood. You can find just about any topic at the bookstore, including books on history, economics and even children's books. The bookstore also has an assortment of brand new titles, so you can be assured of picking up a book the recipient hasn't yet read. A second store, 57th Street Books, is located at 1301 E. 57th St. in Chicago.

Related: Best Local Shops To Visit On Black Friday And Small Business Saturday In Chicago

Megan Horst-Hatch is a runner, reader, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She is also the president of Megan Writes, LLC. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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