Best New Year's Shopping In Chicago
North Michigan Ave.
From the Chicago River to the south to Oak Street going north
Chicago, Illinois
www.themagnificentmile.com
There are few places in Chicago that capture the magic of the holiday season more than The Magnificent Mile. With an array of both boutiques and stately shopping centers, studios and galleries, and of course many dining options, it's easy to lose oneself on The Magnificent Mile — and bring some goodies home with you too. Whether you're more of a Gap person or into shops like Barbour Inc. or AllSaints, there's something for everyone if you're looking for apparel. There is also a variety of stores to pick up jewelry, home furnishings, cosmetics, gourmet food and gift items, sporting goods, electronics, shoes, toys, Chicago-related souvenirs and so much more — and all while strolling one of Chicago's most elegant and fashionable areas.
5220 Fashion Outlets Way
Rosemont, IL. 60018
(847) 928-7500
www.fashionoutletsofchicago.com
We all know that the holiday season can be financially draining between all the gifts we need to purchase, dinners and traveling to see loved ones. So after this hectic time has come to a close, why not treat yourself to some of your favorite items with outlet prices? The still-new Fashion Outlets of Chicago in nearby Rosemont is the area's only two-level, indoor outlet mall. With over 130 outlet stores to choose from like Converse, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Calvin Klein, Ugg, and so much more, get out of the snow and cold and into some warm deals on clothing and shoes, housewares and pretty much anything your heart desires with attractive prices.
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza
Chicago, IL. 60654
(312) 527-4141
www.mmart.com
If bigger is better when it comes to shopping options, then you have to visit Chicago's own Merchandise Mart. Housed in a staunch looking art deco landmark, the Merchandise Mart covers 4.2 million square feet and was the biggest building in the world when it was opened in the 1930s. With an exciting cluster of retail stores, restaurants and wholesale design centers all under one very large roof, shop for pretty much anyone you can think of and then enjoy the sights of the Chicago River and downtown Chicago all in one day.
Chicago, Il. 60657
If your tastes and styles lean more towards the eclectic than the traditional, Lakeview is the perfect spot to score some post-holiday treats. Get away from the tourists and feel the vibe of a thriving and gritty Chicago neighborhood. Start out at The Alley for some band tees, leather jackets and gothic home accessories, then head over to Chicago Comics to experience one of the best comic shops around. Other places to score some great deals in Lakeview are the Strange Cargo thrift store, Unabridged Books for all your literary needs, and RobotCity Workshop for fun toys and electronics.
613 N. State St.
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 280-1602
poshchicago.com
If you'd like to support a small local business while looking for items that are unique, check out P.O.S.H.! Although closed annually on New Years Day, Jan. 2 is the day to stop into P.O.S.H. for a 50 percent discount on all holiday items. This charming European import shop on Chicago's Near North Side offers an array of china and dinnerware items, glass, hotel silver and more. Come on in when they reopen after the holiday to stock up for next year with lovely and whimsical ornaments and decorations, holiday and winter themed towels, housewares and trinkets.