shopping

Best shopping malls in Chicago

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Shopaholics can rejoice if they are in Chicago, for it is home to a plethora of some of the most popular and largest malls in North America. A one-stop destination, Chicago offers top-class retail therapy.

So, grab your credit cards and hop in the shopping centers of Chicago, as it offers something for everyone. Here we have curated a list of the best shopping destinations you would want to check out in Chicago.

Woodfield Mall

Woodfield Mall is one of the largest shopping destinations in the United States, located just in the northwest Chicago suburb of Schaumburg, Illinois. Housing retail shops, restaurants, and family-friendly amenities in more than 2 million square feet of area, Woodfield Mall attracts more than 27 million visitors each year. The mall features around 300 stores and specialty shops and restaurants, including Nordstrom, JCPenney, Macy’s, Superdry, Lord & Taylor, Apple, Zara, H&M, Michael Kors, Anthropologie, A/X Armani Exchange, lululemon, Fabletics, BOSS, etc. that offer completely new and refreshing experiences to visitors every time.

Shoppers can also dine at restaurants such as Texas de Brazil, P.F. Changs, Chipotle Mexican Grill Uncle Julio’s, The Cheesecake Factory, or Blaze Pizza. After dining, they can entertain themselves at a comedy show at The Improv Comedy Club or visit a unique interactive toy museum called Blocks to Bricks. For kids and non-shoppers, the mall offers distractions like the LEGO store, Build-a-Bear Workshop, and The Disney Store.

Westfield Old Orchard

Westfield Old Orchard is Chicago’s posh shopping destination located in the prestigious North Shore neighborhood. It is one of the most popular shopping malls in Illinois. The center is a unique destination that offers a perfect mix of fashion, food, and entertainment. It features many top and luxurious brands including Nordstrom, Tiffany & Co., Zara, Tesla Motors, Splendid, Bloomingdale’s, Michael Kors, Henri Bendel, Sorel, Madewell, and Free People. Not just fashion, but the shopping destination is also popular for its dining and entertainment options including full-service restaurants, quick-casual eateries, and two cinemas.

Westfield Old Orchard also houses The Cube, which is a one-of-a-kind venue that provides a climate-controlled space for signature events, year-round live entertainment, special community performances, and interactive displays. The center also offers family-friendly amenities to entertain non-shoppers, such as the interactive play space and organic garden to deliver an extraordinary experience, especially for the children. Therefore, it offers a “retail walk in the park,” experience along with season-specific amenities to delight shoppers of all ages.

Here are a few of the must-visit shopping malls on the Magnificent Mile:

  • Water Tower Place: This iconic mall is home to over 100 stores, including Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Apple. There’s also a food court and a variety of restaurants on the top floor.

  • The Shops at North Bridge: This upscale mall is located directly across from Water Tower Place and features a mix of high-end stores and popular restaurants.

  • 900 Shops: This historic mall is home to a mix of contemporary and traditional retailers, as well as several art galleries and restaurants.

In addition to the Magnificent Mile, there are several other great shopping malls in Chicago. Here are a few of my favorites:

  • Chicago Place: This mall is located in the heart of the Loop and features a mix of department stores, specialty shops, and restaurants.
  • River North Gallery: This mall is home to a collection of contemporary art galleries and boutiques.
  • Randolph Street Market: This open-air market is a great place to find unique and locally-made goods.

No matter what your style or budget, you’re sure to find the perfect shopping mall in Chicago. So put on your walking shoes and get ready to shop!

Here are some additional tips for planning your shopping trip to Chicago:

  • The best time to visit Chicago for shopping is during the spring and fall shoulder seasons when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.
  • If you’re on a budget, be sure to take advantage of the many outlet stores in the Chicago area.
  • Be sure to check the mall websites for hours of operation and special events.
  • If you’re planning on doing a lot of shopping, consider purchasing a Chicago CityPASS, which gives you discounted admission to five top attractions, including the Magnificent Mile.

Fashion Outlets of Chicago

The Fashion Outlets Chicago, Illinois, is the Midwest’s only two-level indoor outlet shopping complex, which is just a five minutes drive from O’Hare International Airport and a 15-minute drive from downtown Chicago. Fashion Outlets of Chicago offers a plethora of world-class brands and anchors. In addition to their excellent options of outlet retailers, the Fashion Outlets of Chicago also features a variety of fast and casual dining options to offer you a break while you hop on retail stores.

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