Chicago: Shopping

No matter the limit of your wallet, Chicago boasts a seemingly limitless array of shopping opportunities, from exclusive boutiques and urbane department stores to multi-level shopping malls and funky streetside shops. Best of all for die-hard hunters and gatherers, the city's premier shopping venues are centrally located and can easily be covered on foot. No wonder it's called the "City of Big Shoulders" – the bigger the shoulders, the more shopping bags you can carry! Keep in mind that Chicago sales tax is 9% on most purchases.

Armitage Avenue Ancient Victorian homes tower over the haute boutiques, pricey gift shops, and high-end chocolatiers lining this bucolic avenue. Armitage Ave.; www.armitageshopping.com
expensive | designer

Jazz Record Mart It’s no surprise that a city synonymous with live music, also houses the largest jazz and blues record store in the world. 27 E. Illinois St.; 312-222-1467; www.jazzmart.com
moderate | trendy | thrift

Oak Street If Chicago has a Fifth Avenue or a Rodeo Drive, this is it. Hermes, Prada and Barneys New York are just a few of the big name retailers. Oak St.; www.oakstreetchicago.com
expensive | designer

Quimby's It’s just your average neighborhood anarchist bookstore. Underground ‘zines, vintage erotica, indie comics, and local authors are all well represented. 1854 W. North Ave.; 773-342-0910; www.quimbys.com
moderate | trendy | books

Southport Corridor This former desolate stretch of no man's land has benefited well from overnight gentrification. It’s now one of the hottest boutique enclaves in town. Southport Corridor
moderate | trendy | designer

Uncle Fun You could spend a day inside this tiny storefront and still not unearth all the novelty items, vintage treasures, and pop culture memorabilia on display. 1338 W. Belmont Ave.; www.unclefunchicago.com
moderate | novelty

Water Tower Place Macy’s is the anchor store at this vertical shopping mall that features 70 stores and beautiful glass elevators. 835 N. Michigan Ave.; 312-440-3166; www.shopwatertower.com
family | moderate | mall

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