Chicago Shopping

If shopping is your sport, then, wow, can you play in Chicago!

You can begin your trolling adventure right in downtown Chicago, home to the Magnificent Mile. Part of the Mile's attraction is found in its three high-profile shopping centers, but grand merchandising options exist throughout the entire area.

The first of the shopping centers, called the 900 Shops, features some 70 stores, including big names such as Gucci, Bloomingdale's, J. Crew, Coach, and Williams-Sonoma.

At the Shops at North Bridge, a four-level shopping center, you'll find Nordstrom and other great retailers, such as Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton, Armani Exchange, and The LEGO Store.

The Water Tower Place, a quintessential Chicago experience, is anchored by Macy's and the American Girl Place. You'll find a beautiful eight-level atrium, and more than 100 other stores. Retailers include Betsey Johnson, Banana Republic, Adidas, Abercrombie & Fitch, Aeropostale, and Forever 21.

Other downtown retail opportunities include Ann Taylor, Brooks Brothers, Cole-Haan, Columbia Sportswear, Niketown, Orvis, Ralph Lauren, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Crate & Barrel, Cartier, Tiffany's, and the Disney Store.

On Chicago's State Street, another mecca for shoppers, you'll find department stores Carson Pirie Scott and Marshall Field's.

Leaving the city of Chicago proper and browsing further afield, you'll find the suburbs host something for every budget. Malls include the Woodfield Mall in Schaumberg, Illinois, Old Orchard in Skokie, and Oakbrook Center in Oakbrook.

Would you like a little adrenalin rush with your purchase? Stop by the Gurnee Mills Outlet Mall, and you'll find Six Flags Great America, to boot. The Gurnee Mills Outlet Mall, like all outlet malls in Chicagoland, is located directly off major interstates. At this outlet mall, located 45 miles north of Chicago, you'll find over 200 outlets. This mall also offers entertainment, shopping, and dining options for kids.

At the Chicago Premium Outlets Mall, look for retail venues by Coach, Giorgio Armani, and Elie Tahari. This outlet mall, situated 45 minutes west of downtown, offers a collection of 120 stores.

Head 50 miles northwest, and you'll find the Prime Outlets Huntley Mall, which boasts 50 brand name retailers.