The Magnificent Mile, that fabled section of North Michigan Avenue, offers Bloomingdale's, Nike Town, Eddie Bauer, Lord & Taylor, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Filene's Basement, and much more. Then there are the department stores on Chicago's historic State Street—Macy's (formerly Marshall Field's), at the corner of State and Randolph; and Sears, at the corner of State and Madison. Old Navy, H&M, and Forever 21 also have large stores on State Street and are good picks for the student budget.

If you're looking for something out of the ordinary, it pays to wander off the beaten path. Thrift shops and small boutiques are scattered throughout the North Side—check out the intersection of Belmont and Clark or head to Wicker Park and walk along Milwaukee or North Avenue. If you are looking for a more traditional mall, head out to Ford City, located on Cicero Avenue south of Midway Airport. This street includes a number of large discount chains. You can also head to the suburbs for malls such as Old Orchard. Or find a friend with a car and go to Gurnee Mills, a large outlet center in the northern suburbs.

One practical fact: In Chicago, sales tax is 8.75 percent on most purchases.

Back to top