Chicago

900 N Michigan Ave

70 specialty shops in the most stunning of the Michigan Avenue malls. Includes MaxMara, among the most expensive stores for women's apparel on a street that's known for expense.

Mon-Sat 10AM-7PM, Sun noon-6PM

The Merchandise Mart

The Mart strides the barrier between River North and the Loop, with a train station and a zip code all to itself, not to mention a Holiday Inn, several offices, a school, two radio stations, restaurants, and, of course, shopping. It also includes the Chicago Apparel Center. None of the stores are considered major destinations by themselves, but there are frequent trade shows, and many other reasons for business travelers to find themselves at the Mart.

Hours vary by store

Knee Deep Vintage

Wide selection of vintage apparel spanning several decades for reasonable prices.

Mon-Thu 11AM-7PM, Fri Sat 11AM-9PM, Sun noon-6PM·Wheelchair accessible

Beadniks

Beads for the true bead fiend, both ready-made and ready to be made. There are classes for beginners on Tuesday nights (7-9PM, $60), and occasional workshops — check the calendar.

Mon-Sat 11AM-9PM, Sun 11AM-7PM

Myopic Books

Justly beloved used book store with cats, clutter (80,000 books worth), and great hours. They occasionally host Experimental Music Mondays and poetry readings on Sundays, but with three floors, there's always a quiet corner.

9AM-11PM daily

Quimby's Bookstore

Lots of edgy books, indie comix, and hip zines (hand-stapled and well-polished alike). If somebody out there is publishing about it, Quimby's probably has it.

Mon-Thu noon-9PM, Fri noon-10PM, Sat 11AM-10PM, Sun noon-7PM

yarnify!

Yarn powerhouse. Classes are available, and Friday nights are an open-knitting party.

Mon-Thu 11AM-7PM, Fri 11AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM, Sun noon-5PM

Dusty Groove

This record store is regarded as one of the best in the country for R&B, soul, and jazz.

10AM-8PM daily

Golden Dragon Fortune Cookies

Yes, the man who writes the fortunes is in this factory. Buy fortune cookies fresh out of the oven, or get them in bulk until you can't carry any more.

Abraham Lincoln Book Shop

Offers "Historical Americana," namely Lincoln and Civil War items, rare and autographed books, an amazing collection of Civil War photographs and salt prints, and all sorts of fascinating miscellany. Check out their "Essential" shelves for aspiring collectors and see how your own stacks up. Appraisal services are also available.

Tue - Fri 10AM-6PM, Sat 10AM-4PM

Mojo Spa

A spa also known for its body butters and dessert-shaped soaps, all made locally. Small staff is helpful and very friendly.

Tue-Fri 11:30AM-8PM, Sat 10:30AM-8PM, Sun 10:30AM-6PM, closed Mon

Apple Store

For some, a welcome respite from all of the clothes; for others, just more expensive fashion. This Apple-sleek showroom carries the full line of the company's products and accessories, and is usually packed with on-lookers pawing at all of the pretty designs. Several workshops are held each day for the true believers.

Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 11AM-6PM

Reckless Records

A place for obscure vinyl and a well-organized assortment of CDs. They also sell DVDs and VHS. Though best known for being where High Fidelity was set, they are slightly more agreeable now about purchases.

Mon-Sat 10AM-10PM, Sun 10AM-8PM·Wheelchair accessible

Graham Crackers

Comic book store right off Michigan Avenue. The staff aren't much of a treat, but the comic selection isn't bad.

Mon-Fri 10AM-6PM, Sat 11AM-5PM, Sun noon-5PM

K POP of Chinatown

Store that specializes in all kinds of K-Pop (Korean pop) music and merchandise with CD's, DVD's, shirts, mugs, posters and other types of merchandise. Lots of unique and interesting K-Pop stuff sold here.

11AM-7PM daily

Escaramuza

Exceptional selection of handmade Mexican folk art and crafts, at prices that are nearly impossible to refuse. The friendly proprietors have lived in Pilsen for decades, and are a great source of information about the neighborhood and upcoming events.

Let's Boogie

A big vinyl store specializing in dance music from house to hip hop. No used records around, only new. A popular shop with Chicago DJs.

Mon-Sat 11AM-6PM, Sun 11AM-3PM

Alcala's Western Wear

One perfectly reasonable reaction to the trendy fashion in Wicker Park is to go country. Alcala's has been in the neighborhood for a long time, back when the Mexican cowboy look ruled the local scene. The big, family-owned store has a ton of leather boots & jackets, not to mention 5,000 hats.

Mon Thu-Sat 9:30AM-7PM, Tue Wed 9:30AM-6PM, Sun 9:30AM-5PM

Angborki Doe Designs

African imports, aimed at home decor from jewelry and artwork to sofas.

Mon-Sat 9AM-7PM

Ann Taylor

Money rushes out of wallets at this fashionable women's store, anchor of the 600 N Michigan shopping complex. If you like what you see, also check out the Ann Taylor Loft at 520 N Michigan, and another at Water Tower Place (see below).

Mon-Sat 10AM-8PM, Sun 11AM-6PM

Augustine's Spiritual Boutique

A store full of everything spiritual: from a rosary and cross collection to occult tomes and voodoo powders. Knowledgeable and helpful staff. They occasionally offer classes in mysticism (call for current information).

Mon-Fri 11AM-7PM, Sat 11AM-6PM

Burberry

Fashion for men, women, and children from the English retail legend, famous for their made-to-order trench coats.

Mon-Sat 9:30AM-6PM, Sun noon-5PM

Central Camera

As the name suggests, this is a centrally-located place to deal with fussy cameras or upgrade to better ones. They've been in business since 1899, and have an awe-inspiring amount of spare and obsolete parts from over the years in storage, so don't be shy about asking for something you can't find anywhere else.

Mon-Fri 8:30AM-5:30PM, Sat 8:30AM-5PM

Early to Bed

Lesbian-owned, female-oriented sex shop without the sleaze. They hold weekly workshops on topics ranging from erotic writing to strategies for, well, you know. Check the schedule on the website (mostly Tuesdays).

Tue noon-7PM, Wed Thu Sat noon-8PM, Fri noon-9PM, Sun noon-6PM, Mon closed·Workshops are $15/$10 students, reservations required

Ermenegildo Zegna

All of the elements for an excessively fashionable man, from shoes to shirts to suits.

Mon-Sat 10AM-6PM, Sun noon-5PM

Foursided

An eclectic framing shop with a fun selection of cards, one-of-a-kind treasures, and found-art assemblages by the staff and local artists that's worth a look.

Mon-Wed 11AM-7PM, Thu-Sat 10AM-7PM, Sun 11AM-5PM

Gallery Guichard

A Bronzeville art gallery dealing in fine art, especially related to Africa and the African diaspora as well as multicultural art from around the world. Contact Gallery Guichard to visit the gallery and experience fine art exhibitions held every 2 to 3 months.

Wed 2-5PM, Fri 1-5PM, Sat noon-3PM

Grandstand

A store with extensive inventory of sports memorabilia. A good place to pick up a reproduction Negro League jersey or rare baseball cards.

Mon-Fri 10AM-7PM, Sat 10AM-6PM, Sun 10AM-5PM

Irv's Bike Shop

Pilsen is a serious bicycle neighborhood, and Irv's is a good place for repairs and accessories.

Mon Tue Thu Fri 10AM-7PM, Sat 10AM-6PM

Jeweler's Center

An estimated 185 jewelers in one building by the elevated tracks give this a Wild West atmosphere — you could leave with a terrific deal, or...

Mon-Sat 9AM-5PM, Sun closed except four weeks prior to Christmas (25 Dec)