The best fashion and gift stores Chicago

Timetable

Most shops and shopping centres are open every day, from 10am to 9pm on weekdays and from 11am to 6pm on Sundays. Independent shops such as those found in Lincoln Park or Wicker Park have shorter opening hours, but are still open 7 days a week.

Budget & Tips

The bad news is that you won't really save money in international or American branded clothing stores. The prices are about the same as in Europe. Electronic products, audio, cameras will be a little cheaper, especially with the current rate of the dollar. Make sure in your excitement that the international warranty works!

Don't forget that in the United States, the local tax is not included in the price. In Chicago, it is very high, about 10.25% on sales. On the other hand, Minnesota is one of the few states where there is no tax on the purchase of clothing! Take advantage of this to do your shopping while visiting the gigantic Mall of America, near Minneapolis. Finally, discount stores such as Nordstrom Rack or Marshalls allow you to find great brands at reduced prices.

Sales

In the United States, stores offer discounts throughout the year, especially on certain holidays. Among the sales not to be missed, there is President's Day Sale (the weekend of February 22nd), Memorial Day Weekend Sale (the last weekend and Monday of May), July 4th Summer Sale (the week before July 4th), Labor day Weekend Sale (the weekend before the first Monday of September). But it is undoubtedly for Black Friday that you will find the best deals. The day after Thanksgiving, all the stores offer crazy discounts: clothes, high tech, furniture, decoration, the discounts spare nothing and nobody and can go up to 80%. The Black Friday sales last all weekend, and end with Cyber Monday, which allows you to make deals on the internet. Finally, if you pass a store with the word " Clearance " posted in big letters, rush inside! The store is closing or moving and clearing out its inventory

What's very local

Take advantage of your stay to buy a cap or, in winter, a beanie of one of the local sports teams: the Cubs (baseball) or the Bulls (basketball) in Chicago, the Tigers (baseball) in Detroit or the Minnesota Vikings (American soccer) in Minneapolis. In Wisconsin, the star product is obviously cheese! Don't forget to bring some in your suitcase to introduce American cheese to your friends and family.

Tourist traps

There's not much risk in shopping in Chicago. Unlike cities like New York or Paris, there are relatively few street vendors who will try to get you to buy fake handbags or fake watches.