Justifiably famous for the sheer number of retail options on offer, Chicago is fast becoming a preferred city-break shopping destination for people looking for a quieter, and arguably better value alternative to New York City.
The main American department store chains are all represented in Chicago, within the Magnificent Mile (North Michigan Street) where you can find Saks, Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom's amongst many others in the Water Tower Place and Shops super Malls.
Marshall Fields is the Chicago equivalent of Harrods, and this 1908 building has excellent architecture, and is a landmark in the city. Built around specific courtyards it has elegant designs, and is the place to shop, although not necessarily for bargains.
There is an excellent designer clothes outlet on Michigan Avenue, at Filenes Basement, and the enormous Tower Records on Clark Street should have any piece of music you could possibly want somewhere in stock.
