Best Holiday Shopping Near River North

The holiday season in Chicago brings a special kind of magic to the city, and nowhere is this more apparent than in River North and the nearby Magnificent Mile.

This vibrant retail area near our luxury Chicago apartments transforms into a winter wonderland full of shopping opportunities, offering everything from luxury department stores to quirky local boutiques. You'll find internationally renowned luxury brands sharing the streets with Chicago-born businesses, massive department stores standing alongside intimate boutiques and traditional gift shops neighboring cutting-edge concept stores. The best part? Everything is within walking distance from our apartments in River North, making it easy to explore multiple shopping destinations in a single outing.

Whether you're hunting for that perfect gift or treating yourself to something special, the shopping scene around River North has something for every budget, type and taste!

Where is the best shopping near AMLI River North?

Where to go shopping for fashion & home goods

Local boutiques and unique fashion

River North's fashion scene goes far beyond the typical mall experience.

Ikram

Ikram, with its dramatic ruby-red exterior, stands as arguably the destination for high fashion in Chicago. This boutique stocks labels like Chanel, Celine, Givenchy, and Prabal Gurung, making it a must-visit for serious fashion enthusiasts. The store has become such an institution that it draws shoppers from across the country who appreciate its carefully curated selection and exceptional service.

Blake

For those who prefer a more minimalist aesthetic, Blake offers a haute minimalist enclave featuring designers like Dries van Noten and Balenciaga. The boutique specializes in subtle elegance in both clothing and accessories, perfect for shoppers who appreciate understated luxury. The atmosphere here is refined and peaceful, providing a calm shopping experience away from the holiday crowds.

Azeeza

Local designer Azeeza Khan has made waves with her boutique within the 900 Shops. The upscale shop, formerly known as Atelier Azza, has been named by Forbes as a top shopping destination. Her pieces elevate any wardrobe with a healthy dose of glitz and glam, perfect for holiday parties and special occasions.

Home goods and decor stores

P.O.S.H.

P.O.S.H. has been a River North institution since 1997, occupying its current location since 2003. The store specializes in vintage hotel and restaurant china, creating charming displays that make you want to host elaborate dinner parties. Their impressive selection includes silver gravy boats, creamers, hotel silver, and flatware that bear the marks of ocean liners and private clubs. The store is also known for its French flea market signs, adding to the European vintage atmosphere.

THE MART

The Merchandise Mart, situated between Wells and North Orleans streets just north of the Chicago River, is as notable for its art deco design as it is for its shopping. While many stores inside cater only to the design trade, the first two floors have been opened to the public with LuxeHome, the world's largest collection of high-end kitchen, bath, and building showrooms. This massive 1930s Art Deco structure offers a unique shopping experience for those interested in home improvement and interior design.

Department stores in the Magnificent Mile

The Magnificent Mile's department stores provide one-stop shopping for those who prefer the convenience and variety of major retailers. 

• Nordstrom: Nordstrom, located at The Shops at North Bridge, holds the distinction of being Chicago's first and only Nordstrom location. The store offers an extensive selection across all categories, from designer fashion to beauty products to home goods.
• Neiman Marcus: Neiman Marcus towers over the intersection of E Superior Street on Michigan Avenue, offering multiple floors of luxury goods. 
• Saks Fifth Avenue: Saks Fifth Avenue provides another high-end department store option, with carefully selected merchandise and excellent customer service that makes holiday shopping feel special rather than stressful.
• Bloomingdale’s: Bloomingdale's anchors the 900 North Shops, serving as an upscale department store featuring distinctive products from designers like Canali, David Yurman, Lafayette 148, Rimowa, Chloé, and Roberto Coin. The store's layout and merchandise selection make it particularly good for finding unique gifts that feel personal despite coming from a large retailer.

To make it even better, all these department stores are just blocks away from our Chicago Avenue apartments near River North!

Artisanal goods and local makers

Chicago-made products and crafts

Colores Mexicanos

The success story of Colores Mexicanos on Michigan Avenue shows how local businesses can thrive on the Magnificent Mile. This Mexican gift shop specializes in authentic Mexican goods sourced directly from Mexico, including candy, clothing, gifts, art, and handmade Mexican tapestries. What started as a grant-funded venture has become a thriving independent business that adds cultural diversity to the shopping district.

Mary Mary Gifts

Mary Mary Gifts, located in the heart of Chicago's Near North Side, offers a charming selection of unique gifts and local artisan treasures. The shop focuses on items you won't find anywhere else, making it perfect for finding memorable holiday gifts that support local artists.

Raw Edge

Raw Edge on the Magnificent Mile serves as a modern artisan boutique showcasing unique artisanal gifts and local craftsmanship. The store celebrates Chicago makers and provides a platform for local artists to reach shoppers looking for authentic, locally-made products.

Buddy

This gift shop in the Chicago Cultural Center is a collaboration between the Public Media Institute and DCASE, featuring art and goods from more than 300 local artists and makers at any one time. The space combines art exhibitions with retail, creating an environment where shopping feels like a cultural experience. From glass ornaments and maximalist clocks to handmade dolls that tell stories of the Great Migration, the variety here really is extraordinary!

Shopping centers

Major malls and shopping destinations in River North

Water Tower Place

Water Tower Place stands as one of the most iconic shopping destinations in Chicago. With over 100 stores spread across multiple levels, including over 70 retailers like American Girl Place, Lego, Akira, and Eileen Fisher, it offers incredible variety under one roof. The historic mall features an impressive eight-level atrium that creates a dramatic shopping environment, especially when decorated for the holidays.

The Shops at North Bridge

The Shops at North Bridge provides a vibrant shopping destination featuring diverse retailers. The mall has attracted unique tenants like Collars & Co from Shark Tank, along with trendy clothing, jewelry, and skincare brands. Anchored by Nordstrom, it serves as a comprehensive shopping destination that combines major retailers with smaller specialty stores.

900 North Michigan Shops

900 North Michigan Shops impresses visitors before they even enter, thanks to its 184-foot LED canopy. This multistory mall houses 70 stores on seven levels, offering a vertical shopping experience that maximizes retail variety while minimizing walking distance. The mix of retailers here spans from accessible fashion to luxury goods.

Holiday specialty and gift experiences

Seasonal markets near River North

The holiday shopping season in River North extends beyond traditional retail with special seasonal markets held all over the area!

• The One of a Kind Holiday Show at THE MART in River North brings together over 600 talented artists and makers offering fine art, furniture, apparel, jewelry, home goods, and ceramics. This annual event provides an opportunity to find truly unique gifts while supporting independent artists.
• Christkindlmarket Chicago, running from late November through Christmas Eve, creates a traditional Christmas bazaar atmosphere with vendors offering handcrafted ornaments, gifts, and seasonal treats. 

Experience gifts have become increasingly popular, too, and River North area institutions offer numerous options for memorable outings. 

• Museum memberships to the Art Institute of Chicago or Shedd Aquarium provide year-round free admission along with exclusive events and benefits. 
• Theater subscriptions to Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Harris Theater, or Court Theatre give the gift of culture throughout the year. 
• For those interested in culinary arts, The Chopping Block offers virtual classes and cocktail workshops that make memorable gifts. 
• If you’d like a taste of all that Chicago has to offer, try out the Chicago CityPASS that grants you access to your choice of the city’s best museums and attractions at a fraction of the cost!

Chicago souvenirs and local pride

The Chicago Souvenir Company 

The Chicago Souvenir Company near the North Side offers unique and authentic memorabilia that captures the spirit of the Windy City. Their selection goes beyond typical tourist items to include genuinely interesting pieces that celebrate Chicago's culture and history.

Spirits & Spice 

Spirits & Spice in Water Tower Place provides high-quality and custom spirits, spices, and oils that make sophisticated gifts for food enthusiasts. Their carefully curated selection includes items you won't find in typical grocery stores, making them special additions to any kitchen.

Making the most of your shopping trip

Shopping in River North during the holidays offers more than just retail therapy. The area's walkability means you can easily explore multiple stores without needing transportation between stops, and the mix of indoor malls and street-level shops provides options regardless of weather, particularly important during Chicago's unpredictable winter season.

The diversity of shopping options within this compact area means you can find gifts for everyone on your list without traveling across the city. From luxury items at department stores to handmade crafts from local artisans and vintage treasures, River North and the Magnificent Mile truly offer something for every taste and budget.

Whether you're a resident of our River North apartments looking for unique local gifts or a visitor wanting to experience the city's retail scene at its festive best, the River North area provides an unmatched holiday shopping experience. The combination of world-class retailers, local businesses, seasonal markets, and experience-based gifts creates a shopping destination that captures both the commercial excitement and community spirit of the holiday season in Chicago.

Have fun!

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