The Ultimate Black Friday Shopping Guide for Chicago

Every year, people who love shopping are brought together for one day—Black Friday. It’s an exhilarating day filled with searching for the best deals, no matter what type of sale you’re searching for. It can be an entertaining and unforgettable experience, especially if you’re shopping in Chicago where there are a wide variety of luxury brands and exceptional boutiques.

If you want to have a memorable shopping experience, you’ll need to find the best places to shop in Chicago on Black Friday. Here’s our ultimate Black Friday shopping guide to assist those who are planning a trip to Chicago this fall. 

Magnificent Mile shopping

If you like to shop till you drop, you’ll love the stores along Michigan Avenue, otherwise known as the Magnificent Mile. The Magnificent Mile boasts more than 460 retailers including popular brands, department stores, and designer labels. While you’re shopping, don’t forget to look for some of Chicago’s historic landmarks; there are over 50 located along the Magnificent Mile.

Magnificent Mile has three different shopping centers, with luxury brands and local boutiques. You can explore 900 North Michigan Shops, the Water Tower Place, and the Shops at North Bridge. You’ll find department stores like Bloomingdales, Nordstroms, and Macy’s as well as brand names like UGG, Columbia, and Nike. With so many spectacular options along Magnificent Mile, you’ll be able to find exactly what’s on your shopping list for Black Friday. 

Rush Street establishments

Not far from Michigan Avenue, is Rush Street, where you’ll discover numerous luxury brands and high-end fashion shopping options. Brands like Lululemon, Vera Wang Bride, and Christian Dior dot Rush Street. If you’re a bride-to-be who’s searching for the perfect wedding dress, then this is a great place to look, since there are several bridal boutiques located in the area. Suitsupply can also provide grooms with a tux for their upcoming special day.

When it’s time to take a shopping break, satisfy your food cravings with a meal at iconic restaurants like Gibsons Bar and Steakhouse, Carmine’s, and Hugo’s Frog Bar and Fish House. Or, if you want to try Chicago’s famous deep dish pizza, head over to Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria. Black Friday is the perfect day to explore Rush Street’s luxury shops for discounts.

Wicker Park boutiques and shops

Mainstream department stores might not be your thing, but don’t worry, there are other options, like the boutiques and shops located in Wicker Park. The Wicker Park area is home to a lively and unique shopping scene, with vintage clothing shops, used bookstores, and record stores. There are even bigger brands with outposts there too, like Adidas, Levi’s, Burton, and Chrome Industries. 

If you’re looking to add to your vinyl collection, you can browse the music at Reckless Records in Wicker Park. To find vintage clothes, baubles, and other treasures, visit Kokorokoko in the area. Pop into another neighborhood shop, Penelope’s boutique, to discover trendy clothes and unique goods. Wander over to Myopic Bookstore, one of Chicago’s oldest bookstores, to search for a new book to read. Wicker Park is full of both trendy and quaint boutiques and shops, and it will no doubt, pleasantly surprise you.

Lincoln Park stores

You can’t go wrong joining the throngs of people shopping on the streets of Lincoln Park, which has a variety of shops to choose from including well-known brands and boutiques. You’ll see brands like Crate and Barrel, Banana Republic’s Factory Store, New Balance, REI, and The Container Store. 

On the flip side, you’ll notice eclectic stores like The Tie Bar, an ideal place to buy a tie or bow tie for an upcoming formal occasion. Another beloved store in the area, called Art Effects, presents beautiful and one-of-a-kind home decor and clothing. Lincoln Park stores can give you an extraordinary, yet also traditional, shopping experience. 

Christkindlmarket

When you go Black Friday shopping, you can choose to experience an authentic German-style Christkindlmarket. At Chicago’s Christkindlmarket, you’ll smell roasted nuts and browse booths from vendors with products from around the world, as well as view performances and listen to German-inspired music. 

Chicago’s Christkindlmarket takes place at Daley Plaza and is an excellent place to buy classic German trinkets and souvenirs on Black Friday. 

Fashion Outlets of Chicago

Further west, next to the O’Hare International Airport, are the Fashion Outlets of Chicago. The Fashion Outlets give people a chance to shop brand names at a discounted price at a special Black Friday event.

At the Fashionably Late Black Friday Shopping Event, the mall allows people to shop for 24-hours at 130+ designer outlets. During the occasion, the outlets will have celebrity DJs playing live music, and if you wear your favorite holiday PJs, you’ll receive a complimentary Savings Pass. The Fashion Outlets of Chicago open at 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving, and close at 10 p.m. on Black Friday. If you want to have a unique 24-hour shopping excursion on Black Friday, then this outlet is a great choice.

Westfield Old Orchard Mall

If you want to experience shopping outside of the hustle and bustle of the city, try going to Westfield Old Orchard Mall. Located in Skokie, this mall is a short drive from the city. It’s an open and outdoor mall, with every type of store you can imagine. 

You can stop by Nordstrom’s E-bar first for some coffee or hot cocoa to keep you warm, and then let the shopping begin! This shopping center has all sorts of brand names, from Rolex to Lucky Brand Jeans. When you need a shopping break, grab a bite to eat at The Cheesecake Factory or local favorite, Maggiano’s. Check out the mall’s website for their Black Friday hours. You can’t go wrong by choosing to browse and shop at Westfield Old Orchard Mall on Black Friday.

Retail stores

Of course, you can always go Black Friday shopping at retail giants like Target, Amazon, Macy’s and Walmart. Whether you choose to shop online or in person, these types of stores usually have great deals on Black Friday. Amazon even has physical stores in Chicago, including locations on Franklin and Clark Street. 

Every store has different Black Friday hours, so make sure you do your research to figure out the opening and closing times of the ones you plan to visit. Do your research and get ready, because Black Friday is coming to town!

Shop til’ you drop

Now that you know the best places to shop in Chicago, you’re ready for Black Friday. This list will help you discover the perfect gift for a loved one this holiday season—or even a present for yourself. It’ll successfully guide your Chicago visit during the Thanksgiving holiday and boost your Black Friday shopping experience. Whether you shop along Magnificent Mile or at another local Chicago destination, you’ll be able to find exactly what you need, and hopefully, find a screaming deal on Black Friday.