Chicago's shopping options span the Magnificent Mile, suburban malls (Oakbrook Center, Old Orchard, Woodfield area, Gurnee Mills, Fox Valley) and village shopping like Historic Long Grove. Retail has shifted toward dining and experiences; some malls were redeveloped into mixed-use centers. Use transit for downtown trips and check mall websites for current hours and tenants. The Oprah Winfrey Show was produced in Chicago before it ended in 2011; other productions have used Chicago as a filming location ( for specifics).

Why Chicago still draws shoppers

Chicago and its suburbs offer a wide range of shopping options: downtown luxury corridors, suburban malls, outlet centers and pedestrian shopping villages. Over the last two decades the retail landscape has shifted - many centers have added dining, entertainment and mixed-use space - but the city remains a major destination for shoppers.

Key shopping districts and notable centers

  • Magnificent Mile (North Michigan Avenue): Chicago's primary high-end corridor stretches from the Chicago River to Oak Street and combines flagships, hotels, restaurants and museums.
  • Suburban malls and centers: well-known names include Oakbrook Center (Oak Brook), Old Orchard (Skokie), Woodfield area (Schaumburg - Woodfield Mall and Streets of Woodfield), Gurnee Mills, Fox Valley (Aurora) and Deer Park Town Center.
  • Village shopping: Historic Long Grove and similar towns offer boutique shops and seasonal events.
Many older malls have remodeled, added open-air elements, or shifted tenants to accommodate demand for dining and experiential retail. Some regional centers were partially redeveloped into mixed-use projects or lifestyle centers in the 2010s and 2020s ( for specific redevelopment timelines).

What to expect in stores today

Physical media such as DVDs still appear in entertainment and big-box stores, but streaming and digital purchases have replaced much of the market. Malls now emphasize experiences: dine-in restaurants, boutique fitness, event programming and pop-up retailers. You can still find souvenirs and locally produced goods in neighborhood shops and tourist areas.

Getting the most from a shopping trip

Plan by neighborhood. Use public transit (CTA trains and buses) to reach downtown and many near-north neighborhoods; drive or take regional transit to most suburban malls. Check mall websites for current hours, parking and special events. Weekdays are usually quieter than weekends.

Chicago on screen and in culture

Chicago has served as a backdrop or setting for many films and TV shows. The Oprah Winfrey Show, a major daytime program, produced its Chicago broadcast for years before ending in 2011. Other productions have used Chicago locations, though specific filming histories vary by program (1 which classic TV series were filmed in the city vs. merely set there).

Practical tips

  • For luxury shopping and museums, focus on the Magnificent Mile and nearby Grant Park and the Art Institute.
  • For outlet and discount shopping, regional centers like Gurnee Mills and outlet villages outside the city remain options.
  • If you rely on a specific store or product, call ahead or check the retailer's site - tenant lineups change frequently.
  1. Confirm redevelopment timelines and current status for Spring Hill Mall and Stratford Square.
  2. Verify which classic TV series listed in the original article were actually filmed on location in Chicago versus merely set there.
  3. Confirm current status (open, redeveloped, demolished) of Charlestowne Mall and similar names mentioned in the 2006 list.

FAQs about Shopping Malls In Chicago

What is the Magnificent Mile and where does it run?
The Magnificent Mile is Chicago's main shopping stretch on North Michigan Avenue, running roughly from the Chicago River north to Oak Street, with a mix of flagships, hotels and restaurants.
Are suburban malls in the Chicago area still worth visiting?
Yes. Many suburban malls remain active but emphasize dining, entertainment and services alongside stores. Some have been redeveloped into mixed-use or open-air centers, so check current tenant lists before you go.
Can I find DVDs and other physical media at Chicago malls?
You can still find DVDs and Blu-rays at some big-box and specialty stores, but streaming has replaced much of the market. Independent shops and museum stores also sell physical media and local merchandise.
How do I get to downtown shopping by public transit?
Use the CTA 'L' trains (Red, Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Pink and Purple lines serve downtown or nearby stations) and buses to reach the Magnificent Mile and other central shopping areas. For specific routes, check the CTA trip planner.
Have any Chicago malls been redeveloped?
Yes. In recent years several regional malls and shopping centers in the Chicago area have been remodeled, repurposed or partially redeveloped into mixed-use or lifestyle centers. Verify each mall's current status on its official site before visiting.