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Here, used books in top condition are stacked floor to ceiling on painted wood shelves, with antique editions protected behind glass.

Housed in the basement of the Chicago Theological Seminary on the University of Chicago campus, it’s fitting that this bookstore has a well-respected academic section, especially humanities and social sciences.

This basement-level shop carries new fiction, children’s books, and African-American interest titles. Low ceilings, brick walls, and a painted cement floor all create a cozy atmosphere, conducive to browsing.

Mingle with the melting pot of shoppers at this cooperative market, where aisles are dominated by organic, vegetarian, and international foodstuffs.

The scent of sandlewood incense fills this small boutique that sells African artifacts, carved wooden sculptures, and CDs of music from all over the continent.

In this long, narrow, cement-block store, rows of LPs, 45s, and CDs attract local music lovers and club DJs for the outstanding collection of soul, jazz, and indie rock.

This inviting store focuses on non-violent toys galore. Good-old standbys include kites, face-painting kits, balls, and dress-up clothes.

Tucked away in a limestone rowhouse, the gift shop at this children’s arts program sells the students’ amazing creations, such as one-of-kind painted furniture and vibrant mosaics.

Chic club clothes and look-at me leather shoes are sparsely displayed along the walls in this boutique. Many of the designs are straight off Italian runways, while others are custom-made by the shop’s owner.

This gallery showcases locally made art. You can purchase designs both to wear and to show, from whimsical ceramics to fringed silk scarves and handpainted jackets.