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Regular store and mall hours are usually 10am to 9pm, Monday to Saturday, and 11am to 6pm Sunday. However, North-side boutiques and stores along the Mag Mile (see Magnificent Mile) often stay open ’til 7–8pm.

Chicago state and local sales taxes are among the highest in the country at 8.75 percent on all non-food items.

Some Chicago stores have items on sale all year round, but expect real bargains after Christmas, on Presidents’ Day, and on Labor Day (see Useful Information).

You’re in shopper’s heaven when it comes to department stores in Chicago, which are mostly located on North Michigan Avenue and State Street. They include upscale Marshall Field’s, practical Carson Pirie Scott & Co. (see Carson Pirie Scott Building), traditional Lord & Taylor, and stylish Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store.

There’s no shortage of malls in the city, especially vertical ones on the Mag Mile. Here you’ll find Water Tower Place; Westfield North Bridge Mall; Chicago Place – featuring the Midwest’s flagship Saks Fifth Avenue – and 900 North Michigan Shops. Regular malls are scattered all around the city and its suburbs.

Accent on Chicago and the City of Chicago Store have shelves filled with Chicago mementos (see Top 10 Souvenirs). Authentic local food such as pizza and Eli’s cheesecake can be shipped anywhere in the US by Taste of Chicago.

Look for real bargains at Filene’s Basement, while higher-end men’s and women’s clothing are discounted in the Mark Shale and Gap stores. Good value jewelery can be found at the Jeweler’s Center, and cheap housewares at Crate & Barrel.

Borders and Barnes & Noble bookstores are all over the city. But for specialty books and personal service, try the Savvy Traveller or Sand-meyer’s Bookstore. The Virgin Megastore looks cool inside, but Tower Records has a far greater selection. For great value CDs try the back wall racks of the legendary Rolling Stones shop, or go to Second Hand Tunes for used records.

For information on art exhibitions, get a copy of Chicago Gallery News , which is available at visitor centers, or head to the River North Gallery District. Taylor’s Guide to Antique Shops in Illinois and Southern Wisconsin (available in bookstores or by calling 1-847-465-3314) will direct you to the best local antique dealers.

Clothing and shoe sizes in the UK, Europe, and the US differ, and conversions are complicated. Try www.onlineconversion.com for help.