10 Best Outlet Stores in Chicago

If you are arriving to Chicago at O’Hare, you should add the Fashion Outlets of Chicago to your itinerary. Located just 5 minutes away from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, this outlet shopping center offers luggage storage, so you can stop by on your way in or out of the city.

The Fashion Outlets of Chicago is an indoor mall with 130 outlet stores. Some of the luxury brands you’ll find are Bloomingdale’s, Gucci, Prada, and Coach. The Fashion Outlets also have a “sip while you shop” perk where you can sip cocktails as you peruse bargains. You’ll be delighted by all of the public art on display as you wander from shop to shop.

The outdoor Chicago Premium Outlets is located about 40 minutes west of the city and is sprawling with 160 stores to choose from. Luxury brands include Armani Outlet and Saks OFF 5th, and you’ll also find familiar favorites like Athleta, Nike, and Polo Ralph Lauren. Food options are mostly small bites and fast food, perfect for when you want to pack in as much shopping as possible.

Children will love the designated play area, and lovely sights throughout the shopping area include a reflecting pond and art installations. Let the cozy onsite fireplaces warm you up on chilly days.

About an hour’s drive north of Chicago, Gurnee Mills is an indoor shopping mall that has full-price shopping alongside tons of outlet stores. You’ll find stores like Express Factory Outlet and Famous Footwear Outlet here. Altogether there are nearly 200 stores for you to browse, including a Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, as well as a movie theater, restaurants, and seasonal ice skating.

With special events like exhibits, expos, and special deals, it’s easy to make the most of your visit. If you’re looking for a day trip destination outside the city, the area around Gurnee has other fun tourist spots like The Great Wolf Lodge and Six Flags Great America.

Though Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets is a 55-mile drive north from Chicago to Wisconsin, it’s worth the trip for popular brands including Tory Burch, Kate Spade, and The North Face. Kit yourself out with new kicks from Vans or treat yourself to a new pair of jeans from Lucky Brand Jeans.

With 25% to 65% off at over 90 stores, you’ll be spoiled for choice. There are a few eateries with small bites if you need to refuel, as well as There restaurants in the shopping plaza, serving steak or Italian cuisine. If you visit at the right time, you might even catch special events like a thrilling water circus.

Head southeast to Indiana and along the shores of Lake Michigan to shop at the Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets. Only 1 mile from the banks of the great lake, the quaint lighthouse building makes for some lovely photos on a sunny day.

This outdoor outlet center has a village-like vibe, featuring over 70 outlet shops. You’ll find great deals on clothing, shoes, and specialty items from prestigious brands like Vera Bradley and Under Armour. There are a few picnic spots to enjoy snacks in this picturesque setting, and there’s a Mexican restaurant on site if you’d like a break from bargain hunting.

Just east of the Chicago River, you’ll find The Maxwell, a shopping center boasting familiar bargain stores like Burlington, Nordstrom Rack, and TJ Maxx. You’ll be amazed by the variety of well-known brands and their deep discounts. You can also expect full-price stores, including Men’s Warehouse and Kay Jewelers, should you decide to splurge.

If you’re visiting The Maxwell on a Sunday, stop by the nearby popular open-air Maxwell Street Market. Fill your bags with fresh fruits and vegetables, artisanal foods, and hand-crafted wares from local vendors.

If you forgot to pack your favorite fragrance or are looking to pick up some discounted gifts while staying in Chicago, the Perfume Outlet is a must-visit. The store on Diversey Ave. gets rave reviews from locals for their excellent service, and there’s another one not too far away in Lincolnwood.

You’ll find walls and walls lined with authentic luxury fragrances such as Prada, Versace, and Dolce & Gabbana, at incredible prices. If you’re not sure which one to buy or are looking for something niche, the dedicated staff will be more than happy to help.

No matter where your travels take you in Chicago, chances are good that you’ll find a dd’s Discounts nearby. Dd’s Discounts is part of the Ross family of stores, but dd’s has a smaller, more neighborhood-like vibe.

This bargain shop is constantly rotating merchandise from well-known brands. You’ll find clothing, shoes, home décor, and even toys. There are dd’s Discounts all across the city and the suburbs, so file it away as a great place to freshen up your wardrobe or pick up something you forgot to pack.

The Book Table is an independent bookstore in the Oak Park section of downtown Chicago. They sell both new and used books at deep discounts. The bookstore is locally owned and operated. It offers overstock books from publishers as well as gently used books. 

The store prides itself on helping readers find the perfect book. It’s located near 2 historic spots, Frank Lloyd Write’s Home & Studio and Ernest Hemingway’s Birthplace Museum, so The Book Table is a must-visit if you’re already in the area. If you are looking to pick up a good book to read on your vacation or for the flight home, head over to The Book Table. 

The North Shore Exchange is a unique bargain store you’ll find inside the 900 N. Michigan luxury shopping mall located at the north end of the Magnificent Mile. The mall is one of the city’s prime shopping meccas. It takes up the first 7 floors of the skyscraper, and It’s actually a non-profit organization, so you’ll be doing your bit for the community too.

The North Shore Exchange sells some of the same luxury brands you’ll find elsewhere at 900 N. Michigan. The only difference is that they are a consignment shop, so all the items are gently used. North Shore Exchange donates all the money it makes to local charities that help support low-income families and children.