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2012 in review | Chicago shopping

A lot of great stores opened in Chicago in 2012.

By Kevin Aeh
Published: December 20, 2012

408.sh.ss.op.YearinShop
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Milk Handmade owner Hallie Borden
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408.sh.ss.op.YearInShop.ArchApothecaryxSS.jpg
408.sh.ss.op.YearInShop.NeighborlyxSS.jpg
Lomography shop
City Target
408.sh.ss.op.YearInShop.BurberryxSS.jpg
408.sh.ss.op.YearInShop.SuitSupplyxSS.jpg
Uniqlo New York location
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408.sh.ss.op.YearInShop.AtelierAzzaxSS.jpg
  • 408.sh.ss.op.YearInShop.ModernCoopxSS.jpg

    5 GREAT INDIE OPENINGS

    Modern Co-op
    A TOC Shopping Award winner (for Best New Home Shop), Modern Co-op is known for its well-chosen selection of midcentury-modern furniture. The shop also shows strong support for local designers by featuring the works of artists who create pieces using repurposed materials. 818 W 18th St (312-226-8525).

    Photo: Emily Mohney408.sh.ss.op.YearInShop.ModernCoopxSS.jpg408.sh.ss.op.YearInShop.ModernCoopxSS.jpg159402561
  • Milk Handmade owner Hallie Borden

    5 GREAT INDIE OPENINGS

    Milk Handmade
    TOC
    readers crowned this Andersonville shop as this year’s Best New Boutique in our annual Shopping Awards, and it’s no wonder it’s so popular. Owner Hallie Borden focuses on handmade women’s clothing and accessories, which is especially refreshing in a ’hood full of home decor shops. 5137 N Clark St (847-833-6309).

    Photo: Nicole Radja408.sh.ss.op.YearInShop.MilkHandmadexSS.jpgMilk Handmade owner Hallie Borden159402512
  • 408.sh.ss.op.YearInShop.MartynGeorgexSS.jpg

    5 GREAT INDIE OPENINGS

    Martyn George
    Shop owner Johanna Lowe is also a food and prop stylist, so the displays of vintage cookware and kitchen-goods are always top-notch here. We especially love the little mural of cooking utensils sitting above a butcher’s block piled high with colanders, mortars and pestles, and old-school juicers. 1855 W Grand Ave (312-340-4666).

     

    Photo: Derek Richmond408.sh.ss.op.YearInShop.MartynGeorgexSS.jpg408.sh.ss.op.YearInShop.MartynGeorgexSS.jpg159402463
  • 408.sh.ss.op.YearInShop.ArchApothecaryxSS.jpg

    5 GREAT INDIE OPENINGS

    Arch Apothecary
    This Rockford import proves that big-box chains aren’t the only destinations for your beauty needs. In addition to offering a brow and lash bar, facials and makeup application (and recently added blow-outs), the shop sells myriad European skin-care lines. 1359 N Wells St(312-291-9750).

    Photo: Jessica Zerby408.sh.ss.op.YearInShop.ArchApothecaryxSS.jpg408.sh.ss.op.YearInShop.ArchApothecaryxSS.jpg159402214
  • 408.sh.ss.op.YearInShop.NeighborlyxSS.jpg

    5 GREAT INDIE OPENINGS

    Neighborly
    The folks behind Ork Posters opened this Lincoln Square shop last month. It’s a great spot for finding products made here in the city (Chicago Honey Co-op honey, Field Notes notebooks), as well as in the Midwest. 2003 W Montrose Ave (773-840-2456).

     

    Photo: Jessica Zerby408.sh.ss.op.YearInShop.NeighborlyxSS.jpg408.sh.ss.op.YearInShop.NeighborlyxSS.jpg159402615
  • Lomography shop

    4 CHAIN ADDITIONS

    Lomography
    After a couple of months of delays, this camera shop finally opened its Wicker Park outpost in October. Inside you’ll find cameras and accessories that’ll help you take vintage-looking pics without an iPhone. Plus, the shop offers a variety of photo-taking workshops. 1422 N Milwaukee Ave (872-206-2253).

    Photo: Courtesy of Lomography408.sh.ss.op.YearInShop.LomographyxSS.jpgLomography shop159402416
  • City Target

    4 CHAIN ADDITIONS

    CityTarget
    Judging by how packed this Loop location (housed in the former home of Carson Pirie Scott) always is, this is the Target the city has been waiting for. In addition to the usual Target offerings, you’ll also find a well-stocked grocery area and all the latest designer collabs. 1 S State St (312-279-2133).

    Photo: Jamie Kraus408.sh.ss.op.YearInShop.CityTargetxSS.jpgCity Target159402367
  • 408.sh.ss.op.YearInShop.BurberryxSS.jpg

    4 CHAIN ADDITIONS

    Burberry
    This British brand certainly gets an award for best-looking addition to the Mag Mile. The five-story flagship is covered (tastefully) in Burberry’s signature plaid, which lights up at night. Inside, you’ll find a wide selection of trenches and more for men, women and children. 633 N Michigan Ave (312-787-2500).

    Photo: Jessica Zerby408.sh.ss.op.YearInShop.BurberryxSS.jpg408.sh.ss.op.YearInShop.BurberryxSS.jpg159402318
  • 408.sh.ss.op.YearInShop.SuitSupplyxSS.jpg

    4 CHAIN ADDITIONS

    Suitsupply
    This Amsterdam import opened in July—just in time to show off its Gold Coast garden terrace. But the stuff inside is what really caught our eye: slim-fitting European style suits that start at $399. 945 N Rush St (312-340-6909).

    Photo: Stacie Scott408.sh.ss.op.YearInShop.SuitSupplyxSS.jpg408.sh.ss.op.YearInShop.SuitSupplyxSS.jpg159402669
  • Uniqlo New York location

    3 PREDICTIONS FOR 2013

    Uniqlo
    Okay, every year we predict this chain will make its Chicago debut. But we have a good feeling 2013 could be the year!

    Photo: Courtesy of Uniqlo408.sh.ss.op.YearinShopUniqloxSS.jpgUniqlo New York location1594027610
  • 408.sh.ss.op.YearInShop.TomFordxSS.jpg

    3 PREDICTIONS FOR 2013

    Tom Ford
    We’ve heard rumors that Ford is opening a namesake boutique on Oak Street. In a neighborhood of big designer names, his would fit in perfectly.

    Photo: Ted Morrison408.sh.ss.op.YearInShop.TomFordxSS.jpg408.sh.ss.op.YearInShop.TomFordxSS.jpg1594027111
  • 408.sh.ss.op.YearInShop.AtelierAzzaxSS.jpg

    3 PREDICTIONS FOR 2013

    Atelier Azza
    Local designer Azeeza Desai Khan’s line really blew up this year, thanks to appearances at Dose Market and headlining a Fashion Focus runway show. We expect 2013 to be even better for the line…maybe a big-name fashion magazine cover?

    Photo: Nick Murway408.sh.ss.op.YearInShop.AtelierAzzaxSS.jpg408.sh.ss.op.YearInShop.AtelierAzzaxSS.jpg1594022612

5 GREAT INDIE OPENINGS

Modern Co-op
A TOC Shopping Award winner (for Best New Home Shop), Modern Co-op is known for its well-chosen selection of midcentury-modern furniture. The shop also shows strong support for local designers by featuring the works of artists who create pieces using repurposed materials. 818 W 18th St (312-226-8525).

Photo: Emily Mohney

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