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From last year's Scenes from Black Friday. Don't expect to see a tree like that again any time soon.
We needed to balance our sales tax karma after opening the floor to all of you scofflaws escaping to Indy and Gurnee and all points non-Cook in our post about the tax veto from the other day. So we thought we'd open up the floor to a short discussion of exactly what places in our city will be receiving our hard-earned heavily taxed dollars as we start this shopping season.
In case you haven't heard, there's this thing called Black Friday coming up in a couple of days, followed faithfully by Cyber Monday as well. If you're not completely buried in Thanksgiving advertising circulars, you might be consider spending your money at someplace local. After the jump, Chicagoistos and -istas sound off on their favorite places around town to grab some swag for friends & fam - and maybe a thing or two for ourselves.
And naturally, if there's a place you think could use a few bucks this year and deserves some patronage, we'd love to hear about 'em!
I always like to stop in to the Merz Apothecary to find something I've never heard of before, something I'd never consider looking for, and something that just smells medicinally and herbally delicious. I'm no aromatherapy-touting holistic healer kind of individual, but there's something appealing about a tiny place that's been around for over a century that still provides an otherwise antiquated service like this. Plus, everyone needs a badger-hair brush for shaving, right?
~Karl Klockars
I'll actually be spending the weekend in Michigan, as I stay away from everything and everywhere that has crowds of people, since I'm one of the many cranky folks who hates shopping.
That said, local holiday giftwise, I'm also fiercely loyal to Quimby's for books, Renegade for Jewelry and other nick nack type things. If you're south suburban, I recommend AF Books in Tinley Park for comics and off beat books as well as some board gaming stuff: If you're into toys, gag gifts and funny stuff I recommend Uncle Fun's on Belmont.
~Aaron Cynic
I'm going to Lush to buy wine because, well, its what I do. I buy and give wine so people will learn to drink good wine. Also, I will be stopping buy Bari in West Town to make a gift pack filled with all the basic ingredients for making good Italian gravy (and to pick up lunch for myself).
~Carrie Becker
I'm a huge book nerd and I love buying books as gifts and for myself. I try to make it up to the Book Cellar in Lincoln Square. Not only do they have a fantastic selection, but they often host some excellent readings and they have an amazing cafe that also offers beer and wine. If I'm in the market for toys for friends' kids, I try to swing by the independent Building Blocks for a fantastic selection of toys, puzzles, and games.
~Marcus Gilmer
I'm fiercely loyal to gift shopping at Penelope's and Quimby's yearly and will continue the trend this year.
~Veronica Murtaugh
For my nephews I'm going to Robot City Workshop and Henry's Sports and Bait in the wunnerful Bridgeport neighborhood. I'll also be making a stop at Canaday le Chocolatier for truffles.
~Chuck Sudo
Unabridged Bookstore in Boystown...it's not weird or offbeat or anything, really, but it's been there a ka-tillion years, has a KILLER remainder stock, and cool-ass kids books (and I hate kids, and even I know that). Plus they just celebrated a milestone anniversary (almost 30 years!)
~Tony Peregrin
I would be remiss if I didn't mention Timeless Toys in Lincoln Square. I worked there last holiday season, and it's a great little store with lots of wooden and old-timey toys. [Ed.'s Note: It's the toy store of choice for Angelina Jolie as well, in case that matters to anyone.]
~Lindsay Miller
Malort's.
~Kevin Robinson
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I know it's another store in Lincoln Square, but Hangar 18 (http://hanger18chicago.com/) is always a good spot for gifts. Two weeks ago I scored a Heavy Metal Activity Book and a Ditka painting on wood done by one of the owners.
As much as I want to support the Cook County Heath System, I'm not buying any thing on Black Friday, except to
renew my subscription to Adbusters Magazine, which for the past three years I've been doing on Black Friday.
Well honestly I do spend money at my local public house but I consider this one of the highest patriotic efforts!
It's not a recommendation for a single store, but I thought it would be useful to point out that Local First Chicago, the alliance for local, independent businesses in the city, also has a guide to shopping locally available for download as a PDF.
Oh, and what ever happened to the force Macy's to change their name to Marshall Field's Movement? I think its time that they conceded.
Spook, the boycott against Macy's is still in effect. Just check out the fieldsfanschicago.org website.
I will NEVER shop at Macy's.
As usual, I'll be focusing my efforts on my two favorite shops, both in Oak Park. The Book Table has a great selection of new and used books to meet just about any interest. For toys, I never stray any further than Gepetto's Toy Box. Eric (the owner) and his family have an amazing selection of cool toys for any age—babies through grownups.
yes! shop local at galleria1712 on north ave. (1712 w. north ave.) you'll find an eclectic array of handmade goodness! and at sacred art on lincoln ave. near wilson! check the out!