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[title]Aaron’s Apothecary Sure, you can find pharmacy basics at this Clark Street apothecary, but that’s not the shop’s bread and butter. Instead, the 2,000-square-foot storefront, opened by a former Parkway Drugs pharmacist, features everything from herbals and homeopathic supplements to MALIN + GOETZ cosmetics and Jonathan Adler homewares, along with a fully functioning pharmacy and hand-knitted dog sweaters. 2338 N Clark St (773-360-8595). El: Brown, Purple (rush hrs), Red to Fullerton. Bus: 22, 36, 74. Mon–Fri 8am–7pm; Sat 8am–6pm.
Crossroads Trading Co. This is one of those resale chains where you can get cash for your gently used clothing, or trade up for a better rate. Expect racks of dress shirts for men and sprinklings of that ever-popular bohemian style. The selection also includes many items from the trendy chains, such as H&M, Urban Outfitters and Zara. 2711 N Clark St (773-296-1000). El: Brown, Purple (rush hrs) to Diversey. Bus: 22, 36, 76. Mon–Thu 11am–7pm; Fri, Sat 11am–8pm; Sun noon–7pm.
Elliott Consignment We love our designer looks but can’t always stomach the prices. Luckily this Lincoln Park staple offers a curated selection of designer duds by brands including Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Prada and Diane Von Furstenberg. The shop accepts only consignment looks for men and women that were produced within the last two years, so you can be sure you’re still keeping up with the styles. 2465 N Lincoln Ave (773-404-6080). El: Brown, Purple (rush hrs), Red to Fullerton. Bus: 8, 11, 74. Mon–Sat 11am–6pm; Sun noon–5pm.
Lori’s Shoes Shoppers with a weakness for footwear find Lori’s either a blessing or a curse—depending on the status of their bank accounts. The Lincoln Park store stuffs a sizable space with American and European designer shoes, all marked 10 percent to 30 percent less than department-store prices. The selection includes everything from classics to trendy brands such as Jeffrey Campbell and Boutique 9, not to mention dozens of Italian exclusives. 824 W Armitage Ave (773-281-5655). El: Brown, Purple (rush hrs) to Armitage. Bus: 8, 73. Mon–Thu 11am–7pm; Fri 11am–6pm; Sat 10am–6pm; Sun noon–5pm.
Lush Next time you need a quick gift, head to this British-born bath and body confectionery. All of the delicious candy-colored products are made by hand from all-natural ingredients in small batches, making them as effective as they are attractive. The superscented bath bombs are a cult favorite, and at around $5 each, you can afford a little indulgence for yourself as well. 859 W Armitage Ave (773-281-5874). El: Brown, Purple (rush hrs) to Armitage. Bus: 8, 73. Mon–Sat 10am–8pm; Sun 11am–6pm.
Nine West Outlet Find a selection of the current season’s styles (similar to, if not the same as, those at your regular Nine West) along with last season’s favorites now discounted. Even better, you can always count on a buy one, get a second pair half off promo. 2739 N Clark St (773-281-9132). El: Brown, Purple (rush hrs) to Diversey. Bus: 22, 36, 76. Mon–Fri 10am–9pm; Sat 10am–7pm; Sun 11am–6pm.
Rotofugi Grown-up kids rush to this Japanese-inspired toy shop to pick up limited-edition vinyl dolls, plush toys and poseable figures. You’ll usually find a cool art exhibition on show here. 2780 N Lincoln Ave (773-868-3308). El: Brown, Purple (rush hrs) to Diversey. Bus: 11, 76. 11am–7pm daily.
Roy’s Furniture Finding a new, reasonably priced sofa that’s either (a) not from IKEA or (b) scored off Craigslist is a near-impossible task. Which is why folks who shop at this locale tend to become Roy’s evangelists. The nearly three-decade-old furniture showroom features furnishings from more than 40 vendors at deeply discounted rates. Dining tables start at $169 and sofas begin at $499—not to mention, the second-floor clearance area always offers additional deals. 2455 N Sheffield Ave (773-248-7878). El: Brown, Purple (rush hrs), Red to Fullerton. Bus: 8, 11, 74. Mon 10:30am–8pm; Tue, Wed 10:30am–7:30pm; Thu 10:30am–8pm; Fri 10:30am–7:30pm; Sat 10:30am–6pm; Sun 11am–5pm .
1730 Outlet This shop is such a hidden gem most customers don’t even want their friends to know about it. With housewares, designer furniture, garden decor and other cutesy stuff at half off wholesale prices, this West Lincoln Park warehouse is the perfect spot to pick up a wedding or housewarming gift that looks as if you really went all out…even if you didn’t. 1730 W Wrightwood Ave (773-871-4331). El: Brown, Purple (rush hrs) to Diversey. Bus: 9, 74, 76. Mon–Fri 10am–6pm; Sat 10am–5pm.
Thread Lounge Formerly a roving sample sale, the Chicago outpost of Thread Lounge (there’s one in San Fran, too) showcases 4,400 square feet filled with sample, overstock and regular production pieces marked 25–75 percent off the retail price. Shipments of men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and accessories by coveted brands such as Joe’s Jeans and Rag and Bone arrive daily. 918 W Armitage Ave (773-281-0011). El: Brown, Purple (rush hrs) to Armitage. Bus: 8, 73. Sun–Fri noon–8pm; Sat 11am – 8pm.