9 Best Places to Shop in The North Shore

You've just moved to the North Shore, where the lakefront views are incredible and the amenities never cease to amaze. If retail therapy is your passion, you’ve come to the right place! The shopping scene in the North Shore features everything from right-off-the-runway fashion to the best deals you can find.

If you’re ready to uplevel your sense of style, you can find an array of high-end fashion stores and unique boutiques to explore. For some top tips on shopping in the North Shore, read on for a behind-the-scenes look at several of the best North Shore retail spots.

In downtown Highland Park, this charming boutique recently celebrated its 23rd birthday. Here, you can peruse the racks to find cozy clothing and accessories. Airing on the affordable side of the pricing spectrum, Sunflower is a great place to shop if you're looking for everyday layers you can wear again and again. Comfort is the name of the game.

The staff at Sunflower is knowledgeable about current trends and can help you find the perfect piece for any occasion. You’ll also find a solid selection of footwear, handbags, and jewelry to complete your look. With rave reviews from every customer, be sure to check out what this chic shopping spot has to offer.

On a mission to provide simple, sustainable clothing, Eileen Fisher sells trendy selections that herald an uncomplicated way of life and make everyday wear look effortless. While this may not look like your traditional luxury retailer, their clothes sell on the pricier side, with top-notch materials and upscale designs. From silk trench coats to organic linen pocket skirts and crossover sandals, you can up the ante of your fashion with trendy pieces that are sure to turn heads.

Shoppers who value quality and sustainability will appreciate the effort that Eileen Fisher puts into the pieces, using recycled, ethically sourced fabrics and eco-friendly dyeing methods. Here, shopping in the North Shore means investing in a quality fashion statement that will last for years to come.

This forward-thinking boutique has it all! You'll find everything from graphic t-shirts and fashionably ripped jeans to patterned sweaters, ruffled tanks, and vintage-cut dresses. With a piece of clothing for every style and season, you'll be sure to find something new and unique at this boutique. Central Boutique also partners with high-quality brands like Citizens of Humanity, Perfect White Tee, and MOU to offer shoppers easy access to upscale fashion selections.

Taking consignment to a whole new level, Twigs and Cotton has a stylishly decorated store to match the gorgeous tone of the North Shore, displaying gently used art, home goods, and high-quality clothes.

With a “Sip and Shop” event every Thursday and frequent new arrivals, Twigs and Cotton brings a sense of adventure to the shopping scene along the North Shore. You never know what treasures you’ll uncover! Find hand-woven tapestries, homemade pottery, or even the likes of a Birken bag on your next trip to Twigs and Cotton.

If you’re looking for the perfect gallery to find unique art for your North Shore home, look no further! There's no better place than the Laughlin Gallery. Celebrating the visions of both established and burgeoning painters, sculptors, photographers, textile artisans, and media creators alike, the pieces here are always on sale, ranging from $20 to $20,000. Step inside the historic storefront to enjoy the inviting interior and carefully curated atmosphere.

Guys & Co. is a laid-back store featuring everything from formal styles to athletic wear for men, boys, and teens. You can be fitted for a suit, purchase a shiny new watch or cufflinks, or simply grab a new pack of well-made t-shirts. With renowned brands like Havaianas, True Grit, Stitch, and Flag and Anthem, you'll be well set up to amplify your wardrobe.

This is for you, tea lovers! Found in stunning Skokie, this quality tea store promises new flavors at every turn. From matcha teas and decaf to herbal creations, green teas, and more, you are sure to find a taste to suit your palate. You can even book a tasting event. Adagio buys teas directly from the growers, ensuring ethically sourced, fresh tea to wake up your senses. Whether you're looking for a bold black tea or something more mellow, shopping at Adagio is an opportunity to experience a new world of flavor and learn more about tea.

Called "Chicago's Finest Wine Shop" by the Chicago Tribune, this specialty store in Skokie has showcased an impressive selection of wines, spirits, brews, and food since 1936. With an array of high-end fine wines to choose from and a knowledgeable staff that can answer all your questions, you'll feel like a wine expert in no time. You name it; they have it — wine, whiskey, craft beer, cider, sake, mead, and even cigars. As the winner of the "Best of the Year" Award from 2018-2021, it would be a shame to live in the North Shore and not pay a visit (or many) to the experts at Schaefer's.

In the heart of the North Shore, the Downtown Evanston Farmers’ Market promises a good time and great vendors. Microgreens, crepes, and kombucha are just a small sampling of the vast variety of goods you can find here, all locally sourced. Shop local, and have a lovely Saturday morning full of fun, fruits, and more.

There you have it – the top places to awaken your sense of style or find unique gifts for your loved ones! If you're ready to tackle a full day of shopping in the North Shore, you have so much to look forward to. And, if reading this guide has you considering a move of your own, reach out to expert broker Jena Radnay for guidance as you begin your journey to a fun, fashionable community.

_{*Header photo courtesy of Unsplash}