Sure, Chicago came in at number four on Forbes list of “Most Overpriced Places in the U.S.” (2005), but no worries at all — you can still find some pretty darned good deals on home decor merchandise for that costly condo you just purchased. Continue reading to find out where to find the best discount home decor outlets in Chicago and what they have to offer.
Cost Plus World Market
While Cost Plus World Market is located in one of the most expensive neighborhoods to live in, in the City of Chicago, this Lakeview home décor store actually offers gorgeous, high-quality home décor merchandise at unbelievably affordable prices. Cost Plus World Market sells everything from artwork, items for your bath, and oversized clocks to rugs, all different kinds of furniture (indoor and outdoor), and cool kitchenware. Towards the back of the store, located at 2844 N. Broadway Street (773-477-9912), shoppers will find an excellent selection of beers (and other beverages and drink mixes) at much less than they would cost elsewhere, and a good selection of wines. Cost Plus World Market also sells chips, condiments, spices, pastas, and sauces to cook up in your brand new pots and pans! Cost Plus World Market has several Chicago locations, but one of the other most popular locations is located in neighboring Lincoln Park at 1623 N. Sheffield Avenue (312-587-8037). www.worldmarket.com.
1730 Outlet Company
Considered a true hidden gem, this Lincoln Park home décor outlet sells everything from candles, kitchenware, and furniture to garden décor, glassware, linens, and more. Shoppers will also appreciate the wide selection of themed home decorations for holidays such as Easter, the Fourth of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day. While prices are incredibly low here, 1730 Outlet Company features unique, high-quality merchandise that you might not find anywhere else in the area. 1730 Outlet Company has been in business for more than 33 years and it has been featured on the popular Chicago TV Show 190 North. 1730 Outlet Company 1730 W. Wrightwood, Tel: 773-871-4331, www.1730outlet.com.
Crate & Barrel Outlet
Crate & Barrel Outlet is a favorite among Chicago’s sizable yuppie crowd. Located in Lincoln Park, and not too far from Lincoln Park’s new little sister — Wicker Park, Crate & Barrel Outlet sells CB’s signature merchandise, but at much lower prices than its non-outlet stores. Bedding, bath décor, kitchenware, lighting, furniture (indoor and outdoor), rugs, curtains, dinnerware, and more are readily available at this coveted Crate & Barrel Outlet store. Crate & Barrel Outlet Store is located at 1864 N. Clybourn Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614, 312-787-4775. http://www.crateandbarrel.com/stores/store.aspx?storeid=140.
CB2
Looking for more Crate & Barrel merchandise at low prices? Try the younger, hipper CB2 at 3737 N. Lincoln Avenue (773-755-3900) or 800 W. North Avenue (312-787-8329). CB2 is famous for having killer sales on cool furnishings and other hip home décor merchandise. During CB2 sales, it is not uncommon to find a wide variety of items reduced by more than 50-75% off the regular price. Lincoln Avenue: www.cb2.com/stores/store.aspx?id=176; North Avenue: http://www.cb2.com/stores/store.aspx?id=177.
FYI: If you can, it’s best to avoid shopping in any of these areas on the weekends. 1730 W. Wrightwood might not be too bad, but keep in mind that Lakeview and Lincoln Park are chock full of bars, restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and retail stores, so extreme congestion is common on Saturdays and Sundays. Also, with the exception of CB2, which has a decent-sized parking lot, parking can be pain if you don’t have a Zone Sticker (sold to residents only).
