Jan 14, 2023

Whether you are searching for the perfect gift for a friend or want to treat yourself with some new clothes or accessories, going on a shopping trip is a fantastic plan for the weekend. Thanks to its location in the northern outskirts of Chicago, the city of Niles, IL is full of retail centers, malls, and places where you can find all your favorite brands. Here are three spots you should not miss while in town.

close up of a woman holding shopping bags within a mall.
Image obtained from Pexel

1. Hawthorn Mall

Previously known as Westfield Hawthorn, Hawthorn Mall is one of the oldest and most popular retail centers in northwestern Chicago. Established in the early 1970s, this mall features nearly 100 stores and services in two floors. Anchored by JCPenney, AMC Theatres, Dave & Buster’s, and Macy’s, this place is located at 122 Hawthorn Center in Vernon Hills and can be reached in about 25 minutes by car from downtown Niles via route I-294.

If you are searching for a place where you can find just about every popular local and international retail brand, Hawthorn Mall is the place to be. Some of the shops you can find here include Aéropostale, Bath & Body Works, Claire’s, H&M, JCPenney, and Pandora. If you get hungry while browsing the different shops, you can head to Auntie Anne’s, Charley’s Philly Steaks, Cinnabon, or Maggiano’s.

2. Woodfield Mall

With a total retail floor area of over two million square feet, Woodfield Mall is the largest retail center in the state of Illinois and one of the largest in the entire United States. Located at 5 Woodfield Mall in the town of Schaumburg, this place can be reached in about 25 minutes by car from the Niles city center.

Established in 1971 and owned by CalPERS and Simon Property Group, Woodfield Mall boasts over 200 stores and services in two floors. Having undergone extensive renovations between 2015 and 2017, this place features some of the best-known international brands including Skechers, Claire’s, Aéropostale, American Eagle, JCPenney, Nordstrom, GAP, Zara, Boss, and Victoria’s Secret. When it comes to dining, options include Sbarro, Subway, Panda Express, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, and The Cheesecake Factory.

3. Gurnee Mills

Located at 6170 W Grand Avenue in the town of Gurnee, Gurnee Mills is another popular spot among shoppers from the entire Chicago metropolitan area. Owned by Simon Property Group, this place features 189 stores and services including Macy’s, Burlington, Kohl’s, Abercrombie & Fitch, Aéropostale, and H&M. Getting here from Niles takes about 35 minutes by car via routes I-294 and I-94.

If you are searching for a spacious and versatile vehicle to check out the best stores in town and drive back home with all your new goodies, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse is a fantastic option. Stop by Golf Mill Chevrolet today, check out the features of this stylish SUV, and learn about the different financing plans we have available for you.