Most stores offer a substantial savings over department store prices. Plus, if you chance upon a sale, the savings are even greater. Below is a list of the best of Chicago's outlet malls (in random order):
Chicago Premium Outlets -- Located about 45 minutes west of downtown Chicago, this outlet center offers over 110 outlet retailers. Among them are Adidas, Calvin Klein, Chico's, Banana Republic Factory Store, Bose, Aeropostale, Brooks Brothers, Coach, Lane Bryant Outlet, J. Crew, Diesel, Gap Outlet, Kate Spade, London Fog, Sony, Polo Ralph Lauren, Mikasa, Nike, and Tommy Hilfiger.
Chicago Premium Outlets is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 9pm and on Sunday from 10am to 6pm.
Chicago Premium Outlets; 1650 Premium Outlet Blvd., Aurora IL; 630 585-2000
Gurnee Mills -- This outlet mall is located about 45 minutes north of Chicago, about midway between that city and Milwaukee. Gurnee Mills offers over 85 outlet stores, including Abercrombie and Fitch, Banana Republic Factory Store, Bass, Chico's, Fossil, Guess, J. C. Penney Outlet, Limited Too, Off Fifth - Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet, Salton Retail Outlet, The Children's Place Outlet, and Zales Diamond Outlet.
Gurnee Mills is open Monday through Friday from 10am to 9pm, Saturday from 10am to 930pm, and on Sunday from 11am to 7pm.
Gurnee Mills, I-94 at Exit 132, Gurnee IL; 847 263-7500; 800 937-7467
Prime Outlets at Huntley -- Just 50 minutes from downtown Chicago, this outlet mall has 40+ stores to interest shoppers. Among them are Aeropostale, Ann Taylor Factory Store, Banana Republic Factory Store, Bass, Bose, Calvin Klein, Eddie Bauer, Gap Outlet, London Fog, Pendleton Woolen Mills, Pfaltzgraff, and SAS Shoes.
Prime Outlets at Huntley is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 8pm and Sunday from 11am to 6pm.
Prime Outlets at Huntley, Route 47, Huntley IL; 847 669-9100; 888 545-7222
Prime Outlets Pleasant Prairie -- This southern Wisconsin outlet mall is just 45 minutes north of downtown Chicago. Among the 85+ retailers here are Adidas, Ann Taylor, Bass Outlet, Anne Klein, Banana Republic Factory Store, Bombay Outlet, Black & Decker, Chico's, Coldwater Creek Outlet, Eddie Bauer, Gap Outlet, Jones NY, Mikasa, Polo Ralph Lauren, Restoration Hardware, Timberland, and Yankee Candle.
Prime Outlets Pleasant Prairie is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 8pm and on Sunday from 11am to 6pm.
Prime Outlets Pleasant Prairie, I-94 at Exit 347, Pleasant Prairie WI; 262 857-2101; 800 980-SHOP
