Shopping in Berwyn

Situated on a quiet residential street in Pilsen, Textile Discount Outlet is easy to stroll past without a second glance. But behind the unassuming, narrow façade, the store unfolds into a 75,000-square-foot wonderland of fabrics, rhinestones, trims, and upholstery accessories, all available at wholesale prices. In addition to the store’s unexpectedly vast depth and selection, part of its allure stems from the diversity of its wares: in room after room, practical, durable textiles, such as waterproof fabrics and leather by the square foot, wait to be discovered. Nearby, more than 100 varieties of delicate satin and organza ribbons, vibrant feathers, and hundreds of vintage-style fabrics attract the eye like a treasure chest or a picture of Teddy Roosevelt in the buff. If customers can’t find the fabric they’re looking for, the store’s textile experts are happy to special order it.

Spotlighted by local and national press including TimeOut Chicago, the Wall Street Journal, and the Daily Herald, the Randolph Street Market's collection of 200 merchants shows off antique furnishings and vintage wearables from all over the world. Vintage dealers from throughout the country—including local favorites J. Brett Benson and Silver Moon—stuff market stalls with men's and women's clothing, estate jewelry, and even vintage fashion magazines. Treasure hunters can investigate both indoor and outdoor booths to fill their closets with items from designers such as Hermes, Pucci, and Dior. In addition to apparel, Randolph Street Market deals in furniture acquisitions, providing customers with free delivery around downtown Chicago and a reupholstery station for pieces worn by time or too many tattoos. Additionally, patrons can bring old lamps to be repaired, art pieces to be restored, and antique macaroni art to be appraised.:m]]

With its corrugated sheet-metal siding and rough-hewn wood pillars, the façade of Pookie Jane’s Boutique hearkens back to a frontier saloon. But the rustic exterior belies the boutique’s sleek collection of designer apparel and accessories by Desigual, Solitaire, and Elan. In addition to bold-patterned threads, the store brims with hand-wrought home accents from local artisans, including Jane’s own hand-poured soy candles, whose warm glow and sweet scents prove a romantic alternative to a flaming rose bouquet.

Divided into two distinct realms, Sugar Fly Studio & Boutique's 3,000-square-foot space stocks fashion-forward clothes and accessories, as well as nail and hair services in a spa and salon. The boutique’s urban gear keeps feet clad in stylish shoeleather and torsos clad in graphic tees that shield skin from the judgmental eyes of passing tour guides.

Inside the sleek, spacious, and minimal salon-spa, nail techs apply no-chip manicures as seasoned stylists clip and blow-dry manes. Beauticians gussy up nails with gel overlays and designer nail wraps, treating fingers to add-ons such as dips in mineral-packed paraffin and supportive high-fives from celebrity finger puppets. The spa-salon’s aesthetic services also include depilatory sugaring and threading, as well as visage-rejuvenating facials.

Back to Bed is a trusted source for sound sleep, growing from a single store in 2000 to a mattress empire with more than 45 locations across the Chicagoland area. Tempur-Pedic, Stearns & Foster, and Simmons Beautyrest mattresses await rigorous testing at each of their show rooms, where sleep-savvy employees can help shoppers determine if they're more suited to a firm or soft mattress or to creamy or chunky peanut butter. Back to Bed also induces relaxation in a nonhorizontal form with a selection of plush massage recliners and Human Touch's Perfect Chair, which cradles bodies in a muscularly neutral position.

Lisa Busch—a jeweler, beader, and crafter—often left her local bead shops unsatisfied by their paltry inventory. When most people would have accepted the status quo and started making jewelry out of upcycled banana peels, Lisa took action, opening 1 Stop Bead Shop as a haven where she and other beaders could find all of the materials they needed under one roof. She started stocking the necessities and more, including tools, books, semiprecious gems, Swarovski crystal, glass, wire, and findings. In less than seven years, her inventory grew fivefold, requiring the shop to lay down roots in a shiny new 3,200-square-foot facility.

In addition to supplying self-sufficient beaders, Lisa shares the art of crafting with newcomers through her roster of classes. A staff of 26 instructors teaches approximately 100 lessons each quarter, ranging from beading and crocheting to wire wrapping and girls’ night out parties.