Once upon a time, Water Tower Place was a beacon for Chicago shoppers: eight glittering floors of commerce, anchored by massive retailers like Macy’s (formerly Marshall Field’s) and American Girl Place.
That Macy’s is long gone. More recently, the top five mall floors shuttered too. They’re currently up for sale or lease by a commercial real estate firm, likely to become office space. While stores remain on the first three floors, the move makes Water Tower Place a shell of its former self.
With an industrial developer eyeing Ford City Mall in West Lawn as a potential warehouse complex and imminent redevelopment at Northbrook Court, what’s a mall rat to do? Where are we supposed to go when it’s cold outside?! Where can young people hang out freely?
Fear not — there are still a few old-school shopping centers for browsing and buying IRL.
The Shops at North Bridge in Streeterville
Downtown shoppers will find some solace in The Shops at North Bridge, a relatively new mall, though the stores are decidedly high-end. In August, the mall will host Pizza City Fest.
- Remaining department store(s): Nordstrom
Harlem Irving Plaza in Norridge
Every Northwest-Sider knows the HIP. Is it as hip as it once was? Absolutely not. But it’s convenient, blending big box chains like Target alongside smaller mall classics.
- Remaining department store(s): Kohl’s (which includes a Sephora but does not accept Sephora returns) and Nordstrom Rack. (Are we counting the rack? Let’s count it.)
Fashion Outlets of Chicago in Rosemont
Bargain hunters will be familiar with Rosemont’s massive outlet complex. Despite our mall decline, lots of stores are still in business here.
- Remaining department store(s): Nordstrom Rack and Sax OFF 5th.
Chicago Ridge Mall in Chicago Ridge
In the Southwest burbs, Chicago Ridge Mall offers the quintessential mall experience right down to the grub: Cinnabon, Auntie Anne’s and Wetzel’s Pretzels, Dippin’ Dots, Gloria Jean’s, Sbarro …
- Remaining department store(s): Kohl’s, Burlington
Old Orchard in Skokie
I go to Old Orchard constantly. It’s the closest stop with everything I need as a young woman addicted to fast fashion. (Sorry. I’m still mourning Forever 21.) Also, they just opened an Urban Outfitters and a Puttshack with crazy cocktails!
- Remaining department store(s): Macy’s
Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg
You can’t talk malls without talking Woodfield. With close to 300 stores, it’s among the largest malls in the country. It’s the very largest in Illinois, followed by Oakbrook Center, which is also worth the trip.
- Remaining department store(s): Macy’s, Nordstrom, JCPenney
River Oaks Center in Calumet City
Adamn Killa tried to make this mall happen again. Was he successful? Ten new businesses are set to open at the mall according to its website, including four restaurants.
- Remaining department store(s): Macy's, JCPenney
Honorable Mention: Lincolnwood Town Center in Lincolnwood
Lincolnwood Town Center is not what it used to be. But even throughout its decline, I enjoyed killing time there. (What can I say? I have a soft spot for Hot Topic.) Soon, however, the mall is set to formally close though Kohl's and Old Navy say they're sticking it out.
- Remaining department store(s): Kohl’s
Editor's note: This article was update April 27, 2025.
