Sportswear shopping in Chicago
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A
Sports Authority
In a classic rags-to-riches story, Morrie Mages got his start in his family’s store in the old Maxwell St Jewish ghetto, where some of the city’s leading retailers launched their careers by selling clothes in the period between WWI and WWII. Mages built this into the world’s largest sporting-goods store, eventually moving it from Maxwell St into its own renovated eight-story warehouse here. Though Morrie sold the company for a fortune back in 1994, and the store is now owned by national chain Sports Authority, it still continues his discounting philosophy.
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B
Lululemon Athletica
Canada’s famous yoga-wear maker opened shop in Chicago, giving locals access to its colorful togs made of organic cotton, hemp and bamboo. They’re flattering, too: the Boogie Pants and Groove Pants ‘give every girl a great-looking butt,’ swears one devoted customer. Bonus: the shop offers free one-hour yoga classes at 10am Sunday. Call ahead to register; mats are provided.
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C
Burton Snowboards
Hey, Midwesterners shred the slopes too, and this is where air dogs come to get their gear. Burton, of course, is the biggest brand in the business. Its multistory Chicago shop carries a sweet selection of boards, jackets, watches and other accessories. There’s a chill-out lounge on the top floor where you can check email and watch snowboarding films.
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D
Windward Sports
One-stop shopping for sporty board gear, whether you’re into surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, snowboarding or skateboarding. Windward carries the requisite apparel labels, too (Quicksilver, Billabong, Split etc). Staff members are clued in to local boarding hot spots. Ask about various beach rentals of windsurfing equipment during the summer.
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E
Puma Store
Visiting Puma’s minimalist, white-walled store has been described as daytime clubbing. DJs spin tunes (mostly on weekends), and buff young bodies bounce to the beat while checking out men’s and women’s shoes that are impossible to find anywhere else. The 1st floor is devoted to the brand’s sporty urban clothing line.
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F
Uprise Skateboards
Looking for a Street Sweeper or a pair of Lakais? Uprise is the city’s top spot for skateboarders to pick up gear, boards and tips on the local scene. Drop in for a rad T-shirt and to find out where the action is. No attitude here: they’re friendly and patient with newbies.
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G
Niketown
It’s no longer the unique, museum-ish store it once was (outlets have cropped up in many other cities), but this Nike temple has all the flash and sparkle you’d expect from the shoe giant. It remains hugely popular, with every swooshed T-shirt, sweatshirt, jersey and high-top imaginable. A free running club takes off from here every Thursday at 6:30pm.
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