`Last call,” “Clearance,” “Final reduction,” “No reasonable offer refused!”
These were slogans used in advertisements throughout the holiday selling season. And no matter how earnest the shop owners were about their offers, retail is an unpredictable animal. When all the gifts are purchased and the markdown tables look like the back of your closet, there’s still good merchandise to be sold.
That’s when the real deals begin. So once again, we’ve compiled our post-holiday bargain hunter’s guide to help find some of the best buys in town.
Active gear
Chicago Tennis Company, 1000 W. North Ave., 312-951-2941. Through Jan. 14, find savings on men’s warmups that were $199.99, now $139.99; and shirts that were $39.99, now $29.99. Brands include Aureus, Ellesse, Fred Perry, Head, Ixspa, LeCoq Sportif and Nike.
Chicagoland Canoe Base, 4019 N. Narragansett Ave., 312-777-1489. Jan. 1 to March 1, this retail water-sports shop has children’s Polartec 300 buntings that were $40.95, now $34.95; Kidlite pullover Polartec 200 that was $29.95, now $20.95; Fastrac Polartec jacket for kids that was $32.95, now $25.95; 16-foot Sawyer Oscoda package with paddles, PFDs and cartop system that was $637.75, now $565; and Royal Robbins dress shirts that were $41.95, now $31.95.
Antiques
Especially Maine Antiques Ltd., 231 Coffin Rd., Mill Pond building, Long Grove, 708-634-3512. Jan. 1 to Feb. 1, find a cut-glass Victorian decanter that was $125, now $93.75; a large Wedgwood hounds pitcher that was $88, now $66; and a gold 1920s diamond ring that was $700, now $525.
Beauty
Cathi Watson Studio, 10 E. Ontario St., Suite 1001, 312-440-0877. Tuesdays through Saturdays throughout January, this salon is offering its 75-minute total facial fitness method, which includes deep-pore cleansing, facial toning and masque, that was $75, now $50; “Body Fitnastics,” a portable exercise program that includes one-hour private training, a set of Therabands and instruction booklet that was $80, now $55; or a combination of both that was $155, now $105.
Face & Facial Co., 104 E. Oak St., 312-266-9506 or 312-951-5151. Jan. 1-31, a “Dream Day,” (four hours) that includes a European facial, makeup application, French manicure, pedicure and body massage that was $185, now $150; “Beauty Break,” (1 1/2 hours) a customized makeup lesson and skin analysis, that was $60, now $50; and manicure and pedicure with a friend (two hours) that was $90, now $75.
Marianne Strokirk Salon, 361 W. Chestnut St., 312-944-4428. Jan. 1-31, a deep-cleansing fruit facial that was $60, now $45. Aveda products: Hydrating lotion, 5.5 ounces that was $24, now $19.20; Blue Malva shampoo, 500 milliliters, that was $9.25, now $7.40; and natural color lipsticks that were $11, now $8.80.
Terrain, 2542 N. Halsted St., 312-549-0888. This shop, which has all-natural beauty products, is offering a complimentary makeup session valued at $25 for first-time customers. No purchase necessary. Call for an appointment.
Books
Book Outlet, 980 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights, 708-870-7323. Through Jan. 31, this book discounter has “Needlework Garden” that was $12.99, now $3.49; “Wizard of Oz” that was $19.99, now $7.99; “China and its Cuisine” that was $14.96, now $6.99; and classical CDs that were $11.86, now $5.88.
Business goods
AOE, Astounding Office Store, 350 N. Clark St., 312-670-6969. Through Jan. 1, find leather portfolios that were $150, now $99.95; pistachio gift tins that were $25, now $17.50; Smith-Corona typewriters that were $270, now $169.95; Mont Blanc pens that were $155, now $99.95; and Packard Bell computer that was $1,400, now $999.95.
Family wear
Meystel Inc., 1222 S. Wabash Ave., 312-347-3500. Through Jan. 3, find men’s full-length wool coats and leather hooded parkas that retail for $200, here $99 each; women’s leather coats that retail for $200, here $99; beaded sequin dresses that retail for $125 to $150, here $40 to $50; boy’s two-piece dress suits that retail for $75 to $100, here $24 to $30; and girl’s full-length coats that retail for $75, here $25.
Food
Q-Zeens, 2555 N. Elston Ave., 312-227-0005. Through Jan. 8, assorted hot appetizers tray that was $12.42, now $10.85; mini-beef Wellington that was $20.05, now $17.95; cheese straws that were $8.33, now $7.50; and spinach and cheese mushroom caps that were $15.65, now $14.50. (All trays contain 25 pieces.)
Furs
Hinsdale Furriers, 33 E. First St., Hinsdale, 708-323-1840. Jan. 1-31, assorted Microfiber jackets that were $795, now $675; fur headbands that were $75, now $66; assorted leather jackets that were $895, now $575; reversible mink coats that were $2,395, now $1,525; children’s rabbit jackets that were $145, now $90; and Microfiber coats with fur collars and fur liners that were $1,495, now $920.
Home furnishings
Crate & Barrel, call 800-323-5461 for locations. While quantities last, find: brass candleholders that were $29.95 to $39.95, now $14.95 to $19.95; holiday table linens, placemats, napkins and runners that were $2.95 to $29.95, now $1.25 to $14.50; holiday decorated glassware that was $1.25 to $11.95, now 50 cents to $5.95; and kid’s furniture, toys and crafts that were $4.95 to $180, now $2.25 to $74.50.
Oster Furniture, 5636 W. Dempster St., Morton Grove, 708-967-7632. Jan. 2-11, find 30 to 60 percent savings during a floor sample clearance sale. A three-piece black faux marble wall unit that was $4,369, now $1,899; Bauhaus queen-size sleeper that was $1,189, now $699; 10-piece laminate pier wall with queen platform and dresser and mirror that was $3,200, now $2,000.
Sassparella Ltd., Chicago Place, 700 N. Michigan Ave., 312-642-7340. Through Jan. 31, holiday paper products that were $2.50 to $4, now $1.25 to $2; holiday finger towels that were $2.50 to $16, now $1.25 to $8; and holiday kitchen linens, placemats and napkins that were $3.50 to $9.25, now $1.75 to $4.75.
Jewelry
Small Enterprise Inc., 1635 E. 55th St., 312-667-5500. Through Jan. 8, watches by Seiko, Citizen, Wittnauer, Guess, Casio, Timex, Fossil and Swatch that were $39 to $295, now $25.35 to $191.75; Linden desk clocks that were $59.95 to $69.96, now $29.97 to $34.97; gold necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings that were $69 to $199, now $34.50 to $99.50; silver earrings, rings and bracelets that were $5 to $15, now $2.50 to $7.50. Repairs: sizing was $8, now $5; cleaning was $5, now $3; batteries were $5, now $3; and straps were $9.95, now $6.96.
Leather goods
Crouch & Fitzgerald, 196 Oak Brook Center, Oak Brook, 708-574-7330. Through Jan. 31, green and black Ventura luggage that was $180 to $480, now $90 to $240; green and black Wings Trophy Collection luggage that was $240 to $460, now $144 to $276; and black lambskin and gold stripe Seeger luggage that was $720 to $2,950, now $432 to $1,740.
Menswear
Arbetman and Goldberg, Apparel Center, S1-137, 350 N. Orleans St., 312-467-0377. Jan. 2-16, men’s suits, sportcoats and overcoats that were $350 to $500, now $99 to $299; sweaters that were $35, now two for $35; and leathers that were $139.90 to $499.90, now $99 to $299.
Fenzi, Chicago Place, 700 N. Michigan Ave., 312-587-1211. Everything in the store is 50 percent off while quantities last, including Italian sweaters that were $150 to $500, now $75 to $275; European suits that were $400 to $800, now $200 to $400; and rayon button-down shirts that were $145, now $72.50.
Man About Town, Chicago Place, 700 N. Michigan Ave., 312-787-7545. While quantities last, assorted silk print ties that were $19.99 to $64.99, now $9.99 to $25.99; assorted cotton print boxers that were $14.99, now $9.99; and assorted silk print boxers that were $29.99, now $19.99.
Suitsmart, 115 N. Wabash Ave., 2nd floor, 312-553-0200. Through Jan. 15, this upscale men’s resale store has more than 1,000 name-brand and designer suits, all inspected, cleaned and pressed, and hundreds of sportcoats and dress slacks. Suits that retail new for $199 to $1,300, are $49 to $199 here; and sportcoats that retail new for $99 to $450, are $24.99 to $89 here.
Men’s and women’s wear
Giorgio Armani, 113 E. Oak St., 312-751-2244. Through Jan. 15, find 40 percent savings on men’s and women’s wear. Men’s examples: three-button gray wool sport coats that were $1,235, now $741; and gray-striped dress shirts that were $280, now $168. Women’s examples: olive shawl collar jacket that was $1,260, now $756; and brown silk pant suit that was $2,480, now $1,488.
Kangaroo Connection, 1113 W. Webster Ave., 312-248-5499. Through Jan. 15, find select T-shirts, mostly cotton, that were $23, now $16; select cotton/polyester sweatshirts that were $21, now $15; moleskin cotton jeans that were $50, now $40; and punching kangaroo puppets that were $7.50, now $5.
Maasai Designer Imports, 947 N. State St., 312-951-7903. Through Jan. 30, find African mud cloth print winter bomber jackets that were $110, now $90; embroidered two-piece cotton skirt sets from India that were $95, now $55; jazz greats cotton sweatshirts and T-shirts that were $28 to $35, now $21 to $28; beaded cotton Zulu animal figurines from Africa that were $40 to $80, now $20 to $60; and silk scarves from India that were $25, now $15.
Mahaney Jones, 2409 N. Clybourn Ave., 312-549-7171. Jan. 4 to Feb. 28, custom garment construction, custom alterations and home furnishings construction services that were $30 per hour, now $25 per hour; shopping services: fabric or ready-to-wear clothing that was $35 per hour, now $30 per hour.
Ultimo, 114 E. Oak St., 312-787-0906. Through Jan. 15, find savings of 50 percent on women’s fall clothing and 30 to 50 percent on men’s apparel. Examples: men’s Gianfranco Ferre vested suits that were $1,610, now $966; Zegna ties that were $100, now $70; women’s Karl Lagerfeld double-breasted black wool jacket and long chiffon slip dress that was $3,560, now $1,780; and Prada’s beige camel’s hair long coat that was $1,880, now $940.
Packing
Pro-Pak Professional Packers, 527 Dundee Rd., Northbrook, 708-272-0408. Jan. 1-31, this packaging, shipping and supplies shop has golf bag boxes that were $11.99, now $8; two-piece, telescoping ski boxes that were $14.95, now $12; heavy-duty packing tape that was $8 per roll, now $5 per roll; and 3M sealing tape that was $2.50, now $4.89 for a six-pack.
Presents
The Art Institute of Chicago’s Museum Shop, 111 S. Michigan Ave., call 312-443-3534 for other Museum Shop locations. While quantities last, find decorative hand-painted, corked glass bottles that were $15, now $7.49; Christmas stockings that were $50 to $105, now $25, to $52.50; reindeer sweatshirts by artist Linnea Riley that were $25, now $12.49; and ornaments that were $6 to $20, now $3 to $10.
Joy of Ireland, Chicago Place, 700 N. Michigan Ave., 312-664-7290. While quantities last, find mohair and Irish tweed blankets that were $85 to $145, now $63.75 to $108.75; select Irish wool and mohair sweaters that were $95 to $155, now $71.25 to $116.25; and select Irish wool capes that were $145 to $245, now $108.75 to $183.75.
Kris Kringle Haus, 109 S. Third St., Geneva, 708-208-0400 or 800-377-7636. Through Jan. 31, Silvestri lights that were $7.99, now $3.99; Treasure of Christmas ornaments that were $15 and $20, now $7.50 and $10; and European glass ornaments that were $3.99 and $5.99, now $2.99 and $4.49.
The Museum of Science and Industry Museum Shop, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, 312-684-1414. While quantities last, all Christmas-related items are 50 percent off; ornaments and decorations that were $1.95 to $29.95, now 99 cents to $14.95.
The Sharper Image, 55 W. Monroe St., 312-263-4535. Jan. 2-31, find cashmere jackets that were $219.95, now $199.95; roaring dinosaurs that were $24.95, now $19.95; and leather briefcases that were $229.95, now $199.95.
With Best Wishes, The Conservatory Music Store, 104 Chicago St., Valparaiso, Ind., 219-464-9072. Jan. 3-8, selected gift items such as shaped-pencils and pens, scarves, hats, gloves, comedy/tragedy masks on pedestals and music boxes that were $1 to $89.95 are 25 to 75 percent off.
Shoes
Altman’s Men’s Shoes, 120 W. Monroe St., 312-332-0667. Jan. 1-31, Allen-Edmonds shoes that were $230 to $240, now $175 to $198; Alden shoes that were $220 to $240, now $189 to $198; Bally shoes and boots that were $225 to $300, now $198 to $249; and Cole Haan shoes and boots that were $130 to $300, now $98 to $249.
Chernin’s Shoes, call 312-922-5900 for city and suburban locations. Through Jan. 1, for men: Giorgio Brutini casuals that were $48 to $68, now $28 to $56; Nike athletics that were $70 to $110, now $58 to $88; and Zodiac shoes that were $56 to $90, now $38 to $68. For women: winter shoes and boots that were $30 to $180, now $22 to $120; special purchase winter boots are $29.99; and select handbags that were $30 to $150, now $18 to $90. Children: waterproof boots that were $20 to $30, now $15 to $18; and holiday dress shoes that were $20 to $40, now $15 to $25.
City Soles, Century Mall, 2828 N. Clark St., 4th floor, 312-404-6442. Through Feb. 1, buy one pair of women’s current fall shoes by Kenneth Cole, Jazz, Mia, Steve Madden, Graphique and others that retail for $29.99 to $150 and receive a second pair of equal or lesser value for 5 cents.
Fontana, Chicago Place, 700 N. Michigan Ave., 312-587-8844. While quantities last, Italian shoes and boots for men and women were $120 to $250, now $60 to $120; and European handbags that were $150 to $300, now $75 to $150.
Women’s wear
Creative Clothing Created 4-U Inc., 6628 W. Irving Park Rd., 312-286-0408. Through Dec. 31, this manufacturer of junior, misses, large-size and maternity fashions has denim studded jackets that were $89, now $29; denim studded coats that were $129, now $59; denim pants, skirts and shorts that were $29 to $49, now $15 to $25; hand-painted pant sets that were $79 to $129, now $29; hand-painted crop tops and short sets that were $79 to $99, now $25; hand-painted tank sets that were $72 to $89, now $25; pants and leggings that were $24 to $39, now $6 to $14; maternity pant sets that were $49, now $16; maternity pants that were $19 to $29, now $6; and dresses that were $29 to $89, now $10 to $19.
Eileen Fisher Outlet Boutique, 340 E. Golf Rd., Arlington Heights, 708-290-1717. Through Jan. 16, cotton cashmere short and long pleated-straight skirts that were $40 to $118, now $7 to $29; rayon wool corduroy short wrap skirts, long wrap skirts and pants that were $78 to $124, now $19 to $29; and velvet vests, tops, skirts and pants that were $130 to $158, now $59 to $69.
Eleanor’s of Glenview, 1705 Glenview Rd., Glenview, 708-724-8484. Jan. 2 to Jan. 31, this bridal and apparel boutique has short-sleeve Bianchi gown with chapel-length train that was $1,000, now $750; bridesmaid dresses by Galina, Jenna, Levkoff and Watters & Watters that were $130 to $225, now $20 off each gown; and sequin tops and jackets by Three Flaggs that were $225, now $100 while quantities last.
Giovanni, The Drake Hotel, 140 E. Walton Pl., 312-787-6500. Through Jan. 15, find 20 to 80 percent savings on designer apparel. Examples: Karl Lagerfeld jacket that was $700, now $210; Criscione gown that was $1,300, now $260; and Fabrice gown that was $3,400, now $680.
Janis, 900 N. Michigan Ave., 312-642-9444. Jan. 1-15, find evening wear that was $1,000 to $2,000, now $400 to $800; Janis separates that were $285 to $595, now $109 to $229; silk separates that were $185 to $1,440, now $165 to $398; and sweaters that were $295 to $530, now $148 to $265.
Lois Bobin for Kane’s, 1325 N. State Parkway, 312-787-0700. While quantities last, Salvatore Ferragamo kid suede jacket that was $2,309, now $1,616 and skirt that was $1,175, now $825; Richilene velvet after-five dress that was $870, now $650; and Max Mara gray fox-trimmed coat that was $1,210, now $850.
Panache, 2252 N. Clark St., 312-477-4537. Jan. 2-31, Balinger gold sweaters and dresses that were $150 to $200, now $50 to $100; Bettina Riedel dresses and separates that were $150 to $200, now $50 to $100; and Body Action Design separates that were $80 to $100, now $30 to $50.
Presence, 2501 N. Clark St., 312-248-1761. Through Jan. 15, short and long baby-doll dresses in velvet, rayon and cotton that were $38 to $115, now $28 to $80; and assorted jewelry that was $5 to $32, now $3 to $25.
