Now is the time of year when we hope to see a relief from summer’s relentless heat. Summer camps come to an end and the school year begins. But more important, now’s the time to find the best bargains of the season.
Retailers around Chicagoland are reducing everything from artwork to shoes to home accessories in order to clear the shelves for the arrival of fall merchandise.
Here is the Material World “End-of-summer bargain-hunter’s guide” to point you in the right direction for savings. Most sales feature mechandise at 10 to 70 percent below regular retail prices.
Artwork
Lill Street, 1021 W. Lill Street, 312-477-6185. This gallery’s annual “Brats and Pots” summer sale takes place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 19 and noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 20. Along with the annual grilling of the brats, this gallery offers one-of-a-kind, handmade objects at savings from 10 to 75 percent. Sugar Run pottery that was $29 to $76, now $17 to $46; and Crary Mills serving bowls and covered jars that were $16 to $62, now $9 to $37.
Beauty
Anna Kay Skin Care Salon, 100 E. Walton St., Suite300, 312-944-8500. Through Aug. 15, six facials or six body massages that were $330, now $265.
Books and gifts
Austrian Station, 3504 N. Elston, 312-583-8288. Through Aug. 19, select jewelry that was $20 to $200, now $10 to $100; all table linen that was $10 to $100, now $5 to $50; and Octoberfest decorations that were $2 to $35, now $1.60 to $29.
Elephants 900, 900 N. Michigan Ave., 6th floor., 312-280-8500. Aug. 10-13, Dakin stuffed animals that were $25 to $45, now $12.50 to $22.50; Elephant pillow/pajama bag that was $25, now $12.50; and Irish crystal elephants that were $65 and $85, now $32.50 and $42.50.
Gateway to Santa Fe, 115 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, 708-386-2509. Through Aug. 14, Casas Grandes pottery that was $40 to $180, now $32 to $144; kachina dolls that were $75 to $395, now $45 to $237; bows and arrows that were $150 to $250, now $105 to $175; and Surrisi watches that were $198 to $498, now $138 to $348.
Museum Shop of the Art Institute, 111 S. Michigan Ave., 312-443-3536. At this location only, and while quantities last, black velvet hand-embroidered box that was $27, now $9.99; jewelry that was $20 to $60, now $9.99 to $49.99; “Life and Art of Claude Monet: Impressions of France” hardcover book that was $25, now $12.99; and “Monet Waterlilies” hardcover book that was $75, now $34.99.
Computers
Power Three Computer, 2135 63rd St., Downers Grove, 708-969-1700. While quantities last, an AST computer clearance sale features DX2/50 Advantage Pro that was $999, now $799; DX2/66 Advantage Adventure was $1,299, now $1,099; computer cleaning that was $39.95, now $19.95.
Fabrics and yarns
Finn’s Fabrics by Dyllis, 113 N. Cook St., Barrington, 708-381-5020. Aug. 18-19, a select group of cotton prints that were $5.98 to $35.98, now $2.99 to $17.99; a select group of silk and velvet prints that were $19.98 to $79.98, now $9.99 to $39.99; and pre-season woolens that were $9.98 to $250, now $14.99 to $187.50.
Midwest Discount Yarns, 3157 W. Irving Park Rd., 312-588-3120. Through Aug. 15, rayon with cotton slubs cones that were $1.50 per ounce, now 50 cents; and chenille cones that were $2.25 per ounce are now $1.
Familywear
Fitigues, 939 N. Rush St., 312-943-8676 and 2130 N. Halsted St., 312-404-9696. While quantities last, cotton thermal polos that were $60, no $41.99; cardigans that were $86, now $42.99; leggings that were $54, now $32.99; shorts that were $42, now $28.99 and dresses that were $148, now $73.99.
Food and drink
Schaefer’s, 9965 Gross Point Rd., Skokie, 800-833-9463. Through Aug. 20, find: Bonverre Chardonnays that were $7.49 to $13.95, now $5.97 and $10.97 per bottle; Drouhin Bourgogne Pinot Noir that was $8.98, now $7.57 per bottle; and Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve that was $29.95, now $19.97 per bottle.
The Coffee & Tea Exchange, 3300 N. Broadway, 312-528-2241, and 833 W. Armitage Ave., 312-929-6730. Through Aug. 9, Torani-flavored syrups that were $5.50, now $4.95 per bottle; French roast coffee that was 6.20, now $5.22 per pound; and hazelnut coffee that was $6.45, now $5.88 per pound.
Windy City Fruit & Nut Co., 3308 N. Broadway, 312-477-6100. Through Aug. 27, dried cranberries that were $6.99, now $3.99; pinenuts that were $7.99, now $4.99; fat-free caramel corn that was $4.99, now $3.49; dried cherries that were $9.50, now $6.99; and dark or golden raisins that were $1.89, now $1.29. All prices are per pound.
Home accessories
Lynell Interiors, Plaza del Grato, 1764 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights, 708-392-0050. Through Aug. 19, framed art, picture mirrors and sculptures that were $140 to $1,260, now $35 to $649; assorted lamps that were $149 to $770, now $99 to $599; tables and consoles that were $490 to $3,290, now $399 to $1,499; and assorted upholstered pieces in various styles and periods that were $358 to $3,738, now $249 to $2,999.
Salvage One, 1524 S. Sangamon St., 312-733-0098. From August 8-19, this architecutal furnishings showroom is having an “Attic sale.” Everything on the 5th floor that was $15 to $250 will be $1 to $25 including columns, shutters, cabinets, doors, leaded windows, headers, handrails and more.
Jewelry
Cracker Jill, 1324 W. Webster, 312-549-0046. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 10 only, necklaces made from Cracker Jack prizes that were $20, now $16; earrings that were $8, now $6.40.
Small Inc., 1635 E. 55th St, 312-667-5500. Aug. 11-12, watches by Seiko that were $99.95 to $395, now $64.97 to $256.75; by Citizen that were $69.95 to $395, now $45.47 to $256.75; by Swatch that were $40 to $125, now $28 to $87.50; and by LaSalle that were $295 to $595, now $177 to $357.
Kid’s goods
Children’s Gift Outlet, 195 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 708-441-5975. Through Aug. 21, baby books that were $16, now $7.98; musical jewel boxes that were $15.38, now $8; full bib cover-ups that were $20, now $14.99; silver child’s tea set that was $41.50, now $28; and all plush toys that were $6 to $30, now $3 to $15.
Euro-Kids, 1548 E. 55th St., 312-955-4505. Aug. 11-12 a sidewalk sale will feature multi-colored fall jackets sizes 9- to 24-months that were $29.99 to $17.99; assorted multi-colored snowsuits sizes 9- to 36-months that were $49.99, now $29.99; cotton knit tights that were $8.99, now $3; Italian shoes that were $29.99 to $49.99, now $15 to $25 and assorted hat and scarf sets that were $9.99 to $19.99, now $5 to $10.
Maternity
Nine Months New, 1334 N. Halsted St., 312-649-0043. Through Aug. 15, children’s clothing that was $10 to $15, now $3.50 to $8; maternity dresses that were $50 to $75, now $25 to $40; new maternity swimsuits that were $45 to $56, now $31 to $40.
Men’s and women’s wear
Back Room Designer Outlet, 8 E. Chestnut St., 312-664-3295. Through Aug. 14, for women: Stephane Kelian sandals that were $279, now $9.99 to $29.99; Karl Lagerfeld two-piece sheer white after-five dress that was $2,375, now $319; for men: Italian suits and sportcoats that $795 to $1,325, now $89 to $149; Italian slacks that were $165 to $325, now $39.99 to $65; and shoes that were $345, now $39.99.
Filene’s Basement, 2 N. State St., 312-553-1055; 830 N. Michigan Ave., 312-482-8918; 1 Schaumburg Place, 601 N. Martingale Rd., Schaumburg, 708-995-0040; and Gurnee Mills, 6112 Grand Ave., Gurnee, 708-855-0330. Aug. 6, all Chicago stores, misses leather handbags that retail for $78 to $300, here $39.99 to $149; Aug. 23, all Chicago stores misses and petites wool coats that retail for $180 to $240, here $85.99.
Julian-Redman’s, 1161 S. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, 708-362-4046. This men’s and tall women’s clothing store will have a sidewalk sale from Aug. 17-19. For tall women: Carol Anderson summer dresses that were $130, now $79.99; K Studio summer dresses that were $85, now $59.99. For men: Terzo Uomo, Cricketeer and other suits that were $450 to $615, now $59.99 to $295.
Plants
Sunshine Plant Inc., 637 Green Bay Rd., Wilmette, 708-251-5150. Through Aug. 21, green plants in 6- and 14-inch pots that were $12 to $150, $8 to $100 and assorted woven baskets that were $5 to $50, now $3 to $35.
Shoes
Avventura, 845 N. Michigan Ave., Water Tower Place 4th level, 312-337-3700. Through Aug. 12, this men’s footwear store has selections of Lorenzo Banfi black kid with suede and crocodile that were $375, now $112.50; R. Martegani black handwoven leather with metal that were $425, now $229; R. Martegani black calf, ostrich and alligator that were $425, now $279;.
City Soles and Sole Man, 2828 N. Clark St., level 4, 312-404-6442. While quantities last, this men’s and women’s shoe store is having its “Nickel sale”. Select shoes priced from $29.99 to $129.99 and receive a second pair for 5 cents.
Country Cobbler, call 708-724-3131 for locations. Aug. 16 to Sept. 16, Sorel boots that were $40 to $134, now $32 to $107.20; Red Ball Jet boots that were $29 to $62, now $23.20 to $49.60; and Canada North boots that were $95 to $149, now $76 to $119.20.
Sidewalk sale
Long Grove Merchants Association will hold their second annual “Sidewalk sale” Aug. 12-13. Over 100 stores and restaurants will offer savings up to 70 percent on antiques, apparel, gifts Long Grove is located near the intersection of Routes 83 and 53 in Lake County. For information call 708-634-0888.
Swim and active wear
Gina Stephani Swimwear, 1017 W. Washington St., Suite 3C, 312-942-1678. From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 8-9, other times by appointment. Women’s swimwear that was $60 to $150, now $20 to $95; men’s trunks, shorts and briefs that were $15 to $65, now $10 to $29.
Leo’s Dancewear, 1900 N. Narragansett, 312-745-5600. While quantities last, men’s leather oxfords that were $69, now $20; patent jazz oxfords that were $35, now $14; satin basic leotards that were $11.50, now $2; children’s short leotard that was $14, now $3; and one-of-a-kind costumes that were $30 to $45, now $15 to $20.
Women’s wear
Dazzle’m Ladies Evening Wear, 10302 Main St., Richmond, 815-678-6202. Aug. 11-13, beaded tops that were $89, now $49; beaded dresses that were $129, now $75; beaded gowns that were $395, now $276; and queen-size, non-beaded dresses that were $99, now $55.
Eileen Fisher Outlet Boutique, 340 E. Golf Rd., Arlington Heights, 708-290-1717. Through Aug. 20, silk faille separates that were $62 to $122, now $19 to $39; silk pique separates and dresses that were $48 to $128, now $13 to $29.
Europa Boutique, 658 Central Ave., Highland Park, 708-432-2777. Through Aug. 18, day and evening black dresses that were $136, now $68; ball gown dresses that were $240, now $144; two-piece suits that were $196, now $59.
Jane Hamill, 2516 N. Lincoln Ave., 312-665-1102. Through Aug. 12, cotton apple print dresses that were $125, now $63; cotton and lycra black or white halter dresses that were $155, now $78; cotton pique jackets in fuchsia or black that were $179 now $90; red velour dresses that were $152, now $32; and red or green velour pants that were $112, now $18.
Norma & Hyla, 4433 N. Ravenswood Ave., 312-561-5959. Noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 19, this factory store will feature handloomed women’s cotton and chenille sweaters and dresses that were $160 to $275, now $30 to $98.
Scarboro Fair, 661 Vernon Ave., Glencoe, 708-835-2530. Aug. 7, Barbara Bui brown gabardine jackets that were $915, now $275; Luciano Barbera skirt suit that was $1,400, now $375; Calvin Klein black dress that was $675, now $170.
