Whether you’re attempting to tackle Turbo Tax, or handing everything over to a professional preparer, tax season is right around the corner—but that doesn’t mean you have to wait for your refund check to do a little shopping. It’s time for The 900 Shops third annual “tax free” shopping event, taking place this Saturday, Sunday and Presidents’ day Monday.
While you’ll technically still be paying tax, 40 plus retailers at The 900 Shops are offering a 9.75% discount (equivalent to Cook County sales tax) on all purchases— including sale items!
And thanks to the wide variety of stores to choose from (think J.Crew, Michael Kors, Montblanc, Diesel, L’Occitane, Original Penguin, Galt Toys & Galt Baby, Mario Tricoci Hair Salon & Day Spa, Adidas and many more) finding a store—or two—to grab a bargain shouldn’t be a problem. Driving? Make a purchase and receive the special “Alexander Hamilton” rate of $10.
For a full listing of participating retailers, visitwww.shop900.com/taxfree.
- Rebecca Taras
Tags: Presidents, Presidents' Day Sales Chicago, Shopping Events Chicago, Shopping Michigan Avenue, Tax Free Shopping, The 900 Shops
DNA 2050 is a store that will never go out of style. Why? It specializes in denim and even if your taste in fashion includes marabou feathers, everyone owns a pair of jeans. DNA 2050 opened in The 900 Shops one year ago and they’re celebrating with a weekend full of of festivities! 
From October 15-17, receive 15 percent off all items (even non-denim apparel and accessories), as well as an additional gift with any denim purchase. View the latest in fall fashion at one of the trunk shows taking place throughout the weekend and be sure to try your luck at the raffle giveaways. Oh, and did we mention there will be some Champagne sipping involved? It is a celebration after all.
Tags: Chicago Shopping, Denim, DNA 2050, Michigan Avenue Shopping, Shopping Events Chicago, The 900 Shops
Things must be looking up. Two new retailers just opened up shop in The 900 Shops, giving us a couple of more shopping options when looking to freshen up our wardrobe, as well as our home!
Karen Millen: 3rd level
Talk about an entrepreneurial spirit, this U.K. transplant was started in 1981 on a loan of only 100 Euro! Since then, the company has grown from the U.K. to Europe, Russia, Asia and Australia. Even more cool? This is the first store in the Midwest, so now resident and visiting ladies of the windy city can pick up some of the glamourous clothing (see photo), shoes and accessories that Karen Millen is known for. The line is recognized for their perfectly cut pieces which fit a real women’s body. “We are confident that the fashion-forward customer who craves unique quality pieces will be wildly impressed by Karen Millen’s wide-array of offerings.” notes Sarah Burrows, The 900 Shops Marketing Manager. “The brand has so many loyal fans throughout the world, and we are just thrilled to bring this new international brand to our tenant mix and customers here in Chicago.”
space519: 5th Floor
After you take care of that necessary spring cleaning, head on over to space519 to pick up a few items to spruce up your living space. Described as a “refined general store” featuring “provisions for modern living,” the company travels extensively to find new products for the store, giving you a good reason to pop in on a regular basis. The shop carries an assortment of items in various genres including; home goods, personal accessories for men and women, apothecary products, small electronics, books and CDs.
Highlights include unique items from apothia L.A. personal fragrances from $35, to a refurbished vintage Timex for $225. space519 is trying to target an average price point of around $50. With a gift registry and comlimentary wrapping, it’s the perfect destination to pick up that unique gift for that special someone.
The store is the brainchild of style experts Lance Lawson and Jim Wetzel. “Retail has changed,” says Lawson. “People are much more drawn to those little everyday luxuries. We want to purchase items which bring them joy – albeit a favorite candle or a cool new accessory to brighten up their wardrobe.” His partner Wetzel adds; “the new economic times have changed the way consumers spend – to that end we hope to make shopping fun again with this new concept.”
Karen Millen’s Spring/Summer 2010 collection heralds a new relaxed mood with elegant, draped pieces tailor-made for the season’s artful layering. Fluid fabrics, easy cuts and feminine details are combined with a cool palette of calm neutrals. The lighter theme continues with pretty lingerie detailing while slick sporty pieces add a modern, urban twist. Hot tropical colors and dazzling prints bring vibrancy to the mix.
Tags: Gift Ideas, gift registry chicago, gifts chicago, home goods, Karen Millen, Michigan Avenue Shopping, space519, The 900 Shops, women's clothing
Show your patriotism and keep the economy stimulated by shopping at The 900 Shops Presidents’ Day weekend! A three-day tax-free shopping event will take place on Saturday, Sunday and ends Presidents’ Day, Feb. 15. 
Shop TAX-FREE at participating retailers offering a 10.25% discount (equivalent to Cook County sales tax), including sale items! This is a great opportunity to save a luxe retailers and faves such as Michael Kors, DNA 2050, Club Monaco (like the red Lola Silk Tee Dress and Waterfall Necklace to the right) and many more. For a full listing of participating retailers, visit www.shop900.com.
Driving? As a Presidents’ Day bonus, you can park at a special “Alexander Hamilton” rate for only $10 the entire day, from Saturday, Feb. 13 through Monday, Feb. 15. Parking tickets must be validated with purchase.
To participate in The 900 Shops “Tax-Free” weekend, visit their website to print out your access pass, or visit one of the Concierge Desks located on levels 1 and 6. You must present the access pass to receive the discount.
Check back for more Presidents’ Day sales in Chicago!
Tags: Chicago Shopping, Discount, Michigan Avenue Shopping, Presidents' Day Sales Chicago, The 900 Shops
Mario Tricoci never fails to amaze–and I keep coming back for more. Last week, it was for entirely new experience.
The new “Instant Radiance” facial treatment was designed to revitalize your complexion in just 30 minutes. What’s behind the radiance you ask? A light chemical peel made from salicylic and mandelic acids. The salicylic acid decongests pores, dissolves oil and stimulates collagen production.
It’s the mandelic acid that wins the prize though: the almond-based ingredient enables even penetration and prevents irritation, everyone’s biggest fear when getting a facial (let alone a heavy duty exfoliant).
Results are immediate (I met a pal for lunch afterward) and because there is no downtime, you can go back to the office or hit the Mag Mile for some more shopping without that blotchy, red complexion! Priced at only $60, it’s the spa-goers answer to a results-oriented treatment that’s friendly on the wallet.
And to keep up with your at-home treatments, Mario Tricoci is offering 20% off all retail products until the end of January! Stock up on fabulous skincare from Kinara and Skinceuticals, or get creative with a makeup artist at the custom blending bar. Of course, let’s not forget about the haircare products from brands like Pureology or, my personal fave, Rene Furterer.
Tags: Chicago Spa Deals, Chicago Spas, Facials in Chicago, Mario Tricoci, The 900 Shops
We’ve been talking about holiday shopping deals and events around town for the past couple of weeks, focusing in on home decor and fashion-related finds, but this week we’re focusing on a group that counts on the holidays the most: kids! In honor of the little ones, here’s a roundup that’s sure to be fun for kids (and kids at heart!).
1. HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS AT THE 900 SHOPS
The latest in a line of Holiday Happenings going on at The 900 Shops, this week’s selection of Kids’ Stores are bringing you promotions and events perfect for holiday shopping.
Enjoy game demonstrations and the chance to win free games at Galt Toys + Galt Baby (left), then stop by Frankie’s Italian for a bite to eat, where kids will receive a complimentary mini-deep dish chocolate chip cookie topped with gelato.
Also be sure to stop by Glove Me Tender, Oilily, and Preggers, where you’ll receive a special gift with your purchase (more details here). While you’re at The 900 Shops, don’t forget to visit Santa on the 3rd floor; each child who visits with Santa receives a special gift!
2. BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT MACY’S ON STATE STREET
Grab the kids and head over to Macy’s on State Street for an exclusive breakfast with the bearded man himself! There will also be face painting and balloon artistry to enjoy in-between bites of your scrumptious plated breakfast.
Don’t forget to pop up to Santaland on the 5th floor, a Macy’s tradition on State Street since 1948.
3. AMERICAN GIRL PACKAGE AT RITZ-CARLTON CHICAGO
For little girls who are dreaming of an American Girl Christmas, The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, a Four Seasons Hotel, has put together The American Girl Package, an old-fashioned, fun-filled sleepover for girls and their families! The Ritz-Carlton even provides a bed for your American Girl, complete with turn-down service, cookies, and milk.
The package includes complimentary gifts and a welcome photo of girls and dolls in front of the beautifully decorated Ritz-Carlton Christmas tree, the chance for kids to learn from The Ritz-Carlton’s talented pastry chefs in the kitchen, and complimentary in-room dining for guests 5 and under.
Rates begin at $350 per night. For reservations or additional information, go online or call (312) 266-1000.
For more information on holiday shopping and kid-friendly goings-on in Chicago, follow @CP_Chicago and @The900Shops on Twitter!
Tags: Holiday Events Chicago, Kids Chicago, Macy's on State Street, Santa Claus, The 900 Shops
Chances are you’ll be hosting guests at some point this holiday season, and all you can think about are your outdated throw pillows, mediocre cooking skills and the fact that you don’t have enough matching wine glasses for everyone.
While going shopping for your living space may not seem like a fiscally responsible decision considering you have a laundry list of gifts to buy, we’ve scoped out some of the best sales and activities in town that will have your guests calling you Ms. Stewart herself.
1. Holiday Happenings at The 900 Shops
It’s week two of the Holiday Happenings at The 900 Shops. This week’s theme: Home Decor & Entertaining (see all the deals here!). What does that mean for you? Here are a few of the promotions you’ll find:
—Attend a complimentary class at Williams-Sonoma Grand Cuisine! The class, Hosting a Cookie Exchange, will take place Sunday, December 6th from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
—Bring in a piece of your own china to Bernardaud and their experts will show you some new ways to spruce up your table settings. They are also offering complimentary shipping with purchase of $500 or more!
—Love crepes? Enjoy crepe demos and tastings at Genevieve Lethu on Saturday, December 5th, and receive a gift with any purchase of $100 or more.
2. Book Release Cocktail Party at Jayson Home and Garden
Furniture gurus Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams have a new instructional coffee-table book out, and they are stopping at Jayson to promote it on their national tour. Appropriate for these economic times, the book is titled, The Comfortable Home: How to Invest in Your Nest and Live Well for Less.
Join the dynamic duo as they celebrate its release at a cocktail party at Jayson Home & Garden on Wednesday, December 2nd, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. During the event, you’ll get a free copy of the book for every one you purchase! Jayson has reduced all Gold and Williams products by 20% through Christmas Eve. To attend, RSVP to 312-440-4515.
3. All-Clad Cooktech Experts at Bloomingdale’s
Even seasoned chefs could brush up now and then–and who better to do it with than cooking experts from All-Clad and Bloomingdale’s Home & Furnishings! Starting at 2 p.m. on December 3rd, guests can learn simple techniques and insider tips from the pros at the All-Clad Cooktech Event. You’ve got the kitchen looking its best, now fill it with some delicious food! For more information, please call 312-324-7678.
Tags: Chicago Shopping, Shopping Events Chicago, The 900 Shops
Consumer surveys show that the economy still has a hold of our wallets, but that doesn’t mean we’ve stopped shopping! In fact, it’s places like The 900 Shops that keep us in the holiday spirit – and without going broke! The Michigan Avenue mall has put together a list of specials, events and in-store promotions to take the hassle out of holiday shopping; they’ve even added a few amenities to assist with your sanity. Here’s the scoop:
Special Parking Rate & Complimentary Coat Check
From Nov. 22 – Dec. 24, you can receive a special parking rate of $10 when you spend $50 or more at The 900 Shops! Take your receipt to the Concierge Desk on Level 6 to receive this special rate; Sunday-Thursday only.
In order to make your holiday shopping less bulky, The 900 Shops has a coat check service on Level 6–no purchase required!
More Holiday Happenings at The 900 Shops
Magnificent Mondays at The 900 Shops: There’s a gift waiting for everyone on Mondays! The first 500 shoppers who spend over $150 at The 900 Shops will receive a $20 gift card!
Visit with Santa at The 900 Shops: Visit Santa on his throne, surrounded by custom holiday décor and a 40-foot tree glowing in the background! Each child who visits Santa will receive a special gift.
Weekly Holiday Promotions at The 900 Shops
The 900 Shops will be offering more store specials and promotions each week with a particular theme in mind. Take a look at the lineup, but keep checking our blog for weekly highlights at The 900 Shops and other hot spots around town that are offering holiday savings and cheer!
Follow @the900shops and @CP_Chicago for updates, or let us know what you find while shopping at our Facebook page.
Tags: Chicago Shopping, Discount, Downtown Chicago, Holiday Shopping Chicago, The 900 Shops