In business since 1956, Rainbo Sports Shop has been an industry leader since it first opened. Whatever type of skating is your bag, be it figure skating, inline skating or quad roller-skating, you can find what you need here. Like its namesake, the venerable Rainbo Arena, this store is synonymous with skating. It carries wheels and bearings, T-shirts, pants, shorts, belts, sharpening jigs, sharpening stones, lubes, blade tools, protective gear, blade guards, boot covers and much, much more. All of the employees here know their skates; some are skate instructors, others are nationally-ranked competitors.

Handle with Care Boutique in Lincoln park is a lovely airy little shop that even on cloudy days feels full of warm sunshine. The items inside are stylish, unique and just waiting to be bought. With the array of lovely dresses from a number of top designers along with many a pretty blouse and quite a few accessories, they have something for all of life's occasions. Some of the designers they carry are Aryn K, Camilla & Marc, Free People, Grey Lin, Myne, and Yumi Kim among many others. The styles are always changing, and suit women of all ages. It's also a great place to find a thoughtful and unique gift. Be warned that they do enforce a strict return policy. -Sylvia Barragan

Piper's Alley Mall located near the Old Town in the city of Chicago has it all. From food joints to clothes stores, from the very popular Starbucks to the numerous coffee shops, from Sony Multiplex to a theater; it's all here. So for the endless shopping and purchases this sure is the place to be at.

Haberdash stocks brands that make men objects of envy. With designers such as Cavern, Duncan Quinn, Rufus, Terra Plana and Blue Cult, shopping is always hassle-free and satisfying. Let the courteous staff show you different ensembles and styles for both casual and formal wear. The accessories are worth a look too. Don't forget to load up on the dough though. A trip here may be gratifying but it can leave your wallet much lighter.

It would be enough if The Fudge Pot offered the kind of chocolate that allows non-chocoholics to understand the concept of chocolate as addiction. It would be enough if The Fudge Pot offered only bars of chocolate rather than the array of food dipped in chocolate which lines the counters. Yet, this tiny Old Town shop goes so far as to offer personalized chocolate not just in an interesting shape, but grand detail. Custom Fudge Pot items range from Stars of David and race cars to the more risqué chocolate items labeled as adults only. While the prices are expensive, a trip to The Fudge Pot is better than a sit down meal, if only just to smell them making the chocolate.

With more than 10,000 used CDs and an entire vinyl room filled with albums, the patient searcher is sure to find many hidden treasures in the bins. From imports to box sets, from band T-shirts to posters, from videos to paraphernalia, this shop has it all. The variety of independent labels in stock begins with such names as Wax Trax! Astral Works, Triple X, Homestead and Quarter Stick, and goes on from there. Record Breakers also buys used CDs for cash or in-store credit.

To really get in the spirit for an exciting game at Comiskey Park, head out to this store in the ballpark to get geared up. You can pick up a signed team ball, glove, bat or jersey emblazoned with the Sox logo, or just a banner to stick atop the filing cabinet at work. This is an excellent way to show your support at the game and serves as a great reminder afterwards.

You can't get ostrich skin boots at Wal-Mart. Come to think of it, it rarely stocks boots made from alligator or Iguana hide either. This is exactly what makes Raudel Sanchez's store so popular, especially with Mexican bands trying to stay on the cutting edge of band wear. The store also features a wide selection of hats, jackets and denim. These fashions can be costly, so prices can top out at more than $5,000.

Knee Deep Vintage specializes in women's clothing from the 1940s to the 1980s and also sells an assortment of era housewares and furniture. This boutique should not be confused with a thrift store. Knee Deep Vintage is the place to shop if you are looking for an authentic vintage dress and accessories to match. The clothing is organized by era, item and color, which makes it very easy to locate specific items.Knee Deep Vintage frequently hosts midnight sales and discount events.

The Ashland Swaporama Flea Market is an ideal place to shop for great knick-knacks at throwaway prices. The flea market is not big and happening as the one in Alsip, but is a good bet if you want to buy something cheap on the run. You can find everything here from cheap house-hold goods to video games and fake branded goods.