Merz Apothecary, Macy's Chicago

[luvmysuper]

Just got back from Merz Apothecary in Macy's on State Street in Chicago.
Picked up some Tabac and MWF.
They actually had a nicer selection of products than I thought they would.
Speick
Tabac
MWF
TOBS
Trumpers
and almost every flavor of Pinaud Aftershave!!! woohoo!
many other soaps, creams and After Shaves and Colognes too numerous to mention.
Sold out of Woods of Windsor though (and a bad omen - no note on the computer whether any would be re-ordered)
They also have quite a good selection of hardware, Muehle and Merkur DEs and several brands of straights including Dovo, as well as a large selection of name brand brushes.

Right up the Aisle is an Art of Shaving with a full selection of products and some Thiers-Issard straights, as well as the AOS brushes.

Oh, they also had a ton of Fusion carts on fancy handles, with the new Gillette/AOS logo on the box.

 

[Mpugh77]

I'm going to Chicago next summer; I can't wait to check out some of the shave spots.

 

[baba]

The original Merz store is on Lincoln avenue in the Lincoln Square area. They also have a ton of great shave products available. They have some hardware as well, but I go for the huge selection of soaps, creams and post shave stuff.

 

[The Nid Hog]

The one up in Lincoln Square really has a cool feel. I haven't been to Colonial Drug in MA, but I'd say that it's more packed with esoteric shaving gear than even Cambridge Chemists. There are also some excellent German restaurants and delis and a great Thai restaurant over under the L. The well-known (in Chicagoland) Degerberg Academy--all kinds of martial arts--is across the street too.

 

[jakespoppy]

I'm going to Chicago next summer; I can't wait to check out some of the shave spots.

I haven't been to the stand-alone Merz Apothecary on Lincoln Square which sounds like it may be even better, but the Merz section in Macy's is, to wet-shavers, like the best toy store for kids. And don't forget the Truefitt & Hill store at the top of the mall on the west side of north Michigan Avenue. They carry a lot more than just T&H products, and are very generous with samples.

 

[The Nid Hog]

I haven't been to the stand-alone Merz Apothecary on Lincoln Square which sounds like it may be even better, but the Merz section in Macy's is, to wet-shavers, like the best toy store for kids. And don't forget the Truefitt & Hill store at the top of the mall on the west side of north Michigan Avenue. They carry a lot more than just T&H products, and are very generous with samples.

There really is a lot of good stuff down there. The nice thing about the Lincoln Square store is that you get a feel for real Chicago too.

 

[Tha Baron]

They carry a lot more than just T&H products, and are very generous with samples.

Yep, they have Penhaligon's, Floris, etc... The hardware is marked up pretty good, but all of their product seems to be MSRP. If you plan on buying a lot of stuff, get it shipped home (if outside of IL) to avoid the 10.25% tax...

 

[Mpugh77]

Thanks for the info on the sales tax!

 

[BlackFedora]

I am a Chicago resident and recommend a few key spots for you to check out during your visit. 1) Merz in Lincoln Square: As has already been mentioned this one is a can't miss 2) Belmont Barber Shop: These barbers are pretty young but skilled and take their craft very serious. Great hot lather shaves for only $33. http://www.belmontbarbershop.com/ 3) Get yourself a nice fedora at Hats Plus Ltd. http://www.hats-plus.com/ 4) Check out Rosa's Blues Lounge- the most authentic Chicago Blues experience in the city. No tourists here. This is a real blues club- a little seedy- but amazing. http://www.rosaslounge.com/ 5) Before you go to Rosa's get some great Pizza nearby at Father and Son's 2475 N. Milwaukee Ave. Enjoy!

 

[Smallflower]

Hi all. I'm one of the owners of Merz Apothecary and our ecommerce site, Smallflower. It's really nice to see all of the nice comments about our store. Thank you!

We've been working hard to bring in new lines, so it's good to know that they are noticed and appreciated. I hope to have some more nice additions in 2010. Plus, we are working on a relaunched site with some new features, and a budget shipping option that should make it easier to place small orders and justify the shipping fee. Those should be launched in the next few months.

Thanks, again, and please feel free to send us messages or drop us a line on our site with your suggestions and requests of what we should be carrying. I can't guarantee that I can get everything, but we will always look and make an effort. Cheers!

 

[The Nid Hog]

Thanks for posting! It's a pleasure to have one of the owners of such an excellent Chicago institution here.

 

[Mpugh77]

Thanks for posting! It's a pleasure to have one of the owners of such an excellent Chicago institution here.

+1 on this

 

[Navig8tor]

Just found out I get to go to Chicago on business at the end of March. Can't wait to check out these places.

Haven't been to Chicago in about 2 years. Is Lincoln Square by the big cemetery in the north?

 

[luvmysuper]

Just found out I get to go to Chicago on business at the end of March. Can't wait to check out these places.

Haven't been to Chicago in about 2 years. Is Lincoln Square by the big cemetery in the north?

Yes, it's in the middle of the south end of the square, where Rosehill Cemetary is.

 

[Navig8tor]

Yes, it's in the middle of the south end of the square, where Rosehill Cemetary is.

Great thanks, I should be able to find it then. I'll be in Northbrook most of the time but I am driving instead of flying so it shouldn't be a big deal to get some time in the city.