Have you just moved, or are you considering relocating to the family-friendly suburb of St Charles, IL? Together with Geneva and Batavia, St. Charles forms the Tri-City area. These historic towns have some of the best shopping outside Chicago. Geneva and Batavia both feature bustling riverside retail districts, while St. Charles has a handful of go-to stores sprinkled throughout the city. Read on to discover the best places locals love shopping in St Charles, IL, and the Tri-City area.
Unique retailers in St. Charles, IL
Jeans and a Cute Top
Jeans and a Cute Top is a lavish boutique store that replaces tired images (corporate suit, suburban parent) with fresh clothing styles for women in their thirties and forties. The owner hand-selects every piece of clothing. You can find classic and timeless pieces like versatile jeans, and thanks to a new partnership, the store features collections by the prestigious Liverpool Los Angeles brand. Jeans and a Cute Top is undoubtedly a premiere destination for shopping in St Charles, IL.
Trend + Relic
If you’ve just relocated to the area and need to purchase furnishings and decor items, visit Trend + Relic. The shop offers sophisticated, vintage home items carefully curated by experienced builders and artisans. When you first walk into the space, you will see an extensive collection of articles from decorative armoires to dining room tables. As you examine the area more closely, you will find the most eclectic assortments, from dog portraits to hanging streamers. Trend + Relic is thus the perfect spot if you are searching for vintage or quaint items for your St Charles luxury property. Monthly painting classes and craft workshops cement this place’s importance to the St. Charles community.
Kane Home Cabinetry & Design
If you’ve recently bought a home for sale in St. Charles, IL, you’ll want to reach out to the folks at Kane Home Cabinetry & Design. Their showroom features elegant designs and finely-crafted pieces. They’ll work with you from the very beginning of the process to the last step, working hard to see your vision for your home come to life. You won’t regret working with these excellent craftspeople.
Town House Books
For book connoisseurs or those looking for a new summer read, Town House Books is the only answer. Located just a few blocks from the picturesque Fox River, this two-story historic building dates back to the Greek Revival Victorian architectural period.
Visitors can walk from room to room amid hundreds of books crammed into every nook and cranny. The beautiful rugs and brightly lit chandeliers complete the store’s bookish aesthetic. Besides books of all genres, there is also an attached cafe serving homemade soups and decadent desserts. Town House Books is the perfect spot to read and relax in one of the city’s most beautiful and historical spots.
The Pep Line
If you are looking for modern and stylish accessories to decorate your home, seek out The Pep Line in the heart of historic downtown St. Charles. Elegant and luxurious, this store is a one-stop destination for stocking your new house. You’ll feel right at home among the vibrant rugs, enchanting art, and comfortable chairs. Pep Line attends to every detail: check out its extensive collection of knobs and pulls. You might have to make a second trip for all your renovation needs at Kane County’s finest furniture store.
The Wine Exchange
Whether you are an enthusiastic wine connoisseur or an occasional social drinker, you’ll appreciate The Wine Exchange for its extensive and globalized wine selection. Right in St. Charles, you can access over a thousand vino varieties sourced worldwide. The prices are reasonable, and the Exchange offers surplus value through wine clubs, tasting events, and classes (not to mention gourmet cheese boards). It’s the perfect spot to enjoy some of the world’s most exquisite vintages in the company of great friends.
Best shopping in Geneva, IL
The riverside town of Geneva contains two main retail areas. Downtown Geneva, close to the Fox River, has several blocks filled with boutiques, gift shops, clothing stores, and more. On the west side of town, Geneva Commons has several women’s clothing stores alongside niche shops.
Geneva Commons
Officially branded a “lifestyle center,” the Geneva Commons outdoor mall is centrally located in the St. Charles/Geneva/Batavia area. Geneva Commons contains over 80 retailers and restaurants in its more than 400,000 square feet. This upscale mall opened in 2002, and its popularity contributed to the downfall of the Charlestowne Mall in St. Charles.
Besides national chains like Hollister and the Gap, shoppers can check out several women’s clothing retailers. Lane Bryant is the region’s premier plus-size clothing store, offering tops and jeans to shoes and accessories. Womenswear chains Talbots and J. Jill have workwear, dresses, and casualwear in various styles and sizes. And pet-owners will appreciate Wet Nose, a dog-friendly shop with a play area and plenty of treats for your pup.
Downtown Geneva
A block or two west of the Fox River, the Downtown Geneva Historic Shopping District is considered one of the most unique retail strips in the Midwest. Downtown boasts over 100 specialty shops and a super-fun atmosphere. Many of the retailers are situated in historic storefronts and repurposed Victorians. Local merchants run the gamut from apparel and the arts to niche food, drink, and home garden goods. Almost without exception, the staff at these shops are warm, inviting, and accommodating.
The district’s shops center on 3rd St. Local fave Artemisia is an upscale boutique and art gallery rolled into one. Its two levels display women’s clothing, jewelry, accessories, furniture, and fine art created by independent designers worldwide. Another two-level retailer, the gift shop Country Naturals, provides twee trinkets and “selfish necessities.” The women’s clothing shop Flair on 3rd shares a building with Margaret Matson Jewelers. The fashion accessories at Liz & Kate Boutique are roundly praised by reviewers.
For interior design and thoughtful gifts for your loved ones, you can’t go wrong by stopping at Scentimental Gardens. Just a few blocks south, you’ll find another gift shop with high-end offerings called Cocoon. Nearby Edie Boutique is the perfect place to pick up all the trendy clothing items you’ve been longing for.
Best shopping in Batavia, IL
Situated on the Fox River south of St. Charles and Geneva, the town of Batavia is the oldest in Kane County, founded in 1833. Formerly known as “Windmill City” after its six windmill manufacturers, Batavia contains a quaint downtown riverside shopping district.
Batavia Boardwalk Shops
Situated on the Fox River in Downtown Batavia are the town’s Boardwalk Shops. Together, these small businesses form a quaint retail district with a seasonal farmers market. You can find local purveyors of woodworking, redesigned furniture, charcuterie boards, baked goods, pottery, soap, and more. The Boardwalk is open on summer weekends (including Fridays) starting in May.
Independent shops in Batavia
For a pop of color and a splash of nature inside, stop by Farmdog Flowers, especially if you’re planning a wedding and need elegant and luxurious bouquets. House of 423 is a women’s clothing store featuring chic designs and high-end fabrics.
Looking for homes in St Charles, IL? Work with Amy Crane
Do you want to learn more about shopping in St Charles, IL, or are you considering buying a new house in this beautiful suburban community? Schedule a consultation with experienced real estate agent Amy Crane. Amy can guide you on everything from innovative technologies to effective negotiation techniques. As the perfect real estate partner, Amy can help you find a dream home that meets your needs!
