This Week’s Top Story

Does the phrase “sample sale” pique your interest? On Tuesday, December 22, Alexandra Torissi (alexandratorissi.com) will host one at the 900 North Michigan Shops (900 N. Michigan Ave.). Located on the fifth level of the shopping center, the boutique stocks Italian boots and heels for women. The sale will offer 30 to 60 percent off the modern footwear.

Top Sales This Week

Evanston’s Chalk (2611 Prairie Ave., chalkboutique.com) has expanded the selection of its current sale and also increased markdowns to as much as 55 percent. The women’s boutique sells items from European and American designers, including Sonia Rykiel and Stacy Twilley.

At Salvatore Ferragamo (645 N. Michigan Ave., ferragamo.com), wallets, shoes, and bags have been marked down by 30 percent; select ready-to-wear is 40 percent off. The sale has no set end date, but a staffer predicted it to wrap in a week or so. Discounts are also available online.

Henri Bendel (henribendel.com) at Water Tower Place (835 N. Michigan Ave.) is offering discounts on its handbags and accessories. Spend $150 or more, and get 25 percent off the purchase; spend $250 or more, and the purchase is 30 percent off. The brand’s signature candles, typically $35, are on sale for $15.

At Madewell (932 N. Rush St., madewell.com), select full-price items are 25 percent off, and sale items have been marked down by an additional 30 percent.

Market

Autre Monde Café and Spirits (6727 Roosevelt Rd., autremondecafe.com) a Mediterranean restaurant in Berwyn, hosts its Kindlmarket on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event features goods—including jewelry and hats—from 11 local vendors. There’s also live music and snacks.

Closing

C.D. Peacock (cdpeacock.com), the Chicago jeweler, will close its store at Northbrook Court (1515 Lake Cook Road, Northbrook) on December 24. There are discounts to be had until closing day, with 20 to 60 percent discounts on designer jewelry, engagement rings, and other sparkly goods. The company’s other stores—in Chicago, Old Orchard, and Oak Brook—will stay open.

Retail News of the Week

  • The Chicago Tribune shares tips for last-minute holiday shopping. Read more.
  • To accommodate last-minute holiday shoppers, Andersonville stores will stay open till 10 p.m. on December 18. Read more.
  • Michigan Avenue and State Street saw some notable retail developments this year. Read more.