Small businesses are the backbone of our community…and shopkeepers pride themselves on personalized customer service to make your shopping trip a delightful experience. Shop boutiques, antiques and music stores. Buy real art, hand-made gifts, beautiful plants and so much more. You’ll find just about anything you need at Forest Park’s unique mix of independently owned shops.
ANTIQUES/VINTAGE/ART/MUSIC
Studio of Art – Danche Guitars – Dodgerie
Danche Guitars | 7232 Madison
Danche Guitar specializes in modifying, repairing and customizing guitars, basses and other stringed instruments…and they do amazing work! Danche is also a Fender dealer and they have tons of new and used instruments. Click here to learn more.
Diana’s Fine Things | 7512 Madison
Diana’s is a treasure trove of unique antiques, jewelry, collectables and gifts — and there’s always something new to keep you coming back for more. Click here to learn more.
Dodgerie | 408 Thomas
The folks at Dodgerie delight in unearthing unique, quality items that will add a touch of vintage charm to your home, your wardrobe or your office. Be sure to follow them on Facebook so you don’t miss that one-of-a-kind treasure! Click here to learn more.
Forest Park Emporium | 7345 Madison
You’ll need to set aside a couple of hours to shop the Emporium. This collective of full-time dealers and collectors sell antiques from the 1700s to the mid-century or as they say at the Emporium — “from the Stone Age to the Space Age.” Click here to learn more.
Kagan & Gaines | 7655 Roosevelt
Located in Forest Park since 1982, Kagan & Gaines is a complete full line music store for instruments and accessories. From student band and orchestra rentals, to step up and professional instruments, they offer a large selection of merchandise catering to beginners, amateurs, and professionals of all genres. Click here to learn more.
Old School Records | 413 Des Plaines Ave
This indie record store carries new and used LP’s, CD’s, Cassettes, VHS, DVD’s, Blue-Rays, 45’s, 78’s and more. You’ll want to make Old School Records a regular stop and add it to your list when planning Record Store Day April 19, 2025! Click here to learn more.
Studio 8 | 7501 Madison
If you need a piece to complete a project or simply want to add a splash of vintage to your home or office, Studio 8 is the place to shop. From mid-century modern and art deco to everything in between, Studio 8 vintage boutique has up-cycled furniture, home decor, art, estate jewelry and more. Click here to learn more.
Studio of Art | 7510 Madison
Studio of Art is a working studio and art gallery where you can buy original art or take a class and create your own. Melody – artist and owner – is passionate about art and believes that if you love art, you can create it. There are classes for every level of experience. Find your class and sign up today. Click here to learn more.
GIFTS/FASHIONS/ACCESSORIES/FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS
Team Blonde – Todd & Holland – Perfect Fit Fashion
Accents by Fred | 7519 Madison
Accents by Fred is a distinctive boutique that is home to multi-media artists Fred Bryant and Ann Hanson. Recycled silverware, one-of-a-kind gemstone jewelry and handcrafted greeting cards are just some of the unique creations that can be found in this amazing place. Click here to learn more.
EcoWilde Flower Co. | 410 Elgin, Suite F
From growing their own to working with sustainable growers and donating or composting flowers at the end of your event, EcoWilde Flower Co. ensures your flowers are locally sourced and handled with care. Their studio will inspire you as you plan the floral decor for your wedding, event or corporate event. Click here for more information.
Jeanine Guncheon Etcetera | 7439 Madison
Your one-stop shop for everything eclectic, Jeanine Guncheon Etcetera specializes in unique new and vintage items unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Her specialty is furniture, home accessories and high-quality handmade pieces crafted by Jeanine herself and artists from around the country. Click here to learn more.
M.E. Marketplace | 7451 Madison
M.E Marketplace is a retail co-op for small businesses where you’ll find unique art and handcrafted items, beauty and wellness products, fashion and accessories, jewelry and much more. Follow them on Facebook so you don’t miss out on their special events! Click here to learn more.
Moss Modern Flowers | 7405 Madison
Moss is about a point of view that embraces the simple aesthetic of wabi-sabi or the art of finding the beauty in the imperfections and profundities of nature. Understated beauty waits patiently to be discovered in the curious mix of collections at Moss. Make a statement with their stunning floral creations at your wedding or event. Click here to learn more.
Perfect Fit Fashion | 7516 Madison
From glitter and glam to T-shirts and lounge wear, Perfect Fit Fashion has it all – and these fabulous fashions are exclusive to Perfect Fit Fashion. You’ll love shopping their extensive collection in the shop or online. Click here to learn more.
Royal Christian Bookstore | 7610 Roosevelt
Royal Christian Bookstores & Café is more than just a bookstore. Along with Bibles and Christian books for all ages, you’ll find beautiful music, apparel, and heartfelt gifts to lift the spirits of the both the gift giver and receiver. Click here to learn more.
She Boutique | 7508 Madison
Dresses, skirts, vintage jeans and sunglasses are just some of the one-of-a-kind fashion and accessories you’ll find at She Boutique…and they offer free shipping for orders of over $200. Click here to learn more.
Tantalizing Threads | 7502 1/2 Madison
From dresses and rompers to activewear and swimwear, Tantalizing Threads has good quality, trendy pieces for all occasions and all sizes. They offer fast shipping and ‘buy now, pay later’ with Afterpay. Click here to learn more.
Team Blonde Boutique, Spa & Salon | 7442 Madison
The ‘Blondes’ have always gone the extra mile to ensure that their impact on the environment is minimized…and that mind set is evident in their shop. They sell a variety of eco-friendly gifts and accessories, and organic products that are also incorporated into their spa services. Team Blonde goes ‘live’ each week to show you how you can build your wardrobe with the latest fashions at the shop. Click here to learn more.
Todd & Holland Tea Merchants | 7311 Madison
Talk ‘tea’ with the owner, while browsing their extensive collection of loose-leaf teas and lovely accessories…and enjoy a free cup of the day’s featured brew at the tea bar. You’ll love the ‘Sweet Home Chicago Collection’ featuring ‘Blackhawks Blend’, ‘Cooler by the Lake’ and Chai Town’ teas packaged in a cool tin! Click here to learn more.
SPORTS/MILITARY SURPLUS
Play It Again Sports – Military & Police Supply
Military & Police Supply | 7351 Madison
Established in 1977, Military & Police Supply offers the highest quality military and law enforcement gear on the market. One of the last unique Army/Navy stores, MPS has everything you need in their 3,000 square foot showroom with thousands of items and a knowledgeable staff to point you in the right direction. Click here to learn more.
Play It Again Sports | 7443 Madison
Play It Again Sports is THE place to buy new and used sports and fitness gear — or sell your own. They buy a wide variety of quality used items and they make it easy for the seller. Just gather your gear and stop in – no appointment necessary. New items come in every day so make shopping at Play It Again Sports a regular thing! Click here to learn more.
HOME IMPROVEMENT/APPLIANCES/OFFICE FURNITURE
Schauer’s Hardware – McAdam Nursery & Garden Center – Rework Office Furniture
Empowering Gardens | 7730 Madison
Empowering Gardens is more than just a garden center. Their mission is to provide meaningful, long-term employment opportunities for people with a broad range of disabilities. Don’t forget to visit Empowering Garden’s indoor gift shop at 7736 Madison – right next door to the garden center. Click here to learn more
Grand Appliance Forest Park | 7440 Madison
Established in 1930, family-owned Grand Appliance is on a mission to make appliance shopping easy with a knowledgeable sales team, everyday low prices on thousands of in-stock products and fast delivery PLUS and expert installation. Click here to learn more
J.C. Licht | 7400 Madison
J.C. Licht is a service-oriented paint, wallpaper and window treatment store with decades of color-matching experience and product knowledge. From reviving the interior of your home to adding curb appeal to your exterior, their knowledgeable team can help you select the perfect product for your painting and décor needs. Click here to learn more.
McAdam Nursery & Garden Center | 2001 Des Plaines
McAdam Nursery & Garden Center offers the same high-quality landscaping materials and plants used by their professionals. Whether you’re looking for mulch or garden décor, or locally grown trees, shrubs, perennials – McAdam has it all. Click here to learn more.
Rework Office Furniture | 7550 Roosevelt
From iconic, gently-used Herman Miller chairs to ergonomics like monitor arms and height-adjustable desks, satisfy all your office furniture needs at Rework. Click here to learn more.
Schauer’s Hardware | 7449 Madison
Schauer’s motto is “Helping customers one person at a time! Get in, get out, get it done!” –- and you can find everything you need and more for just about every project at this true old-fashioned family-owned hardware store. Dogs are welcome, too! Click here to learn more.
SWEET TREATS/GROCERIES/BEVERAGES
Twisted Cookie – Living Fresh Market – La Maison de Bonbon
Famous Liquors Forest Park | 7714 Madison
Famous Liquors has been the area’s go-to liquor store for wine and spirits for over 90 years. They offer and large selection of wines in their wine center with a knowledgeable staff to help you choose just the right wine. You’ll find the latest ‘spirits’ throughout the store…and you can enjoy free wine-tastings every Saturday from noon to 4 pm. Click here to learn more.
Forest Park Bakery | 7332 Madison
This small family-owned bakery is a favorite among area locals. Their featured products like the Strawberry Short Cake or Chocolate Fudge Drip Cake are to die for, but so are their brownies, donuts, cupcakes and cookies – and they’re experts are creating delicious custom cakes for your special occasion. Click here to learn more.
La Maison de Bonbon | 7353 Madison
La Maison de Bonbon is known for its silky chocolate confection known throughout the world as the ‘Original French Crème’. Made from the same 100+ year old recipe, they’re available around Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays…but they serve up other hand-crafted chocolates year ‘round. Click here to learn more.
Living Fresh Market | 7520 Roosevelt
Living Fresh Market is so much more than a grocery store. You’ll find everything you need to feed yourself or your family…and some deliciously delightful surprises like hoagies from Flippin’ Flavors, shrimp and crab legs from Two Fish and coffee from Sip and Savor. Open 7 days a week from 7 am to 9 pm, Living Fresh Market has a bakery, deli, fresh produce, vegan options and so much more. Get 50% off your entire purchase on Tuesdays! Click here to learn more.
The Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor | 7347 Madison
From the smell of homemade waffle cones to watching them handcraft their super premium ice cream, you’ll find the perfect dessert to indulge upon in this charming vintage ice cream parlor. Brown Cow – serving up happiness since 2004. Click here to learn more.
Twisted Cookie | 7401 Madison
This ‘cookie café’ is a one-stop shop for sweet treats. From a S’more shake with a toasted homemade marshmallow and dipped and stuffed brownies to berry pie cookies and cupcake cookies, you’ll always find something new fall in love with at Twisted Cookie. Click here to learn more.
CAR DEALERSHIPS
Currie Motors Chevrolet | 8401 Roosevelt
If you’re looking to buy or lease a new Chevy, make it an enjoyable experience by shopping at Currie Motors Chevrolet. Whether you’re searching for a new ride or need reliable auto repairs, they have an expansive selection of new and used Chevy models and Chevy service techs who know the ins and outs. Currie Motors Chevrolet – “Nice people to do business with.” Click here to learn more.
Hawk Chrysler Dodge Jeep | 7911 Roosevelt
As one reviewer stated “My experience at Hawk was wonderful. From the minute I walked in the door, everyone was very professional and answered all my questions. Hawk made purchasing my car a pleasant and easy experience.” Their expert sales team and huge inventory make Hawk CDJ the place to go for Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles. Click here to learn more.
If you’ve discovered a new place to shop in Forest Park or already have a few favorites, remember to follow them on social media and give them a ‘shout out’ by tagging them on yours. Small businesses create a sense of community, have an impact on the local economy and give back to local causes and organizations. Shop Small. Shop Local. Shop Forest Park.
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