Let's face it; we're all living in a consumer world and it's inevitable when relocating to a new city that you're going to need to learn where to shop. From groceries to a new tankless water heater, there are many stores that you will see across the country and unique shops in Rockford. Together, they will most likely bring you everything you're looking for on an average shopping day.
One of the things that the City of Rockford is known for is its antique stores. There are two large antique malls located in the city, along with a number of antique shops. Fire Station Antique Mall and Main Street Antique Mall are the most popular. There is also East State Street Antiques in the city center and Roscoe Antique Mall is just north of the city. While you won't find the latest iPhone pouches there, they do have a large selection of furniture and collector pieces. If you're looking for something really special, you could check out the semi-annual antique show, The Pec Thing.
For those everyday items, Rockford has several modern malls to serve you. CherryVale Mall is the biggest of these and has over 130 stores, including the anchor stores Bergner's, JCPenney, Macy's and Sears. Residents also can explore Prime Outlets and Edgebrook Shopping Center. This is where you want to go if you need everything from a new outfit to discount aquarium supplies.
The River District or Midtown are great places for a day of browsing and window shopping. Whether you're looking for something like wall quotes to inspire the design in one of your new rooms or are looking for a special gift, it's sure that you'll find it in one of these places. Check out the gallery shops as well as the specialty locations. This is also a great way to see the city while you're getting your errands done.
And don't forget, at the end of a busy day of shopping for everything from a new dining room set to bamboo diapers, there are hundreds of restaurants in the city to go for dinner. You could start the day with brunch at somewhere scenic like Cliffbreakers Restaurant along the water and finish somewhere fun and fresh like Brio Restaurant, Wine Bar and Patio or Kryptonite Music Lounge.
It would really be hard to find anything that the City of Rockford, Illinois could not offer you in terms of shopping and dining. Ask around when you get settled in your neighborhood to find the best retail services near you. There are many little pocket districts in the city with finds that only the locals know about. Explore and have fun shopping in your new city! | 