Weekend Getaways: Retail Therapy

Photo courtesy of The Fairmont Chicago Magnificent Mile

January is a good time of year for shopping getaways. Many of the post-holiday sales linger into the New Year as retailers work to relieve their floors of seasonal inventory, and high end hotels in many large urban shopping districts are otherwise empty and need to fill rooms. That means there are plenty of bargains to be had in large cities across the country, and many hotels take advantage of this blessed union to package together rooms and shopping deals.

Fifth Avenue Meets Michigan Avenue

Saks Fifth Avenue is of course named for New York City’s main thoroughfare, but this winter the deals are to be had at the retailer’s outlet in the Second City, where shoppers can enjoy the sophistication of the Manhattan original while enjoying only-in-Chicago treats such as Garrett’s Popcorn and Portillo’s Hot Dogs

Through March 31, the Fairmont Chicago is offering the Saks Shopping Package with rates from $199, which includes a $100 gift card at Saks Fifth Avenue. Fairmont President’s Club members can also enjoy a late 5 p.m. checkout when booking this package.

Luxury and Fashion in Dallas

Dallas is known for being over-the-top in both luxury and fashion, and the legendary Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek combines the best of both.  The Mansion Bar is one of the best places for people-watching in North Texas, and the Mansion Restaurant has long been a favorite among Big D glitterati from oil barons to football stars.

With the Luxury Fashion Package, guests will be treated to valet parking, a breakfast credit for two, and a two-hour consultation with a fashion expert at the tony NorthPark Center. Guests will also receive a $100 gift card for use at NorthPark, which has over 230 mostly high-end retailers, as well as restaurants and a movie theatre.  I found rates for weekend stays in January from $670 per night plus tax.

Shop Nordstrom in the Twin Cities

Fashion retailer Nordstrom was born and bred in the Pacific Northwest, which shares many cultural ties with the Upper Midwest, making Mall of America a prime location for the Seattle icon with over a hundred years of history behind it.

The JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America is offering a Nordstrom Exclusive shopping package which includes overnight accommodations, a $100 Nordstrom gift card per night, a $50 food voucher to Cedar + Stone, Urban Table per night, a Nordstrom Makers brand chocolate or toffee, and access to a Nordstrom personal shopper upon request. Rates start at $359 per night and are valid throughout 2017.

That’s all for this week – up next on the calendar we have the lunar new year, which is celebrated extensively throughout Asia and on the U.S. West Coast. Many hotels are offering packages to ring in the Year of the Rooster, and I’ll have those rounded up for you weekenders next week.

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