This review is based on their record store day!…read more We went to three stores for record store day and this was the best one! We got free cookies and free "record store day 2019" if you purchased an exclusive RSD vinyl. There was a line out the door but that's common if the store is known for purchasing a lot of RSD exclusive vinyls. Once you made it through the line there were three crates to look through. Some years you luck out and find all the ones you wanted and sometimes you get to the end of the line just to find out that your top picks have already been snagged. That's the fun of it though. Looking forward to going to this store early next RSD.

Legit Record store packed from floor to ceiling with used records, cassette tapes, VHS, DVDS, &…read morecds. They have a hefty bargain bin. If you're looking for lots of stock of new stuff this might not be your spot but if you want fairly priced used records then this is a great spot. I have found a lot of hidden gems in here over the years at both locations. In the past I've gotten nice vinyl copies of hard rock bands like Captain Beyond and Lucifers Friend for NOT discogs/online prices. Last week I got a sealed Weird Al cassette for just a few dollars and this album is not available on vinyl so it makes it extra fun. They are not trying to be cool or capitalize on vinyl - they just like and sell lots of music and media. Go support - Go dig!

I have been coming to this store for decades. The owner is extremely knowledgable, personable and…read morebest of all helpful. The store is organized and clean. The selection is consistently excellent, I rarely leave empty handed, regularly finding too much and find myself stuck with painful choices. I can think of 3 things I had to put back last week that I can't wait to buy when next I have a few dollars of discretionary vinyl money. I have been in many hundreds of records stores over the years, this one is too tier.

I wish I would have known about this place sooner!! They have a great selection of vinyl and more…read more And there's even a section of used records that are incredibly affordable. Also, I loved The Rolling Stones Record Store stickers-- a great nod to my favorite record store in Chicagoland! I didn't get to talk to the staff but next time I stop in I won't hesitate to ask a questions.

Excellent vibe, friendly service and a great record store nestled in the heart of a community. Well…read moreworth your visit.

I mean there was a rock band playing when I walked in so I tried to start a mosh pit as usual but…read morenot enough people were there. There was also a cheapo bin, 79 cents lol. As soon as I saw a Ray Coniff record I KNEW it was TRASH lol and nothing was there nor in the whole place. But I'm sure if you dug very thoroughly you'd find something eventually

It's tough to review a place like an antique store that has everchanging stock. What they might not…read morehave today, they could have tomorrow. So that said, there are two things that are reviewable at such a store; people and presentation. Forest Park Emporium did well on both points. I went there looking for a handbell and found one after maybe ten minutes. But the guy who was overseeing the store kept looking and actually found one that was more suitable for my needs. As for presentation, I strolled through most of the "booths" there and they were all pretty clean and in good order. Much easier to shop and look for things in a store like this. This was my 2nd or 3rd visit and I'll be back again I'm sure!

What a special place! Wow. Step inside to a Time Travel, Back to the Past, before the World…read morebecame so fake and the Real Treasures existed all around us. This place is Very Unique and filled with so many wonderful items. The Sports Section is so Original and Authentic. Very unique NBA Custom lamps, Baseball collection cards. Many special Chicago Items. Step into Grandma's Kitchen, all those wonder 1950's items are here. Many unique prints and treasures from Closets, Dining Rooms.... You must go inside and take a look. You most definitely are bound to find at least 1 nice treasure piece. I couldn't resist the Undisclosed book. I will return again and definitely recommend it. They accept Cash, Apple Pay, Card. There is meter parking outside. $1 per hour. Lovely area to visit. Enjoy!

A fantastic mostly CD store, though they carry some DVD as well. The owner(can't remember his name)…read moreis VERY nice, and I live talking to him about musicians, bands, music, etc every time I visit. A refreshing opposite, from the jerk owner Vintage Vinyl in Evanston has(won't get into him any further here, but if you want to know more about that place look up my review on them). And I wish all music store employees and owners, were as nice as this guy is! Definitely stop here, if you happen to go out to this part of Oak Park and are either looking for CDs, or even just like to have good conversations with others about music. Or even are checking out the nearby Oak Park Conservatory. One day, I'll finally get in a visit to(across the street) Oak Park Bakery....

Lousy store hours & the store looks like a large unsorted mess. How does it stay jn business?read more

Truly a magical place full of treasures…read more The Economy Shop is a huge old house that's been converted into a charity shop that's open typically two Saturday's and a Thursday each month (you can check out their website for their shopping dates and hours). I'd recommend getting there early as parking fills up quick! I think they do take cards, but it is much easier to pay with cash here. This is a great place to go wandering through as the rooms are chock full of odds and ends, and there are many rooms to wander through. I've found all kinds of things here, from aprons to baskets to rugs to furniture to art to random knickknacks. Prices are pretty low, and you can often find really good quality or designer items that have been well-maintained more often than you would at other thrift shops. Come here if you love the thrift store experience and want to find treasures. Maybe don't come here if you're looking to quickly find specific items. This is one of my favorite places to spend a morning, and it might become yours too!

If anyone who reads this is familiar with the rummage sales at First Presbyterian Church in Lake…read moreForest IL, The Economy Shop reminds me SO much of that kind of thing. The Economy Shop is literally a Victorian style house with every room crammed with secondhand goods and antiques. They're only open 3-4 days a month from 9am-3pm, so you need to plan your visit. When you enter, you're handed a paper sheet that is divided into different categories of merchandise. When you go to each room, they total up whatever you want to buy from that given room. When you're completely done shopping, you pay at the far back of the house and exit. Prices are fair and you can find some great stuff here. The basement was one area that was overwhelming. Almost too much to look at and fully absorb. Tips for first time visitors: 1. Bring reusable bags or a tote bag. They will give you bags but a good sturdy bag will work to your advantage. 2. Parking is tricky. You're fine on residential streets but if you park along the train tracks, you have to feed a meter. $2.00 per hour. Card payment only. 3. Leave small kids at home. The rooms and hallways are too packed and tight to reasonably manage kids in tow. I like this place! I will be back!

Great staff, obviously guitar fans. Small establishment, but a nice selection of instruments, LPs,…read moreand even CDs. The guy who did some work on my guitars, Dan, was very professional and extremely polite. Check out this place--they deserve your business.

Actually called Elmhurst Records now. Small place but great selection and friendly staff. Go visit…read moreOzzy!

The shop is a little crowded and the expert is a little overworked but... Really amazing work for…read morewhat it was and we were happy to let it stay in the shop for a couple weeks to get a very old chair serviced and repurposed to be able to handle modern Americans weight in an entry hall. Lovely would work and we would not hesitate to go use him again! Reminder easiest Access to the shop is at the back off of Des Plaines rather than front door Madison.

We received an antique table that was damaged during its move from Colorado. Greg was kind enough…read moreto take a look and suggest a repair we could manage at home. Efficient and excellent customer service. We will be sure to use him if the at home fix doesn't work for us. Thank you!

With the Needoh and squishy craze, I'm sure store workers and owners have been feeling the…read morepressure! Today, I had the most delightful experience at this toy store and wanted to give a huge shoutout to April and Ellie. April was so kind, caring, patient, and sweet throughout the entire squishy release. Both girls had smiling faces, treated everyone in line with kindness, and kept everything peaceful and enjoyable. Their attitude made me and my family want to come back and continue shopping here. Thank you for being so kind and letting us parents spoil our kids with junk they'll probably be sick of in a week! The owner should know that April is truly a five-star employee and deserves to be recognized! Thank you for kindness & PATIENCE! You made a lot of kids happy today.

literally my favorite store ever!!! i go there for Jellycats which they almost always have stocked…read morei would recommend calling and knowing what they have before going.

Ooooh, I have found another favorite bookstore, and this time it's so close to home in beautiful…read moredowntown Oak Park, a fab location so close to coffee shops and across from the Lake Theatre! Perfect to add-on to a walking date around downtown Oak Park!! The person at the register was so nice and explained to me how long they've been there, how excited she was to work there, and made some awesome suggestions! I didn't even need books as I'd just stocked up at another local bookstore, but I bought a few things from the children's section including a beautifully inclusive and unique children's book, see photo. Love it!! Got some fun Chicago decals too for my laptop and waterbottle. I can't wait return! Oh, and as we were leaving, a school bus pulled up in front of the shop and a dozen high school students arrived for what looked to be a weekly book club meeting!!! The students were so enthusiastic and excited to be there! Way to support our community, Book Loft!!! Thank you!!

First off, best smelling bookstore I've ever walked into. Their selection is a tiny bit small and…read moreit's all new books but I found exactly what I wanted for a decent price ("A Farewell to Arms" by Ernest Hemingway, as this was his hometown, whether he liked it or not). I felt like they have a very good sense of community there. Friendly service.