When I moved to Chicago 22 years ago, I lives in Rogers Park where it seemed to be a rather diverse area. A lot of that diversity was present in the restaurants and small boutiques. Unan Imports became one of my favourites. I have bought shirts in the traditional fashion, soap, lotions, and wood carvings in the past. My constant purchases are for the body oils. There is a large supply of oils that don't stain your clothes and don't require dousing for keeping the fragrance on throughout the day. While the products are really great and are of greater quality, the owner makes the shop very welcoming. I admit bias in that in metro Chicago I will take my dollars here because service is everything and it's so nice to feel like your business is appreciated. read more

I stumbled across their booth at a community street fair in Evanston and was so glad I did. They offer a wide range of beautiful African body products, jewelry, and paraphernalia. I picked up a body butter for $15 and a matching roll-on oil for $5. Considering it's organic and locally made, I found the price to be fair. The owners were gracious and knowledgeable. I just wish they offered shipping so I could stock up on more of their amazing butter. read more

Unan Imports - Shea butter cream - Home Decor Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I stumbled upon this African store and I was so impressed with the selection of items! There's various scents of shea butter and incense, different types of black soap, and a great selection of fabric and art. Everything is fairly priced. The owner is a very sweet man and was very helpful. I'm so happy to have found an affordable and close place to buy my shea butter!! read more

Unan Imports - Home Decor Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Delighted to be wandering around my new neighborhood and discover this little gem. The owner is very friendly and helpful in explaining some of the items I might not be familiar with. Their selection of shea butter products (refined and unrefined, scented and unscented, Etc) and scented is lovely and my skin is going to be much happier now that I'll be a regular customer. read more

Stopped by here. I was pleasantly suprised to find tons of fabric , oils , soaps , bitters. Also, had pleasure of meeting Mr A.Ntamere Phd he was very kind and shared lots of information. Will definately be back. read more

What a pleasant surprise! I'm new to the area and haven't seen one of these African shops in a while. I'm from the Tri-state area so these cultural shops are pretty common back home. I couldn't just pass it up! We must support BLACK OWNED! I needed to reup my incense stock anyway. I was so thrilled to find my favorite brand in stock! The shop owner was super friendly and helped me picked out some fabric as well. I'm happy I found Unan Imports and I will be back! read more

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I've been coming here for years! It's my favorite place to get soap, shea butter and jewelry. The owner is super nice and makes everyone feel welcomed. I highly recommend this store! read more

Wonderful local business with so many beautiful items at really reasonable prices. Had a great chat with the owner who is just a lovely human in every way. If the door is locked during open hours, just knock and he'll buzz you in. Highly recommend for gorgeous jewelry, clothing, accessories, hats, incense... I did want to buy everything but really appreciated that he wasn't trying to pressure me into anything. Got shirts for the whole family. Go, splurge, support a true Rogers Park gem! read more

I love this place! Really pretty dresses and artifacts as well as incense, oils, and jewelry. Nice of you like giving unique gifts and supporting small businesses. The owner is really nice and he's been there a long time so I like supporting his business. read more

Uncle AL (as I call him) has a beautiful shop.He isn't my real uncle but he's endearing like an uncle would be. He is reasonable and the quality of products he carries is great. So many options for soaps and creams. The home decor is beautiful. I personally love all the options for waist beads and jewelry . I haven't been back since I moved from the area and since Covid but I'm planning on making my way up there soon! read more

Great prices! Great items for sale! And the shopkeep is very helpful, kind, and personable. You can buy black soap solid or liquid/gel form with different sizes of both ranging from $4 to $10 (and maybe more?). There's lots of things to decorate your home, bags, jewelry, cloths, clothes, and knicknacks like fans, wallets, etc. Also many oils and butters (lemongrass, shea, and more) and mixes. Incense. I could spend a lot of money in there, but I had to exercise some restraint. So I will be returning in the future. I especially like the bag and purse selection, with items from different countries in Africa (Burkina Faso, Mali, Ghana). I meant to ask if everything was fair trade, but the words escaped me, and what I actually said was "Is anything here made in a sweatshop??" He pardoned my ineloquent phrasing... Said no, so I will take his word for it. Most bags I saw LOOKED handmade, they had a quality unlike stuff made in a corporate industrial setting.. I've looked up some items from the country of origin of my bag and others in the store, and it bears some resemblance to things I saw so there's extra points for authenticity and knowledge of his product. I will show off my new bag and let others know where I got it. Cool stuff! If you're looking for ankh earrings, puka shell chokers, art from different African countries, this is the place. I think jewelry goes on sale sometimes so there's that, too (but it's not overpriced anyway). You can walk in with $10 and find something to buy, even less, which makes it good for serious shopping or passing through impulse buys. I'll give it two $$ because you will be paying for some of the larger, nicer or functional items (a bookbag is $45, but it's very nice and has character, not a $20 Jansport). A small business you won't regret supporting! read more

sweetest man, will be coming back again all the products are lovely i came in for shea butter it is so, smooooth the minute i put it on my skin i realize the former place where i got my shea butter might have been artificial love this place happy it's here read more

Do you suffer from severe ashy skin? Shea Butter Is your skin kinda, well, you know, not cover girl or ambi smooth? Black Soap When you went out last Saturday night, was your jewelery game not proper? Earrings, rings, whateva! Is your hair all kinds of wrong and you need to cover it up for the day? Yep, Hats galore. Ooooh, I love your new condo. It's hitting! But, it's kinda empty! YEP, they have furniture to warm up your space. I LOVE this place. And I had been wanting to go for a very long time. However, having lived in East Garfield Park and this place being all the way in Rogers Park and not being open on Sundays, I just couldn't find the time. So, one day, I didn't have to work, so I scurried on over here and was floored by the vast selection. Everything you could need to get your easy breezy on, is available here. And for very reasonable prices. The owner is AMAZING! He's very nice and very helpful. I was looking for a very specific pair of earrings. He went to his back room and searched and searched for these earrings, to no avail, but the fact that he even tried was very nice. Shea Butter, Black Soap (in liquid or solid form), BEAUTIFUL jewelery, clothes, furniture, this place has it all. And much of this stuff is limited so you won't be worried if a million people will have the same items as you. DEFINITELY worth a perusing! read more

For Real. All different kinds of African imports from black African soap, which by the way, is perfect for acne prone skin. A whole tub for $10. yes, ten bucks and the stuff lasts like 6 months. Next time I am getting the shea butter scrub because they didn't have a smaller jar than the $20 and I could not justify spending that much even though it was worth it and would have lasted probably an entire year.... They have all kinds of free trade items, cute costume jewelry with an ethnic flair and also authentic clothing. Coupled with sandals and statues and furniture, this store has a little bit of everything. All tastefully displayed and inexpensive. Love. Love. read more

Best & beautiful earrings that are inexpensive & culturally stylish! As others have said you can cheaply purchase pure, unrefined shea butter, and also for sale is black soap, incense, oils, crafts. I love the clothing -- features both ethnic fashion and some nice western labels. Keywords: very affordable. The owner or his daughter is always there, always accommodating & always welcoming. Tip: There's unmetered street parking out front on Sheridan but no parking from 4-6 p.m. for rush hour. read more

I love this store and the owner. Since the north side lacks African or Caribbean imports, this is my go-to shop for natural shea butter. I wish the owner sold different varieties of oils, otherwise I would do all my hair shopping at this place. Besides my precious shea butter, you'll find lots of African-related clothing, jewelry, body care, and more. If you have any questions, the owner is very helpful and will recommend anything regarding your needs. read more

I visited this shop for the first time today. The owner is a very, very kind and charismatic man. If you're interested in biochemistry or biomedical sciences, you could have a very nice conversation with Dr. Ntamere (the owner) about this topic. Besides the very nice selection he has to offer, I think talking to him about his research in biochemistry and biomedical sciences had to be my favorite part of visiting his shop. Purchased two dashikis and will be back next time I'm in Rogers Park. Unan Imports is a true gem of this neighborhood! read more

Very unique store. I was searching online to purchase black soap locally and was quite pleased to find that I can. It was not easy to find, but after weeks I found a blog where someone mentioned this store and the sale of black soap. So I trekked over on a Saturday afternoon with the whole fam and we spent an hour browsing the little store. The owner makes craft jewelry so I bought my kids a bunch that they loved. The store sells a variety of black soaps independently packaged by owner, as well as other organic soaps made by Nubian Heritage and Dudu Oson. There are also tubs of Shea Butter for sale, in addition to body oils, castor oil, and other oils I can't remember by name. Hats, not sports ones, are also for sale for men and women. They are very casual and classic in style. Then there are scarves, cultural African clothing, masks, instruments, and so much more that I probably didn't get to see while I was focused on buying what I went there for. The black soap is absolutely worth the trip there and I will be back. We do not use any other soap becuase this black soap has been so effective in cleansing, as well as eliminating skin issues, especially my two teens acne problems. A great find in Rogers Park. read more

On Halloween, one star: The hours on the sign for Saturday say 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and it was horrible trying to find a parking spot in this neighborhood. I really wanted shea buttern and had been to this place years ago. Today I saw the lights were on inside, but no one was there. I waited 30 minutes in the pouring rain to see if someone would come. I was there at 12:30. No one ever came and another customer drove up, came to the door and left within minutes. For a shop this easy-to-miss and with the parking the way it is, he should honor his hours. I am not coming back. I paid the parking meter for nothing. I am cold, wet and shea-butter-less. And he is not even answering the company phone number on the sign. Changed to three stars: I left a voicemail message complaining about the time I wasted outside. The owner called me three times and left two messages apologizing. While I did go somewhere else and told him so, the fact that he continued to apologize and called back was somewhere between annoying and relieved that he actually cared. While I still don't know why there was no sign left on the door, the lights were still on and the "Open" sign was turned around, I do respect that he tried to right a wrong though so i came back to this post to edit. Would I go there again? I have a nice choice of shea butter for now, but IF I go again, I will definitely double park, figure out whether it's open and make sure someone is inside before I spend 20 more minutes driving away looking for a parking spot again. Then I may venture in. On 11/28/2015: I went back to the location for one more shot (and I ran out of shea butter). Got there at noon and watched a couple peer in, shake their head and say, "Well, it is a small business." They turned around and turned back to the location. I was baffled. Not again! Sign still says open time at 11 a.m., but the lights were out and no one was around at noon. I went to see a movie and came back at 2:20 p.m. Lights on now, but there's a sign on the door that says someone would be back in an hour -- without saying when that hour ends. I just shook my head and left. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me three times, I'll never go to that place again. read more

Excellent, excellent customer service. The owner is very attentive and takes his time to explain the benefits of various natural products. He talked me in to getting the Shea butter scrub and I absolutely love it. My skin feels so soft and moisturized. I also bought the Shea butter. I'm glad I found this spot. Will be coming back. read more

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This place is a gallery of beautiful African crafts. I have found some amazing gifts here. read more

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The owner and operator of this shop, Dr. Ntamere, is very kind and lovely to talk with about the items in his store. I purchased beautiful earrings, bracelet and a tub of soap. He insisted that I try the soap in the store so he could explain the benefits, and he added lemongrass scented oil for free so that I would enjoy it and come back. I will be back. read more

Unan Imports - Handworked earrings, bracelet and tub of soap. - Home Decor Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Wonderful owner and excellent products! My honey has been looking all over for cocoa butter. We tried every store possible in Chicago. We were excellently surprised they carried it here! Yesterday he was able to make a homemade organic body butter with the cocoa butter we purchased from Unan and other organic ingredients. I love the outcome! I also purchased the cutest maxi dress. ;) Highly recommend this store! read more

I just purchased a beautiful African mask from the Ivory Coast from this dealer. This store has a wide selection of masks, carvings, traditional clothing, and textiles to choose from. The quality of the items is just outstanding and the owner provides welcoming, friendly service. Prices range from the reasonable to the slightly more expensive, but the artwork for sale is truly worth the price. read more

I just saw today that this place is starting to carry fair trade items - yay! Definitely a place to check out. The owner is very friendly! read more

I searched and searched for a location that sold Authentic African Black Soap because even though this is Chicago, unfortunately, that is not an easy thing. So.. Thanks to Yelp and my GPS system, I was able to find Unan Imports! The soap was VERY reasonable, I got the big tub for $10.00!!! That is SO worth the search and drive. I also picked up a tub of Cocoa Butter, I only passed on the Shea Butter because it is easier to find in the city than the other two and I already had some at home. The clerk was very helpful and nice. Unan had a nice collection of African attire and jewelry, if you are looking for that and YES I would come back again and again for the Soap, Butters, and oils. read more

Love this place! Went in today to purchase earrings and nag champa incense. Very reasonable pricing and great variety of ethnic pieces. They have a little bit of everything; clothes, jewelry, soap, furniture, etc. Great customer service. Will definitely be going back! read more

I love this store as well. The shea butter, perfume oils, and HEM brand incense (which I can't seem to find anywhere else in the city) really do it for me. It's also where I go for cheap thrill jewelry. The owner is cool and personable but never overbearing. read more

Cool store full of African imports and such. Owner is very friendly. The shea butter is great for the winter.

Great small business, and the owner is extra helpful and professional. I was searching for raw shea butter in Chicago. I went here to purchase some shea butter, and this store has a great selection. I purchased 2lb of raw shea butter, but he also had smaller sizes starting at $5. Great price, and great quality. Store also carries black soap, and a great selection of jewelry accessories, very unique and cute hats. If your in Chicago and looking for shea butter, or unique fair trade accessories go here! read more

Love this place. A great spot for quality African goods. The Doctor exudes positive energy when you enter the store and is pleasant to his customers. I've been going here for years and I'm never let down in regards to service or finding what I'm looking for. I would recommend to anyone. read more

Love this shop! Shop owner is always friendly and very knowledgeable. Carries all natural shea butter. I prefer to buy my castor oil here rather then Amazon. Support small businesses! Also carries beautiful jewelry at a great price. read more

If ever you want to meet one the best person on this earth; go to Unan's. I've been coming here for 5 years and it's always a delight to meet, talk and purchase items from here! Always honest, always helpful !!! Unan always a delight to see you!! You have some of the most beautiful and authentic African artifacts and supplies that have adorned my home and have been given as we'll appreciated gifts to family and friends!!! read more

Great products and great service. The owner is always willing to answer questions and help you find what you are looking for. Like everyone else who reviewed this wonderful establishment, I go for the hair and beauty products as I am Nigerian and what better place to get products that work for my hair and skin? The jewelry is also really cool as well as the décor items. I enjoy my experience here every time I go. Check him out! read more

Also confirming the owner's knowledge and attentiveness. My partner has eczema and the African Black Soap has really helped him, thanks to the owner's recommendation. read more

Went there on Saturday. The owner is great, he is very friendly and helpful. They have tons of shea butter so you will always know where to go when you run out. They also have oils, black soap, incense, sage and more. The clothing is gorgeous. I'm going to make another trip just to buy some of those dresses. The shop is small, but there is a lot to choose from. read more

I discovered this great spot while on the north side one afternoon with my husband. Upon my 2nd visit I received again excellent customer service from Mr. Ntamere . I found him to be accomidating, warm and charming I also found two beautiful masks in the process. Another nice place to visit in the city! read more

This is a solid business. The prices range from inexpensive to pricey, but pricey is for the ceremonial and traditional objects that are from long ago. This store is not only 5 stars, but has integrity; so does the owner, Dr, Alphonse Ntamere. It is always a pleasure to shop with and talk with him. You don't find many retailers and wholesalers like Dr. Ntamere. i have lived in Rogers Park almost 25 years. I watched UNan Imports grow into larger space. I have purchased clothing, several wall hangings, mudcloth, kente cloth, dresses, musical instruments, pictures, greeting cards, incense, jewelry, beads, jewelry boxes, large and small statutes in the store and at vendor booths he or his family or staff works at the Afrikan Fest, Clark Street Festival an Malcolm X College Kwanzaa and Black History Marketplace. He is a friend and a business contact. He supports local programs in Rogers Park, even my organization BNICEH - he supported our youth programs. He has served on the Council of Elders in Rogers Park for Black History Month aka Afrikan Heritage Month and Kwanzaa. He knows the history behind every Afrikan artifact. He knows customer needs. He offers deals. I have shopped here as long as the store has been her. I live 2 doors down from his store. Not accessible. City said it could not be made accessible, but he has delivered to me, in warm weather, I have called in advance and picked things up or just rang the bell, and he brings items to the door. He has not moved his business from Rogers Park despite past vandalism of his store and economic change over the years. This is a local store with shopping and it is a family business. I feel part of his family and he part of mine. Umoja (unity) , kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima, Ujamaa, Kuumba and Imani (faith) are guiding principles from the Seven Principles of Afrikan living that keep this store going. May you find the store and Dr. Ntamere as pleasant as I did. btw, he has affordable prices on shea butter, Afrikan black soap, incense, jewelry, etc. All are not imports though he has another store in Lagos Nigeria. Some items are made here in America by jewelry artists and seamstresses. May he and his family be blessed beyond all projected sales and imagination. Unan and Dr. Ntamere deserve our support. He may even ship if you ask. I have also shopped at Afrikan stores that are more accessible, but I love Unan because of its ambience created by Dr. Ntamere as you enter or just stand or sit at the entrance. It is inviting and spiritually harmonious. Soem of teh masks look pleaseant, soem frightening, but the drums, masks, layout of cloths, jewelry, traditional clothing, and even the modern clothing transport you into a world where the customer is lavished with attention and respect. He is grateful and always thanks customers whether they are spending $2, $200 or $2000. read more

Great place to purchase unrefined shea butter, black soap handmade earrings, eclectic drums and more. I can't say enough about how knowledge the owner is about his products. I will definitely be returning to purchase more of these products. I drove an hour to get there but well worth it. I use the shea butter for my hair and it is more manageable and healthy, just a great store overall. read more

I have shopped in this store for the last year, I buy all of my product, Shea butter, cocoa butter, jewelry, and other African Merchandise from this store. The owner "Al" is the best. Great Customer Service read more