Chicagoland Spot Named As The Best Outlet Mall In America
While many major shopping malls continue to deal with big problems like poor foot traffic, outlet malls around the nation are still drawing crowds.
Shopping malls around the nation have faced plenty of challenges over the last decade. Between the rise of online shopping, changing consumer habits, and declining customers, many traditional malls have struggled to stay relevant. Outlet malls, however, continue to prove they're a different story.
That's especially true in the Chicago area, where the Fashion Outlets of Chicago in Rosemont has just been named the number-one outlet mall in America by USA Today's 2026 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. The ranking was determined after a panel of experts selected nominees and readers from across the country cast votes for their favorites.
Two Levels, 130 Stores, And Visitors From All Over The Nation And The World
Located just minutes from O'Hare, Fashion Outlets of Chicago has become a destination for both local shoppers and visitors from just about everywhere. The two-level indoor outlet center features more than 130 stores, including luxury brands like Gucci, Burberry, and Versace, along with a variety of dining options and a really cool public art collection. Its indoor design is also a major advantage during Chicago's unpredictable weather.
The honor is a two-places jump for the Fashion Outlets. In USA Today's 2025 rankings, Fashion Outlets of Chicago placed third nationally before climbing all the way to the top spot this year.
What Is It About Outlet Malls That Attracts So Many Shoppers?
According to USA Today, outlet malls continue to attract shoppers because they offer a combination of recognizable brands, discounted prices, entertainment, dining, and experiences that go beyond simply buying something online.
The Top 5 Outlet Malls in America for 2026, according to USA Today's Readers' Choice Awards:
- Fashion Outlets of Chicago (Rosemont, Illinois)
- The Mills at Jersey Gardens (Elizabeth, New Jersey)
- Wrentham Village Premium Outlets (Wrentham, Massachusetts)
- Citadel Outlets (Commerce, California)
- Tanger Outlets Myrtle Beach (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina)
For Illinois shoppers, it's another reminder that one of the nation's premier bargain-hunting destinations is right in our own backyard.
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Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz