As the summer sun starts to fade and the excitement of a new school year begins to build, there's one essential task on every family's to-do list: back to school shopping. Whether you're looking for the latest trends in fashion, durable footwear, or school supplies, North Riverside Park Mall offers just what you need to ensure your children head back to school in style.

Located at 7501 West Cermak Road in Chicago, Illinois, this bustling shopping center is the go-to destination for all your back-to-school needs. Let's take a look at the best North Riverside Mall Stores for back to school shopping. 

North Riverside Park Mall, conveniently located just outside of Chicago, is more than just a place to shop—it's an experience. With a wide range of stores, from top brands to beloved department stores, the mall offers something for everyone. Whether you're shopping for kids, teens, or adults, you'll find a diverse selection of clothing, footwear, and accessories. Plus, with recent renovations enhancing the mall's ambiance, North Riverside Mall has become an even more inviting space for families to enjoy a day of shopping.

Know Before You Go

Before diving into your back-to-school shopping adventure at North Riverside Mall, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Location: North Riverside Park Mall is situated at 7501 West Cermak Road, North Riverside, Illinois. It’s easily accessible from Chicago and surrounding suburbs, making it a convenient option for shoppers across the region.

Accessibility: The mall is designed with accessibility in mind, offering easy access for strollers and wheelchairs throughout the shopping center. With ample parking and an in-store pickup option at many retailers, North Riverside Mall ensures a smooth shopping experience.

Mall Hours: Before you head out, be sure to check the mall’s hours of operation. Visit northriversideparkmall.com for the latest updates on store hours and special offers.

Mall Map: Navigate your way through the mall easily with an online map available on the mall’s website or at the information kiosks inside. This will help you plan your shopping route and make the most of your visit.

Now that you're prepped and ready, let’s explore the variety of stores at North Riverside Mall that cater to all your back-to-school needs.

Clothes for Kids: Stylish and Comfortable

When it comes to dressing your little ones for the new school year, North Riverside Mall offers a fantastic selection of stores that focus on children's fashion. From trendy outfits to comfortable essentials, here are some top spots to check out:

America’s Kids

America’s Kids is a go-to destination for affordable and stylish children’s clothing. With a wide range of options for boys and girls, you'll find everything from school uniforms to casual wear that your kids will love.

Champs Kids

For parents looking for sportswear and athletic gear, Champs Kids is the perfect stop. Featuring top brands like Nike and Adidas, this store offers the latest in sports apparel to keep your kids active and stylish.

Children’s Place

Children’s Place is a favorite among parents for its high-quality, fashionable clothes at great prices. From jeans to graphic tees, this store has all the essentials your kids need to look their best this school year.

Teen Fashion: On-Trend and On-Point

Teens can be picky when it comes to fashion, but North Riverside Mall has them covered with a wide range of stores that cater to the latest trends and styles. Whether your teen is into sporty looks, casual wear, or something more edgy, these stores have just what they need:

Aeropostale

Known for its casual, preppy style, Aeropostale is a hit among teens. From comfy hoodies to trendy denim, this store offers a variety of options for both guys and girls.

Charlotte Russe

Charlotte Russe is a must-visit for trendy, affordable clothing and accessories for teen girls. Whether your teen is looking for a new dress or some stylish shoes, this store has plenty of options.

Express & Express Men

For teens who prefer a more polished look, Express and Express Men offer fashionable clothing that’s perfect for school and beyond. From chic blouses to sharp blazers, your teen can find everything they need to make a stylish statement.

Finish Line

For the latest in athletic wear and sneakers, Finish Line is the place to go. Featuring popular brands like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour, this store offers a variety of options to keep your teen looking fresh.

Forever 21

Forever 21 is synonymous with fast fashion, offering a wide array of trendy clothing, accessories, and shoes. Teens can explore the latest styles without breaking the bank, making it a favorite stop for back-to-school shopping.

Fresh Wear

If your teen loves streetwear, Fresh Wear offers a range of stylish options that are perfect for making a statement. From graphic tees to hoodies, this store has all the essentials for a trendy wardrobe.

H&M

H&M is known for its versatile and affordable fashion for teens. With everything from basics to the latest trends, your teen can mix and match to create the perfect back-to-school outfits.

Hot Topic

For the teen who loves pop culture, Hot Topic is the ultimate destination. From band tees to anime merchandise, this store has everything your teen needs to express their unique style.

Torrid

Torrid is a popular choice for plus-size teens, offering trendy clothing options. From dresses to denim, this store ensures that every teen can find something that makes them feel confident.

Windsor

For teens in need of a special outfit for school events, Windsor offers a stunning selection of dresses, shoes, and accessories. It’s the perfect place to find that standout piece for any occasion.

Plus Classic Department Stores

Don’t forget the classic department stores like JC Penney and Forman Mills, where you can find a little bit of everything. From clothing to school supplies, these stores offer a one-stop-shop experience that’s both convenient and comprehensive.

For Kicks: Footwear That Goes the Distance

A great outfit isn't complete without the perfect pair of shoes. North Riverside Mall offers a variety of stores that specialize in footwear, ensuring that your kids head back to school in comfort and style:

Champs

Champs is a go-to destination for athletic shoes and sneakers from top brands. Whether your child needs new gym shoes or stylish kicks for everyday wear, Champs has plenty of options to choose from.

Faze One

Faze One offers a curated selection of fashionable footwear, making it a great stop for those looking for something unique and stylish.

Finish Line

Finish Line is a top choice for the latest sneaker releases and athletic footwear. With a wide range of options, you’re sure to find something that fits your child’s style and needs.

Foot Locker & Foot Locker Kids

Foot Locker is a household name when it comes to athletic footwear. With a vast selection of shoes from top brands like Nike and Adidas, this store is perfect for finding the right pair of shoes for school.

Journeys & Journeys Kids

Journeys offers a variety of casual and trendy shoes for both teens and kids. Whether you’re looking for sneakers, boots, or sandals, Journeys has a style for every occasion.

Kicks & Fits

Kicks & Fits specializes in the latest sneaker trends, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to update their shoe game. From limited-edition releases to classic styles, this store has it all.

After a long day of shopping, you’re bound to work up an appetite. North Riverside Mall offers a variety of dining options to refuel before heading home:

Auntie Anne’s

Auntie Anne’s is a classic choice for a quick snack. Whether you’re in the mood for a soft pretzel or a sweet treat, this spot is perfect for a quick pick-me-up. Plus there’s two locations to enjoy, the lower level near JCPenney and the upper level near Forman Mills. 

El Milagro

El Milagro offers delicious Mexican food that’s perfect for a sit-down meal. Enjoy tacos, burritos, and other flavorful dishes that are sure to satisfy your hunger. It’s also the only location for this classic Mexican eatery outside of their other 2 locations in Chicago.

Great Steak

For those craving something hearty, Great Steak serves up mouth-watering sandwiches and cheesesteaks. But did you know they are also known for their amazing french fries? It’s a great option for a filling meal after a busy day of shopping.

Kong Dog

Kong Dog offers a unique twist on hot dogs, Korean corn dogs, with a variety of toppings and flavors to choose from. It’s a fun and tasty option for the whole family.

Sbarro

If you’re in the mood for pizza, Sbarro offers classic New York-style slices that are sure to hit the spot. Grab a slice or two and enjoy a casual meal before heading home.

More Reasons to Shop at North Riverside Mall: The Amazing Renovation

One of the most exciting updates at North Riverside Mall is the recent renovation that has transformed the shopping center into an even more inviting space. The renovation includes:

All New Flooring: The entire mall has been outfitted with new flooring, giving it a fresh, modern look that enhances the shopping experience.

Upgraded Ceilings: The ceilings have been updated to reflect a contemporary design, adding to the overall ambiance of the mall.

Enhanced Lighting: New lighting fixtures have been installed throughout the mall, creating a bright and cheerful environment.

New Play Area: Coming in 2025, families with young children will love the new play area, offering a fun and safe space for kids to take a break.

Renovated Food Court Entrance: The food court entrance has been updated, providing a more inviting entryway to the mall’s dining options.

These renovations have made North Riverside Mall not just a place to shop, but a destination for families to spend quality time together.

Meet Us at the Mall

North Riverside Mall is your one-stop destination for all your back-to-school shopping needs. With a wide range of stores offering the latest in fashion, footwear, and school supplies, the mall ensures that your family is ready for the new school year in style.

The recent renovations, coupled with the variety of dining options, make it the perfect place to spend a day shopping and dining. So grab your list, head to North Riverside Mall, and make your back-to-school shopping a breeze!