
We owe a great big Thank You to AT readers, Molly and Pam, for introducing us to The Sweden Shop. This quaint but unbelievably roomy shop is a wonderland of Scandinavian home design.
It's expected that they have a premier selection of unusual Marimekko fabric (which they do) but we figured their other strong point to be...
...dishware! To drop some big names, they carry collections by Bodum, Iittala, and Rörstrand. There are also some lesser-known treasures, such as the simple porcelain tabletop pieces by Danish designer Anne Black. What we like about The Sweden Shop is that you can buy one small glass (which we did) or arrange for a hutch-full of your favorite design.
Besides dishes and tabletop accessories, this Albany Park shop sells craft supplies, toys, clothing, jewelry, books, and much more. Now we know where to go when our Danskos finally give out!
The prices generally check out to be about standard (importing can be pricey work) but this is a fun place to visit, if only to browse. All the bright colors and cheery patterns are ideal for knocking the wind out of a grey Chicago day.
Did we mention that they sell delightfully non-American snacks?
oh i wish there was one near me!
view Lizzykewl's profile
I'm going to Chicago in April--yippeee!
view jen_g's profile
There's a similar store, albeit a bit more traditional, in Portland, ME:
http://www.simplyscandinavian.com
view visualingual's profile
Don't forget to try the sister-restaurant across the street, Tre Kronor. Lovely brunch, homemade danishes, omelets, great limpa toast and coffee! Downstairs has an amazing troll mural, and upstairs has relaxing vibe with sheers and natural wood aesthetic!
view pinkuschi's profile
i've been meaning to go to pick up a lotta jansdotter bag. love this store!
view selena's profile
Here's a similar store in Toronto. I've never been there, but am planning to check it out.
http://www.finnishplace.com/
view nancyc's profile
Good old North Park University neighborhood.
So fun to visit.
Tre Kronor is the BEST!
view Janella13's profile
We admit to brunching at Tre Kronor right before visiting this store. We sat downstairs (with the elfin mural) but now we think we must return to check out the second floor.
Oh yes, and the crab cake benedict was delicious.
view jessica's profile