Transistor is one of those hard-to-define Andersonville stores. Is it a record store? A bookstore? With art for sale on every inch of wall and amps, instruments, and headphones on display, I had to ask—what is Transistor?

It’s that time of year again. The holidays are creeping up on us, and let’s be real — most of us haven’t finished our shopping yet. Check out this collection of great local gift ideas for everyone on your list.

Don’t know where to snag the best gifts for everyone on your list this year? Here are our 5 kickass ways to get through your holiday shopping in Chicago — sans malls! Hint: they’re our favorite shopping streets in the city…

Chances are, if you’re a buyer of Vinyl records or rare CD’s then you enjoy the hunt for music almost as much as you enjoy the music itself. It was with this mentality that I attempted to tackle every record store within Chicago city limits.

Uncle Fun is not your typical Toys R’ Us. It’s a gag gift utopia filled with nostalgic trinkets that kids, and the kid in all of us, can enjoy.

Here are 5 kick-ass Chicago bookstores sure to meet your reading needs and offer titles, events, and amenities that Borders could never provide.

This hip vintage shop in Pilsen has everything you need to look swank the next time you go out. And it doesn’t smell bad!

Check out some unique Chicago boutiques on Southport Avenue. Go for a leisurely stroll with friends, taking the time to check out every window display and boutique.

Every good neighborhood needs a good café with good coffee. Ally Brisbin, owner of Kitchen Sink Café, has created such a place in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood.

Hyde Park houses four prominent bookstores, The Seminary Co-Op, 57th Street Books, O’Gara and Wilson Ltd, and Powell’s. I went to figure out why they needed four.

Women come up with some pretty awesome ways to make money and contribute to their communities. Check out our piece on some of our favorite female-owned local businesses in Chicago!