First Floor

When you come in the front door of the Economy Shop, turn right and enter the Gift Room! Whether you’re looking for that just-right gift or a little treat for yourself, this is the place to start. We have mugs of every description, glassware, dishes, decorative boxes, vases, photo albums and frames, table linens, greeting cards and stationery, costume jewelry, baskets, candles, knick-knacks, and many other surprises. Our shelves are always full, so come in and browse.

Sharp or shabby chic – whatever the look you’re after, you’ll find it in the Better Coats and Dresses Room on the first floor. We carry formal and bridal wear, dresses in every length and fabric, better blazers and suits, dressy blouses and sweaters, and seasonal coats and jackets in a wide variety of sizes. You can even find a vintage mink now and then. Famous labels such as Evan Picone, Liz Claiborne, Ellen Tracy, Talbot’s, Bill Blass, and London Fog are our regular stock in trade. Rest assured that all of the garments we offer for sale have been carefully scanned to ensure your satisfaction.

Better Gifts – better than what? Better than paying retail, that’s for sure. We receive generous donations of beautiful items on a weekly basis. There’s always something new to see. If you’re looking for a gift for someone special (even if that special someone is you), you’ll be sure to find it here. In the past, we have had items such as new Waterford glasses and vases in their original boxes, collectible pieces of costume jewelry, original works of art, and fabulous Irish linens. Lovely vases, candlesticks, mantle clocks, and gorgeous sets of china that would cost a fortune at the department store are here in Better Gifts at a fraction of their original cost. That’s just to name a few of the items available! Who knows what treasure you’ll uncover this season? You’ll always find something that you just have to have, so you’d “better” hurry, shop early, and shop often to get the very best of what the Better Gifts Room has to offer! We’re located on the first floor of the shop.

The Lingerie Room on the first floor has lingerie, of course, and so much more! You can expect to find bras, panties, slips, nylons, and pantyhose, BUT we also stock nightgowns, pajamas, robes, bathing suits, workout gear, casual pants, shorts, Bermudas, t-shirts, camisoles, turtlenecks, socks, maternity wear, leisure wear, and thermal underwear. Prices range from 50 cents to $12, with the majority of items costing $1 to $3.

The Casual Room is located on the first floor of the shop. Here you can find blouses, skirts, pants, sweaters, t-shirts, and jeans. In addition, we carry blazers, two-piece coordinated outfits, and seasonal outerwear. We even have a special section for extra-large sizes. Displayed according to season, our apparel is for everyday wear with the emphasis on working women. Be sure to check out our fabulous special sales throughout the year!

The Children’s Room on the first floor at the back of the shop is a wonderful place to find good quality, reasonably priced clothes for children. For infants, there are useful cotton sleepers, “onesies,” and layette items, as well as beautiful outfits that have hardly or never been worn. For toddlers, there is a bottomless supply of t-shirts, shorts, leggings, sweatshirts, pajamas, and so on in all colors and adorned with every possible child-friendly character. For older boys and girls, we have a wide selection of everyday durable clothes that mothers love, as well as dressier items, such as sport coats, button-down shirts, and dresses. In addition, appropriate seasonal items are available, including raincoats, bathing suits, winter coats, school uniforms, and Halloween costumes.

top of page

Second Floor

Are you moving, redecorating, or setting up your first apartment? If you are, don’t miss our good buys for your home in the Housewares Room. We are located upstairs in the front of the Economy Shop. We carry pots and pans, mixing bowls, casseroles, serving trays, bakeware, small appliances, and a multitude of kitchen utensils. We also have bedding – sheets in all sizes and colors, pillows, bedskirts, pillowcases, blankets, comforters, and bedspreads. And for your windows, we have lovely curtains and draperies. There are also many different sized tablecloths, napkins, and placemats. Stop in and see us for all of your household needs.

If you’re intrigued by the concept of buying and selling antiques and collectibles on eBay, but you don’t want to pay dealer prices to acquire your stock, then visit the Antiques Room situated on the shop’s second floor. We are often the first stop for dealers and collectors who appreciate our varied merchandise and reasonable prices. Coro jewelry, old coins, copper housewares, silver candlesticks, Hall teapots, English bone china, and Austrian crystal are just a few of the many treasures our customers have discovered on our shelves. See for yourself what makes this room a shopping destination.

Why settle for merely presentable when you can be simply stunning? One trip to the second-floor Accessories Room and you’ll be hooked on finding just the right bag, that perfect scarf, or the ultimate belt to spice up your wardrobe. Bargain Coach? Affordable Gucci? This is the place to find it! We also have a large selection of reasonably priced purses, evening bags, briefcases, and totes; women’s belts, scarves, and hats; and small items like hair accessories, cosmetic bags, and wallets. The change of weather brings seasonal specials such as winter mittens or summer beach bags. In addition, our room offers vintage handbags for collectors, great dress-up clothes for kids’ play, and wonderful costumes for actors.

The Shoe Room on the second level carries a full line of next-to-new children’s, women’s, and men’s shoes in many sizes and styles. Bedroom slippers, party shoes, every day wear and athletic shoes are special bargains, usually priced from $1 to $3. In November, we stock a large assortment of winter boots. From outrageous to sensible, elegant to earthy, we display an ever-changing supply of attractive, comfortable, reasonably priced shoes for the family. Try us on!

There are bargains galore in the Menswear Room on the second floor. Men of all ages and sizes can outfit themselves from head to toe right here. You’ll find brand name suits, sport coats, blazers, slacks, and jeans – even a tuxedo or two. There’s a wonderful selection of sport and dress shirts, pullover and cardigan sweaters, jackets, and coats. Finish off with a spectacular silk tie for as little as $2! We also carry belts, hats, gloves, scarves, socks, and underwear. Convenient one-stop shopping and great prices – what more could a man want?

top of page

Basement

The Basement or lower level of the Economy Shop has bargains literally from floor to ceiling. We have something for every room in your house and then some. From rugs to radios, lamps to luggage, furniture to frames – it’s all here! In addition, we carry sporting goods, hardware, home health care equipment, artwork, gadgets, baskets, and knick-knacks. Just think of us as K-Mart, Menards, Sears, Ace Hardware, and Best Buy rolled into one convenient shop. Our merchandise is always changing, so if we don’t have what you’re looking for this sale, we’re bound to have it at the next.

Are you looking for a special gift for a child of any age? Come to the Toy Department on the lower level and you’ll be amazed at our selection. We have puzzles, games, dolls, cars and trucks, stuffed animals, pull-toys, and so much more! Teachers, home-schoolers, and day-care operators will find a variety of educational aids. Do you collect trolls, baseball cards, Happy Meal toys, whatever? Then indulge your passion without the guilt of overspending. Most items are priced at less than a fourth of the cost when brand new. Each month we will have a featured special. Donations of gently used toys that work and are complete and clean are always appreciated.

The new and improved Sewing Department is located in the basement. We are bursting with fabric, notions, patterns, and buttons! In addition, there are craft supplies, how-to books, unusual yarns, and needlework kits. Learn a new craft without spending a fortune. Many of our items are vintage and will appeal to the collector. Teachers, scout leaders, theater/dance groups, check us out! If you have an ounce of creativity, we have a ton of supplies for you – all at bargain prices.

Mystery, music, magazines, and more are yours to discover when you visit the Book Department in the northwest corner of the basement. Join the readers – children, scholars, teachers, parents, and book hounds – in the never ending search for “another good book.” Try a new cuisine with a selection from our extensive cookbook section. And we don’t forget the music lovers (CD, cassette, and LP), video watchers, and computer users who frequently find exactly what they have been seeking. Come to one of the last used book shops in Oak Park and see what treasure – from vintage to best seller – will make your day!

top of page