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"This is a unique experience that you must have. This is unlike any other store in Chicago."
— Karen R. via TripAdvisor -
"What a delight!"
What a treat browsing through the aisles of Merz Apothecary! It takes you back to a different time when a drug store actually gave you good advise and they knew the products they sold. Merz also stocks a fair amount of European products that are hard to find in the US. Do yourself a favor and avoid the chain drug store just once and drift into Merz. You won't be disappointed.
— Heidi S. via TripAdvisor"What a discovery!"
Stumbled onto Merz Apothecary when showing husband around Palmer House HIlton (reliving first trip to Chicago 30 years ago). What an amazing store! If we'd been checking luggage on our flight I would have bought so many lotions and potions, great selection of creams and gels from, especially, England. As it was I indulged in powders, and it was a great if expensive little discovery.
— Carolyn S. via TripAdvisor -
"One of the world's 12 best boutiques!"
— United Airlines Hemispheres Magazine"Stepping in here is the closest thing to time travel."
— Goop -
"Makes me actually like shopping."
This place is so much fun, sometimes I come here to cheer myself up. It has bitter tinctures from the Alps, 100's of candles that don't stink, mints with flavors I never heard of, and so many things I never thought I needed but I actually got excited about having and giving. It's a givers paradise at all price points. I am a regular and I love the experience of the being in the store, but I also seek out the Smallflower.com for online purchasing. Have fun, I know you will!
— Ann W. via TripAdvisor"I love Merz."
It's hard to remember the first lucky day I discovered this gem of a store. I've introduced both daughters and my brother to the many riches within. Wonderful hairbrushes and combs. The best nail clippers. Exquisite perfumes and oils. Natural products for hair, skin and teeth as well as items for what ails you. Get lost in the aisles of quality products for women, men and children. Moustaches and beards? Pocket breath items? Candles? Let the kind and helpful staff guide you. Did I mention the riches of soaps? Pine for after working out. Egg white for facials. Saffron with an elephant motif. There's so many hidden treasures to discover. I've built my collection of favorites and added. Traveling? Here's reason to check a bag with the oils and potions you'll be bringing back. I can't say enough about this jewel of a store.
— Diane W. via TripAdvisor -
"Approachable and not overpriced."
Wide selection of products that tend to be more difficult to find; yet very approachable and not overpriced. All of the staff is always helpful, and genuinely wanting you to leave with what you were looking for!
— Brooke D. via Facebook -
“A neighborhood staple.”
I've been coming to Merz ever since I was a young adult. I'm of German descent and I'll often visit and call my German momma to ask what she needs, and there is always something on her list. The space is cramped and that just lends to it's charm. The staff is helpful without being overbearing or pushy which is a lovely combination. They have a wonderful selection of European toiletries and homeopathic products for all of your healthcare needs. The staff is very knowledgeable about their products and will recommend a good solution to whatever ails you. The addition of Q Brothers next door is awesome. I get all of my needs met and have been introduced to some new brands and products that have become staples for me, along with my old standby European products that I've been using for years. This is a unique experience that you must have. This is unlike any other store in Chicago. It's a must visit location.
— Karen R. via TripAdvisor“Merz is THE place in the midwest where you can touch, smell, see these things in person before you buy.”
I was staying at the Palmer House not knowing Merz, that shop I had read about, was merely a few floors below me. I love my shaving ritual. It's my 'me time" and i like to experiment with soaps, brushes, razors, etc. Merz is THE place in the midwest where you can touch, smell, see these things in person before you buy. It's always a roll of the dice buying an aftershave online based on reviews, but when you can take sniff, dab a bit and know exactly what you're buying it's a no-brainer. Needless to say, I spent more than I planned to, but I have no guilt. I love Merz Apothecary and I wish there were more shavers like me to justify a brick and mortar store in my town. Keep up the excellent work!
— Ted W. via TripAdvisor -
“One of a kind.”
I love coming here to get gifts for the ladies in my life. The selection of soaps, lotions, and other necessities is outstanding. And it's not just for women; they have a great selection. Of men's products too. The staff are extremely helpful and friendly. I visit every time I visit Chicago.
— Joel M. via TripAdvisor“Terrific for shaving supplies.”
If you are into traditional wet shaving, this is your place in Chicago. The prices are better than Art of Shaving, and the selection is very good. Lots of shaving soaps, brushes, double-edge safety razors, and after-shaves. They also have a really nice selection of double edge blades, but you need to ask for them. They keep a basket of tucks (maybe 30 varieties?) in a cabinet. They'll pull it out for you, and you can make a selection. Prices are comparable to what you'd pay online, not jacked up. The location is next to the Palmer House hotel, and the shop has been in existence since 1885.
— Charles A. via TripAdvisor
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"A neighborhood staple for decades."
This place has been a neighborhood staple for decades. They have introduced me to Avene, Nateur, and so many others. I love the exploration that this store offers. And I enjoyed talking to the owner who has been faithfully working on bringing us great things since the early 1970s!
— Andrea H. via Facebook
