The best local shops in Lake County

“Retail chain specializing in greeting cards, gift wrap, ornaments & gifts for all occasions.”

“Chain selling trendy casualwear, shoes, accessories & loungewear for guys & girls.”

“Apparel chain offering fashionable clothing for women, men & kids, as well as shoes & accessories.”

“Retail chain selling brand-name clothing, shoes, accessories & housewares at discount prices.”

“Retail chain specializing in greeting cards, gift wrap, ornaments & gifts for all occasions.”

“Retail chain stocking discounted clothing & shoes for adults or kids, plus home decor.”

“Since 1988, Griffith Jewelers has paired fine jewelry with a personal touch, from custom designs and engraving to watch and clock repair that actually brings heirlooms back to life. If you want thoughtful one-on-one help, these are the folks who remember your name and your style.”

From the Gary newsletter, September 7, 2026

“Retail chain offering home goods, clothing, electronics & more, plus exclusive designer collections.”

“Chain with a wide range of clothing for the family from jeans to loungewear, plus fun accessories.”

“Dear Dani Boutique has that right-now mix of cozy layers and standout basics, from cardigans and flannels to jeans, dresses, and sneakers. If you love personality pieces, their custom graphic tees and sweatshirts are a win, with hats, bags, and jewelry to finish the fit when you're out around Merrillville.”

From the Merrillville newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Women's clothing chain for current fashions in a range of sizes, plus footwear & accessories.”

“Green is Good by Kate turns the farmers’ market ethos into everyday eats, think salads, wraps, and soups built around seasonal, local ingredients. Perfect for Merrillville folks who want something fresh without the fuss, it’s the kind of spot you start craving on busy weeks.”

From the Merrillville newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Katie Rose Boutique brings a bright, inviting vibe with an impressively curated lineup of favorite brands, now in Munster and Crown Point. Expect easy styling ideas, pieces that play well together, and a shopping experience that actually feels gracious... Monica keeps it fun and close to home.”

From the Merrillville newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Belle Ame Boutique keeps it fun and wearable with denim, easy layers like cardigans and kimonos, bralettes, bags, beauty, and jewelry, all curated with a confidence-first vibe. When you want a quick style pick-me-up close to home, this Hobart boutique delivers.”

From the Gary newsletter, September 28, 2026

“Jewelry chain featuring a variety of necklaces, rings, customizable charm bracelets & more.”

“Lover's Lane - Schererville has been a local go-to since 2005 for lingerie that actually fits, plus Romance Specialists who guide without the awkward. Expect a wide lineup of intimate apparel, toys, and massage essentials, private fitting rooms to try things on, and inclusive vibes where sexy is a feeling.”

From the Schererville newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Retail chain offering brand-name clothing, accessories, shoes & housewares.”

“Jewelry chain featuring a variety of necklaces, rings, customizable charm bracelets & more.”

“Women's apparel chain offering workwear, dresses, casual clothes & accessories in classic styles.”

“For Hobart backyard celebrations that need a little wow without a lot of guesswork, Phantom Fireworks of Merrillville stocks everything from 200-gram and 500-gram repeaters to reloadable mortars, fountains, sparklers, and low-noise options.”

From the Hobart newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Since 1954, Boric Religious Supply has been family-run and quietly outfitting parishes and families with everything from clergy shirts, albs, and chasubles to altar breads, candles, chalices, incense, and tabernacles.”

From the Schererville newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Teen-oriented retail chain for a large assortment of games, snacks, jewelry, room decor & more.”

“Chain retailer offering trendy, brand-name clothing & shoes, plus gear for skate- & snowboarders.”

“Jewelry-store chain offering wedding sets, plus gemstone pieces as well as watches for men & women.”

“Retail chain stocking discounted clothing & shoes for adults or kids, plus home decor.”

“Chain retailer known for housebrand women’s lingerie, plus pajamas, loungewear & beauty products.”

“Retail chain with a variety of Western & work-related apparel, shoes & accessories, plus gifts.”

“Retail chain with brand-name athletic shoes, clothing & related accessories for men, women & kids.”

“Sporting goods chain with equipment, apparel & footwear for athletics, outdoor recreation & fitness.”

“Trendy retail chain selling casualwear & accessories for young male & female adults.”

“Mall-based retailer offering ear-piercing services, earrings & a range of other jewelry.”

“Chain retailer offering a huge selection of fine jewelry, including diamond wedding rings & watches.”

“Retail jewelry chain featuring engagement rings, timepieces & designer collections.”

“Chain featuring a wide range of brand-name athletic footwear, clothing, hats & more.”

“Chain retailer offering a wide variety of diamond & precious jewelry in classic & designer styles.”

“Women's fashion retail chain for designer dresses, knitwear & denim, plus shoes & accessories.”

“Retail chain selling brand-name clothing, shoes, accessories & housewares at discount prices.”

“Chain with a wide range of clothing for the family from jeans to loungewear, plus fun accessories.”

“Retail chain offering home goods, clothing, electronics & more, plus exclusive designer collections.”

“Entertainment retail chain selling new & pre-owned music, movies & video games, plus T-shirts.”

“Retail chain specializing in bridal gowns, prom dresses & formal wear, plus related accessories.”

“Retail chain stocking stylish casualwear, including jeans & shoes, plus accessories.”

“Retail chain selling brand-name streetwear at a discount, plus accessories, shoes & decor items.”

“Swank Boutique Resale + Consignment keeps the racks loaded with curated secondhand gems from Anthropologie, Free People, Eileen Fisher, Kate Spade and J. Crew, in sizes XS to Plus. Swing by to score a unique statement piece or consign those once-loved finds, then brag about your thrifty fashion karma.”

From the Gary newsletter, October 13, 2026

“Feline Community Network & Cat-Themed Gift Shop is the rare combo of feel-good and actually-fun. Browse candles, apparel, treats and cat essentials, hang with the gift shop cats, and meet adoptable felines. Every purchase helps fund food, medical care and second chances through this local nonprofit.”

From the Gary newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Whether you need a candle, a cheeky coaster, barware, kitchen goodies, or something for Little Indie’s kid crowd, Indie Indie Bang Bang nails the fun-meets-thoughtful vibe with men’s and women’s accessories, gadgets, and inclusive greeting cards. There’s even a gift registry when you’re feeling extra organized.”

From the Gary newsletter, September 22, 2026

“Ashley Stewart is the local go-to for Gary wardrobes seeking stylish plus-size fashion in sizes 10-36, with trend-right dresses, comfy matching sets, a Tall Collection, and the beloved Signature Jeans. Great for workdays, Sunday best, or date night... basically anytime you want compliments without sacrificing comfort.”

From the Gary newsletter, September 21, 2026

“Need a quick mood upgrade this week or something thoughtful for a neighbor, The House of Elegant Florals in Gary creates standout vase arrangements, sympathy pieces, corsages, money bouquets and custom designs that actually feel personal.”

From the Gary newsletter, October 14, 2026

“Taraya Boutique LLC runs a simple, scroll-and-shop boutique that puts the spotlight on fashion pieces instead of the fuss. When your closet needs a quick lift for date night, brunch, or a random Tuesday, their online shop makes snagging something stylish feel easy for folks here in the Region.”

From the Gary newsletter, October 7, 2026

“Chain retailer stocking trendy clothing for women, including clubwear & party dresses.”

“Family owned since 1997, East Chicago Floral & Gift Shop keeps the region covered with fresh-cut bouquets, green and blooming plants, balloons, and plush add-ons, plus same-day delivery across Northwest Indiana and most of Chicagoland.”

From the Gary newsletter, September 1, 2026

“Chain retailer carrying a wide selection of trendy brand-name & designer sunglasses.”

“Flower shop, delivery provider and event supplier for bouquets, centerpieces and arrangements.”

“Eco Chic Boutique is the local go-to for new finds and upscale consignment, with favorite labels, unique jewelry and accessories, and sizes from petite to plus. Swing by this week when your closet needs a pick-me-up, from work-ready looks to something wedding-worthy, and maybe snag that Magic Scarf gift.”

From the Hammond newsletter, August 21, 2026

“Locally owned flower shop creating arrangements for all occasions, including weddings and funerals, plus seasonal items.”

“Chain operation that buys & sells gently used items for children, including clothes, shoes & toys.”

“Outlet chain selling brand-name apparel for men, women, and children, plus home goods.”

“Katie Rose Boutique is serving the shopping experience you deserve, with a bright, gracious vibe and an impressively curated mix of favorite brands. Now open in Munster and Crown Point, it’s perfect for a quick style pick-me-up when your staples need fresh energy.”

From the Hammond newsletter, August 30, 2026

“Mall-based retail chain offering novelty goods & apparel, plus a selection of adult products.”

“Pretti Unlimited keeps Merrillville looking polished with confidence-boosting pieces and Lashes by Shay D, from classic and hybrid to volume and mega minks. If you want a quick outfit glow-up then bat your way through the week, this is your one-stop for feel-good boss energy.”

From the Merrillville newsletter, September 5, 2026

“From Hoosier-proud decor to fun Indiana-themed gifts, Sweet Home Indiana is the spot for hometown charm. Check out their classes and craft nights this week for an easy creative pick-me-up, and leave with something you actually want to show off.”

From the Hammond newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Full-service florist crafting arrangements for special occasions, including weddings.”

“Whether you need a just-because bouquet or a proper sit-down with scones, Merrillville Florist and Tea Room does both beautifully, with custom floral designs, elegant tea service and made-from-scratch meals.”

From the Gary newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Full-service florist offering arrangements, gifts, and plants for special occasions.”

“Retail chain specializing in greeting cards, gift wrap, ornaments & gifts for all occasions.”

“From shops to kitchens to field crews, Cintas Uniform Services handles the whole uniform routine with weekly pickup and drop-off, then returns everything clean and ready. Pick from Carhartt, flame-resistant gear, chef whites, even cleanroom apparel, and get a simple rental setup that actually saves brain space.”

From the Gary newsletter, September 6, 2026

“Retail chain offering home goods, clothing, electronics & more, plus exclusive designer collections.”

“Store selling fireworks for wholesale and retail, including hard-to-find items.”

“When your backyard show needs more than sparklers, Krazy Kaplans Fireworks has aisles of 200-gram and 500-gram cakes, artillery shells, rockets, fountains, and safe assortments, plus staff who actually walk you through the effects so you get exactly the boom you want. Multiple nearby spots keep it easy.”

From the Calumet City newsletter, September 11, 2026

“Jewel-Osco in nearby Munster has a legit Floral department for last-minute bouquets, plus wedding flowers and custom cakes that make party planning easy. Add deli favorites or fried chicken to the plan, then use DriveUp & Go or delivery when you realize you forgot dessert, again.”

From the Calumet City newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Whether you’re dodging the oven this week or planning a small spread, Strack & Van Til has you covered with deli and prepared foods that are actually good. Order ahead for bakery cakes, catering when life gets busy, and Shop by Diet picks that make gluten-free or vegan a no-brainer.”

From the Gary newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Calumet City folks know the drill, Nick's Cigarettes is an easy hop over the line with eight Northwest Indiana locations and a one stop spread of beer, wine, liquor, and tobacco. Quick in, quick out, with plenty of choice when you’re restocking for the week.”

From the Calumet City newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Eco-minded chain with natural & organic grocery items, housewares & other products (most sell wine).”