This is by far the biggest mall in the area. Its pretty outdated, the paint job looks like it was done by a Saved by the Bell fan. More likely or not you'll find what you want, and usually at a pretty decent price. The environment to this place just sucks, the people shopping here suck. Don't come here during the holidays, its packed like crazy, people always walk too slow. The mall is one gigantic hallway, and you can get stuck walking behind a family of 20 walking 1/2 MPH halfway across the mall. Not to mention all the ghetto teens walking around thinking they are bad ass, and the 14 year old girls dressed skanky as shit. I don't recommend this mall unless you know exactly where to park, what store you are going to, and what you are getting. If you don't, then just expect to be wandering around for a few hours felling depressed about society. read more

Gurnee Mills is undergoing renovations and it seems like it is going to be pretty nice once it is done. My hubby used to live nearby so we went fairly often, and it was fine but nothing special. Recently went back with the kids for something to do on a rainy day and it was better than I remembered. Keep in mind that its a mix of regular and outlet shops, so you aren't necessarily going to find the best bargains ever. If you are looking for something specific and you can't find it somewhere here, I don't think you are going to find it. About every mall store you've ever seen is here, plus lots of major anchors like Kohl's, Sports Authority, Bed Bath and Beyond, etc. Macy's is coming soon too. Yes, it is ridiculously busy on the weekends, but its also huge so it's possible to find spots that aren't overrun with crazies. The kids play area is cute, Chicago-themed, but rather small. Overall, as much as I'd love to hate Gurnee Mills, its actually a good destination when you are bored and its not that nice outside. read more

I pretty much feel violated every time I come here. The number of people that push, shove, and "accidentally" run in to me is in the dozens when I go to this mall. Security is too busy riding around on scooters to zip through a group of mall rats or questionable individuals. There is a nice selection of stores but it's kind of half outlet, half normal mall so I can see how that may be perplexing to people. The layout is heinous, and I suggest you wear comfy shoes. As previous reviews have stated, you cannot just circle around to where you started. Instead you must double back to find where you started your journey. read more

I accept Gurnee Mills for what it is - a time-sucking wasteland of mass-produced goods, a desolate concrete jungle of trashy mallrats, suburban Joneses, and trios of navy servicemen and women pretending they are back home in what amounts to Blah Mall, USA. We came to Gurnee to take advantage of a good deal on a weekend stay at Key Lime Cove. We arrived a couple hours before our room was ready, so we went up here to the "outlet mall." It's not an outlet mall. One "Off Fifth" Saks store does not an outlet mall make. We found one decent sale on shoes. That's it. So...it's a mall. There are a couple anchors surrounded by lesser chains. It's the same clothes you'd get in any other mall in any other state. It's the same kids doing the same gum-popping better-than-you posturing. It's the same stroller-wielding soccer moms running over your heels. It's the same....oh, forget it. IT"S A MALL. read more

I keep oscillating from a 3 to a 4 star rating but I seem to be thinking this place is a 4 rating overall and here are the reasons why. It's a huge indoor (very key from Oct. - late May) mall that has all the stores that you like along with a variety of different types of food choices. The parking lot is immense and the mall itself is striving to improve its tenants. For example, Macy's and New Balance were good additions. Note my only complaint: The families come in droves on Sundays (after church) and the kiosks in the halls create "choke" points/bottlenecks so you'll find yourself walking slowly for a quarter of a mile behind people with strollers. There's a really good Mexican food court option - see my review for Taqueria Dona Ana and a churro booth as well! You have people from Lake county, the Northshore and Great Lakes Navy personnel all converging to shop here so it's an interesting mix of people. read more

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I remember when they started the construction of Gurnee Mills back in the late 80s and didnt open until 1991. Now it's been 22 years since that mall has been open it's kind of time to refresh it a little with more modern things to keep up with the times. Also security is a joke out there because half the teenagers that come there are not there to shop, but to hang out since there's very little for them to do aside from the restaurants. For those who don't know the North Shore area you do need a car to get around since public transportation is limited. One Yelper did say that there's limited stores for men and endless stores for women. That gives you some idea as to who shopping malls cater to. My saving grace are only the places I like going to since I am not a woman that cares to shop for clothes very much and prefers to only shop for what is needed and not because it's something that I want. As far as it being an outlet mall it's not and if anyone says it is needs to recheck themselves when the real outlet mall is another 15 minutes away in Kenosha, Wisconsin. There's nothing "outlet" about Gurnee Mills. I also know that you will be tired after 2 hours walking around the mall even the most in shape people are winded after being on their feet for 3 hours walking around the mall. Surprised that Gurnee Mills hasnt seen a decline in stores like many malls have over the last 10 years due to the increased usage of the internet making shopping much more convenient for people to be in the comfort of their own home to shop online with a major credit card. The only good thing about Gurnee Mills is that it provided jobs in the area for locals who didnt want to go up to Kenosha or into Chicago for a job. read more

I'd like to leave 0 stars but that's not an option. My son and his friend (age 17 and 18) went to Gurnee Mills this weekend with his friend's mom and while shopping, they were told they had to leave the mall. I'm so confused as to why?!?!? I'd love an explanation because it seems very rude and presumptuous that all teens are bad. Luckily the mom was there so they didn't have to leave. Very insulting. Gurnee Mills will never get another cent of my hard earned money. Very sad. read more

I thought the Gurnee Mills Mall was absolutely fantastic. Very clean property with a HUGE selection of stores and an even bigger floor-plan. Still, it's not very easy to get lost because the layout is great. As I have said in another review, we don't have very many great malls in the city - Water Tower Place and Block 37 - so coming to Gurnee Mills Mall was one of the best parts of our weekend away. Seriously, there is A LOT to do here, I regret not setting aside a bit more time to explore. I must comment on the layout of things as most stores were grouped together with like stores. Because of this, I found it very easy to find everything. Also, there were so many big name restaurants located throughout the mall that we had such a hard time deciding where to eat! On a side note, one of the coolest things is that entrance with all of the mirrors on both walls on either side. You can look at yourself and see your reflection a billion times haha. read more

Wow--what a crap hole. Stores keep closing their doors but none come in to take their place. I think they are suggesting that they are green because they put a little drawing of a shopper on a cfl light bulb at all the entrances--but this place is NOT sustainable. Nor is it an outlet mall. Doesn't look like they care about retaining tenants. If they survive the year I will be shocked. The township should grab hold of this place and do something with it. Why isn't Northern Lake county more concerned with sustainability? One walk throught his mall and you wonder--just who are you trying to fool--this town is failing miserably. read more

Really big mall with an impressive amount of stores and different brands everywhere. I like the fact that the big stores and restaurants are connected as well! read more

Ahhhh Gurnee Mills you were the "It" mall when you opened back in 1992 with your sprawling hallways, bizarre carnival/circus/train themed decor, and wide selection of stores that were no where else to be found in the Northern IL/Southern WI region. What has become of you Gurnee? Last time I visited you I greeted by a parking lot full of potholes, inside I saw a massive store called "Fun Fins" where one can obtain a fish pedicure (if you are squimish please divert your eyes when you walk past), a reptile petting zoo, a candy store called Fuzziwig's, and a Cinnabon rip-off eatery dubbed Cinnamonster. So why do I still return to visit you Gurnee? My reasons are as follows: 1. Off Saks 5th Avenue 2. Banana Republic Outlet 3. Neiman Marcus Last Call and 4. I never pass up an Auntie Anne's pretzel. For my convenience these four places are in relatively close proximity to each other. Everything else in your hallowed halls is garbage. RIP Fannie May Outlet store... read more

So I first want to say that I am speaking from a tourist's perspective for anyone who is a resident of this area. My sister lives by this mall and everytime I came to visist she mentioned to me that this mall was decent. Nothing too crazy because well it's an outlet mall. I didnt think twice about going because the first time I went, 5 years ago, it was decent. I came here a few days after Christmas because my sister needed a last minute gift and I was blown away. What an imporvement this mall made within the last 5 years. They have a vary selection of stores from Forever 21 to Ralph Lauren. Even outlets that you do not see a lot like Abercrombie & Fitch. I would definitely go back next time I am in town read more

I see all the negative reviews and I wonder what has happened to my favorite mall. I came here quite often during A-School for the Navy. This was in 2002, so my review reflects those times and my experiences. This mall is shaped in a huge Z as Carolynne R points out, and the length from one end of the mall to the other takes forever. Guess what? Who cares? Judging by the outside of this mall you should anticipate walking long distances. Hell, go grab a canoe or kayak from Bass Pro's Fishing shop and paddle your ass down the hall. I love how lazy people have gotten in America. People..........if you think this mall sucks......come to Massachusetts or New Hampshire. Gurnee Mills will be like the Four Seasons of malls upon your return. I'm guessing things have changed a bit due to the economy and people not being as materialistic as they once were..........but sorry this mall still stands high in my book. The wide selection of stores will keep you occupied even if you don't buy anything. read more

Their directory signs are electronic and most don't work to swipe and help you find a specific store or restaurant quickly. Their signage leaves a bit to be desired, nothing at individual store entrances to tell you what stores are near that entrance. There are signs at the end of the outside drive, but still not clear to tell you which entrance will get you close to your desired destination. While they have a wide selection of stores, some stores have very few employees so you can't get help or have to wait at the one register that is open such as in Sears this weekend. read more

Gurnee Mills = okay. You usually get what you're paying for, cheaper priced items for cheaper made products or out of season items of name brand stores. They have quite a large selection of stores and you can easily make it a whole day thing there. Overall, okay prices, a lot of stores, big indoor outlet mall. read more

I don't know why this mall got such poor reviews it's really not that bad at all! I wouldn't necessarily consider it an outlet mall, while it does have outlet stores it has regular ones too. It's a good place to go if you want to just walk around and browse. I've found a few great things here, though sometimes it's hit or miss just like with any other mall. It's a big mall yes, but sometimes it's good to get out and walk! Adding in that they are updating this mall quite a bit with some new stores! Express, Kenneth Cole and Vans are all new or soon to be opened. Great place and I'm happy to see them taking care of it. I feel safe here especially when I know my security guards are zooming by on Segways...even if I laugh a little as they go by. read more

Phil from Harvard, IL was spot on in his review of Gurnee Mills. The high point of Gurnee Mills lasted from 1991 to about 1995. The concept of an enourmous indoor shopping complex is declining rapidly and this is a prime example. From the days when I used to visit with my high school freinds, Gurnee Mills has somewhat of a nostaligic edge. It now resembles somewhat of an over-priced Swap-O-Rama, complete with designer-imposter sunglass carts, belly ring kiosks and corn/churro stands. If I hadn't brought my parents here, I would not have come in the first place. I'd like to remember Gurnee Mills like an old friend, just remember her for the memories, not for what she has become. read more

Gurnee Mills just opened Macy's in the southeastern wing which is where Rain Forest Cafe is located. They've remodeled the southeastern wing and it looks nice. They're currently working on a new food court which looks luxurious and are also opening a few new stores down there as well. It seems like the remodeling will be attracting a lot more people now. read more

This mall is so much fun!!! great deals/finds and plus such a great walk if you like walking around. it has just about everystore you can think of for an outlet mall. not a bad deal to shop here. I recommend. read more

Gurnee Mills - Entrance - Shopping Centers Near Me - Gurnee, Illinois

Thumbs down. BOOO Gurnee Mills!! There are a hand full of decent stores, but for the most part it's crap. Don't let the big sign by the high way fool you, it's not really an outlet mall. The majority of the stores are not outlets. Want a REAL outlet mall? Keep driving slightly over the border of Wisconsin & go to Prime Outlets in Pleasant Prairie. I once had a stalker at Gurnee Mills, he told me he liked to watch me at work and asked me to go to his car with him (now maybe if he said he had candy...). I was working at DEB at that time. My manager (and the "mall security") said 'OH WELL too bad!' Wonderful people, no? I would like to point out that the Bath & Body Works in the mall takes the cake for most not nice employees at a B&BW. Jerks. This one star is for the girls at Torrid. They are so wonderful and helpful. I would probably drive out to Gurnee from Chicago just to go to this Torrid. read more

You like big malls? How about 1.7 Million square feet of retail space that sprawls over 326 acres of land? This mall in Gurnee, half way between Chicago and Milwaukee is huge by any standards. If you like to shop, you will be in hog heaven. If you like to eat, there are twenty eateries to choose from including a rainforest cafe that has everything but resident pygmies. Wanna see a movie? You can probably find something worth watching on one of the 20 screens. I like to walk, and head out to a mall when it is rainy or too cold. Be prepared to do some schlepping if you come here. I still have not seen the whole place. And since it has opened in '91 it has inspired whole flocks of neighboring stores to open, turning Grand Ave. in Gurnee into one consumerist wet dream. People travel from miles around just to walk and shop and gawk. People watching is great here. If you don't have ADD before you come, you will have it when you leave :) read more

Horrible, the security thought we stole a t-shirt and they threw my 12 year old brother on the ground and hand cuffed him, twelve cops came and searched him, an hour and fourth five minutes later they said he wasn't the guy and let us go without even apologizing, he was traumatized from it and we will never go back, even before this happened I didn't like the place, it's full of people who don't speak English well and try to sell you cheap plastic items for 10 times what they are actually worth, they have no where to sit down and they charge so much for food, we went to the arcade and all of the games were either broken or turned off and the ice rink was closed for no apparent reason. The whole place is falling apart and just feels like an enbarresing sad cash grab. read more

Gurnee Mills is where clothes come to DIE. Hence that weird funk a previous reviewer mentioned. This does not seem like an ordinary outlet mall. I just don't get it. I've been to plenty of outlet malls where honest outlet stores sell their previous season items or merchandise overstocks. However, I feel like every store I go to in Gurnee Mills is some kind of polyester ode to the 70s. No, I do not need an XXXXXXL polyester tracksuit, thank you very much. Stick to the movie theater and non-outlet stores and you'll be fine. But overall, I wouldn't recommend a trip to Gurnee Mills to even my worst enemy. And please wear deodorant if you plan on wearing polyester. read more

Great Mall! Filled with tons of your favorite stores, mostly outlet versions, so you're sure to get a good deal! Make sure to wear your walking shoes, this place is quite large! read more

You would have to be insane to come here by car. Instead take the metra and the bus and your heart will thank you. The last time I came here was with my mom. We got lost and since the place is freaking huge and beckons to the shopaholic, that is exactly what we did. "Can't find the car? Oh well SALES OMG!!!" At least that was my mom. My five year old butt ended up hauling like 7 bags back into the mall at that point. Fast forward to present: I worked at Six Flags so I came here once to kill time: Kohl's had the entire line of Vera Wang's collection intact which I was surprised by. I also fell in love with a Dior dress all over again at the Saks 5th Outlet. Sak's outlet store is huge and I wish I had more time to look around. I might be back if visiting friends out there but not too likely. read more

The Mills- Well, its decent for being in the Lake. You wont find a lot of high end stores. Only a few. Typical Mall experience. Oh....and you will find me here 5 out of 7 days. Yep, lucky me. I work in the Mall. Well to be honest I LOVE my job. And enjoy a lot of the other mall employees ;) read more

This mall is longggg. We came here on Memorial Day weekend and it wasn't busy at all. Probably due to the hotness outside. The shops inside weren't places that is unfamiliar to anyone. There were many independent shops which offered a different sense of style/taste from the ordinary. There were two food courts but it didn't make sense that these were located at the ends of the mall. I wouldn't make my way out to this mall if it wasn't in my area. read more

Based on a recent visit to this mall, it looks like they are doing some upgrades - including adding new stores (some already open). The mall overall is pretty good, i've managed to get some great deals from some of the stores here. The mall layout is kind of odd though, its basically a "Z". And there's only one floor. This means if you start on one side and go to the other - you'll be back tracking thru the mall past the same stores to get back to your car (unless you go outside and walk around the mall). Not sure why they designed it like that, makes for an annoying walk back especially when it's packed. read more

The mall has been renovated with a new Macy's which is very modern and a full price, upscale shopping wing. My hope is that Simon Group (Mall owners) brings these fantastic renovations to the other wings. I also see that the Food Court near Macy's is being transformed and they are bringing a Red Mango yogurt place in soon. Gurnee MIlls does need better food options, as there are only so many Chinese Chicken joints one can take! The Mills needs additional full service restaurants as well. Rain Forest is extremely touristy/expensive and the fast casual Ruby Tuesday is the only other options. Bottom line is this mall was once becoming irrelevant and steps have been made to vastly improve the mall! Highly recommend. read more

If you are a clothing shopper or love to window shop, this is a great mall for you. There is something for everyone, especially if you like to casually walk around. Prices today, New Year's Day, were great at most stores whole others appeared lower until you walked in and saw the price ticket. I did get some good jewelery ideas, though. read more

Just love love love this place! I bought a large number of doughnuts and brought them to work out in the western suburbs. They were a big hit! The favorites were the fruity pebbles and red velvet. read more

I laugh now because when I first moved to Gurnee (disclosure...from CA!) I was so excited there is a mall! Then I went there after dark. Just kidding....sort of. Let me sum it up for you: it's dubbed as an outlet mall, outlet malls attract all walks of life. The outlet stores are just that...of course the selection is going to be picked over! The parking lot is trashed because it hasn't been redone in who knows how many winters....two? three? It doesn't take long for asphalt to go to junk after the wonderful winters here. If anyone traveled to GM last winter, you would know that the parking lot mirrors the same massive potholes that Grand Ave. offered last winter. In defense to the store selection, they have added some newbies and it's not all that bad. Bottom line....GO and you may be surprised! read more

Once upon a time, in a galaxy far far away, there lived a sparkling new outlet mall in all its glory, full of new and exciting stores and offering some of the most grandiose shopping experiences around the whole land.... Now is not that time. I remember as a kid my family would drive down from Milwaukee so the young ones could go to Six Flags and the grown-ups would go to Gurnee Mills. No one wants to go here anymore. The stores don't offer much variety anymore (though I do like H&M) and there seems to be a high turnover rate of failing stores. Security blows lately. The food court is older than sin and yes Asian food is good and all, but I would like to taste something other than chicken every once in a blue moon. The saving grace is the fact that Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World is attached to this place...I love that store/empire of everything man. Afterthought: why do they call it an outlet mall. Weird. read more

Meh. Mall could use mall more regularly main stream stores especially since the Kenosha outlets are so close. Addition of Macy's, Kohl's, Chicago Woodfire Pizza and Buffalo Wild Wings are nice additions. Would like to see some others. They need to lose some of the tacky t-shirt and junk stores. Somewhat difficult to navigate unless you are really familiar with the stores and layout. Overall, mall decor needs updating. read more

Gurnee Mills is a huge shopping center. They're sorely lacking in anchor stores, it seems, although the relatively recent addition of Sears Grand has helped. The selection is eclectic. You have high-priced specialty stores right next to somewhat slummy outlets. Gurnee Mills has, in the past 1-2 years, remodeled many of the interior spaces, although it still has an overall older feel. I suspect more remodeling is to come. One very nice feature is that the stores have signs describing their options. This is great if you aren't familiar with the stores, and since the Mills caters to tourists, it makes sense. The signs also clearly state what sizes stores carry, which is a boon for a plus size gal like me. If you're also a gal in the size 16 and up category, the Mills has recently added both a Lane Bryant and a Torrid. Both stores are trying to fit the "outlet" feel by offering extensive sale racks. If you're a gamer, the Gamer's Paradise in the Mills almost always has a BOGO-type sale going. The main complaint I have with the MIlls is that it is poorly organized. As others have pointed out, the design is not conducive to easy "in and out". It has roughly a "Z" shape, with entrances at the parallel parts of the Z. The food courts (a part of the mall that tends to get short-term visitors) aren't easily accesible from any entrance, and signage is deceptive about their proximity. In particular, you can't even get to the movie theatre entrance from inside the mall. You have to walk a very long hallway (albeit with interesting mirrors) to the outside, then go in the theatre entrance. Point being, if you're planning to spend the day, this won't bother you. If you're a local (or semi-local) trying to do your normal shopping, it's an annoyance. Overall though, the Mills offers some great stores that can be hard to find elsewhere. read more

If you're looking for great Outlet mall prices, this is your place. I grew up next door and loved the Hollister, A&F, American Eagle (not an outlet though), and the like. It can get very busy, especially with the humble minorities and sailors from the Great Lakes Naval Base (in other words, don't visit during the Holidays). There's also an ice rink, plenty of food varieties at the food court (eat at your own risk, I've heard stories), movie theatre, mini-adventure zoo and other attractions. read more

Gurnee Mills - Gurnee Mills Mall - Shopping Centers Near Me - Gurnee, Illinois

Definitely some good prices on stuff especially shoes, but I guess I was expecting more. It really was nothing more than a regular mall. Its huge, so expect to spend some time here if you are not her for something specific. It is unique in that is has two food courts and skating rink, but the outlet mall in pleasant prairie and Aurora are better. read more

Whoa! This is like two malls in one took me hours to get through it! It boasts 2 food courts. Restrooms are very clean. So many shopping options. A lot of navy personnel walking around. Really great sales while I was there. Plenty of activities and entertainment for children. read more

Gurnee Mills is so fun to walk around in. I don't usually like malls but this one is so fun. I love the candy store and the Auntie Anne's store. read more

Gurnee Mills is an absolutely huge mall. Depending on who you talk to, it's either a discount mall, an outlet mall, or a travel destination. It's not a discount mall, the prices are more expensive. It's not an outlet mall, that's about ten or twenty miles north, Prime Outlets in Kenosha. So... I'll give it a travel destination, because there are interesting stores like Outdoor World and Rainforest Cafe. We've been visiting it for many years, once or twice a year. It can be a very frustrating place to visit, because it is designed like the letter "N". If you park at one "end" of the mall, you're stuck walking all the way back through the mall at the end of your shopping day. There used to be some areas you could park where you'd be near an end but also near one of the bends, but these spaces are now mostly consumed by large stores. Sadly, stores seem to be going belly up. The economic downturn might spell the end for this monstrosity, because once it loses a critical mass of stores to attract people, I'm thinking attendance will plummet. I would find GM much more attractive if they would solve the walking problem, like maybe connecting each endpoint to the more distant bend (making a square out of the N). However, I wonder if the day of the mega-mall has passed, and I suspect that the facility is more likely to just close at some point, a monument to failure. read more