Henri Bendel

Yes. Yes. YES!
Retail at its FINEST! I absolutely love Bendel’s. For many reasons. But the two most important is obviously my obsession with Gossip Girl, but also because of their delicious candles. They have the best smelling candles that rival many of the luxury brands I usually purchase from. I love the peony, gardenia, beach, and velvet oud candles. What is awesome is that they are all designed to mix when lit so you can create your own unique fragrance for your space.
I have 483 sq ft studio and two of these candles burning simultaneously fill up the entire space. And it smells like heaven. Literally. I also love the staff here! It is only a matter of time before they know me by name. The past couple of times I have visited Bendel’s I had the best conversations with two of the associates whos names I have forgotten. One of them went through many different ways to pair the different candles — which scents worked best together, etc.
I also love the jewelry here. I could never wear any of the pieces, but they are impeccably designed. And a little sparkle never hurt anybody. I just love it here.

Disappointed.
My last day in Chicago, I really wanted this simple Henri Bendel card slot wallet. I didn’t have time to make it out to the store so I called them and they were nice enough to place my order and ship the wallet to me in California. They also boxed it very nicely (hence the two stars). For these two reasons alone, they would have deserved a five star rating, however when I opened the box I was very disappointed.
The wallet was clearly used. There was a stain type patch (the size of an average thumb, right on the front of the wallet. I wiped it off with warm water and a towel, it went away. A couple hours later the stain reappeared. What the heck!!! So now I have this wallet with a permanent clear glazed stain. Also, the part of the wallet where you insert cash was bent outwards. As if someone had already shoved large bills in there and attempted to take the money out with their ungracious hands. I set the wallet under some of my HEAVY law books and even after a few days of leaving it there it was still bent outwards.
I understand that there are Henri Bendel locations in California and I could have taken it to return it those locations, but the nearest store is about 45 minutes to an hour from me. And regardless, when ordering a product from a certain store I expect to receive and unused, tightly packaged product. I shouldn’t have to go out of my way to return or exchange a product because this store owner decided that this used wallet was acceptable to resell. Just because I am not physically there to see the condition of the wallet does not mean that it is acceptable to take short cuts and hope that the customer (me) will not care about receiving a used wallet.
I visit Chicago often because my sister lives there, but I will definitely not revisit this location. I will also ask my sister to not revisit this location (she purchased the same wallet while at the store) and her friends not to revisit.
Well done Henri Bendel, you have lost our business.

Such a great shop with beautiful accessories and bags. Very pricey but it is so worth it. The staff are very friendly and willing to help with advice or recommendations. I will be back!!!

This is such a great boutique. They have a variety of super cute handbags, totes, wallets, IPAD cases, dog accessories, travel bags, jewelry and the best scented candles. This has become my «go to «spot for gifts. Oh and not to mention the staff is super friendly and helpful.

LOVE their accessories! Everything is so darling and the staff is super friendly.

For what is essentially costume jewelry and accessories that I would categorize as being trendier, of-​the-​moment, the price points here are certainly at the higher end of the spectrum, more on the order of Kate Spade. At one point, I picked up a cross-​body handbag in robin’s egg blue, thinking this would be a fun addition to my spring closet and less pricey than the Chloe that I’m currently coveting. I was a bit taken aback to find it was north of $ 400. For this, I could go up a couple of levels in Water Tower to the Coach store, to get a bag that would not be redolent of HB branding and probably last me more than a season. The merchandise this spring is of a higher level than what I’ve noticed the past few seasons on my occasional trips in here.
I recall stopping into the Henri Bendel flagship when I lived in New York City and it seemed like the prices then were more in line with the type of merchandise being offered, though that has been some time ago. On my latest visit here a couple of weeks ago I was on a mission to source accessories to elevate a dress that I had planned on wearing to an upcoming event. I ended up with a necklace that is a ringer for a J. Crew necklace I was eyeing. I justified by saying that I could pair this necklace with a few pieces already in my closet, though it was interesting that I ended up shelling out more for this necklace than if I’d bought the one I’d seen at J. Crew to begin with. Perhaps the fact that this one has rose gold was the ‘secret sauce’ to use an overused business phrase, as the other version had a gold undertone that would have looked brassy within a season or two. Though not a regular on my shopping rotation, HB is a good spot to check out once in a while, though those who find themselves easily swayed by salespeople would do well to steer clear of here.

I love their candles! I’ve placed them in every room. Heaven.

What a cute store specializing in jewelry and accessories. There was so much to choose from, and all at affordable prices. Like a treasure chest!

I had the pleasure of attending the opening of Henri Bendel and from the store opening until now (almost one year!) Henri Bendel has been a bright spot in the Chicago shopping scene!
Their store is adorable and reminds me of a boutique edition of the flagship store in Manhattan. While their space is drastically smaller, Bendel’s selection is still incredible and they carry almost every item from the website.
Shopping at Henri Bendel is just so fun. Great gifts for girls and great «what the hell I’m buying this it looks beautiful» pieces to choose from.
I must warn you that Henri Bendel is a bit addictive – so proceed with caution while shopping.

I can’t believe I haven’t reviewed this place. Yes! Finally HB is back!
I’ve stopped in several times since opening its doors again in Chicago at Water Tower place. I can’t rave enough about the staff. Super friendly, super helpful, and just plan fun. They have a nice selection of accessories and cute gift ideas for friends or yourself.

Great and interesting selection of accessories. Helpful and sincere customer service without being annoying or hovering while you shop. Very enjoyable!

Didn’t get the memo that Henri Bendel had opened in our little section of the universe and was pleasantly surprised to see it the other day. The collections range from trendy leather cuffs with Henri Bendel studs on them to classic, sophisticated hoops. You also have all the branded little bags and such that were pretty cute as well, but the truth is you’re here for the jewelry.
Careful, ladies, the beautiful accessories and general aesthetic of this place will having you drinking the HB kool-​aid and leave you with a maxed out Visa before you have a chance to come to.

After over a decade Henri is due back on Mich Ave. Opening in Water Tower mid November. Just in time for holiday shopping.