Found a cool place with lots misc. shaving stuff in downtown Chicago--but pricey
I found out that Merz Apothecary has a location in the Palmer House, one of the grandest and oldest Chicago hotels, in its lobby. Merz has been on the north side of Chicago for over a century and opened this store (approx. State and Monroe). Since I work in the loop, I wandered in and they have all kinds of cool shaving accessories--no straight razors though--shaving soap, creams, after shave, lotions, alum blocks, bay rum, DE razors and supplies and other things. I enjoyed browsing--which they seemed happy to let one do. Their prices are kind of on a level with Art of Shaving and a bit too much for me, but I bought a small Royall Bay Rhum for an outrageous price (2 oz at 28--ouch) but the largest size seems more in line (55?) with other places. The Clubman bay rum bottle, however, was 6.99--pretty close to the Walgreen's price. They do have a web site. I'm certain it is pricey because of its location. Fun to check it out though.