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Merz Apothecary
4716 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, United States
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Mi
Review №1

First time here the place has a lot of stuff you cannot get in a Brick and Mortar store, prices are reasonable too. Great place for men that use Straight razors or Safety razors. Lots of shaving soaps! Employees are friendly and professional, which you do not see much anymore.

Ka
Review №2

We were greeted the minute we walked in the door, got great customer service throughout the store. Our favorite spot was the perfume counter, we got to try so many perfumes, and never felt any pressure to purchase. Our visit was great from start to finish! Good job

Ar
Review №3

I love this store , they have so many awesome fragrances and nice stuff for your beard. The staff is very friendly and very helpful.

An
Review №4

An absolute staple and Chicago gem. I love seeing brands that are not as readily available in the U.S. When I asked about a product, someone even checked to see if there were any samples available! Lovely shop and lovely people, thank you Merz!

Ad
Review №5

I love Merz Apothecary. Actually this store is one of the reasons why I love to live in this city. I trust more in functional medicine, so I use this store to address my familys health needs very frequently. Most of the products are great quality.Im just sad that I cant find Heel products here any more and I greatly miss the Indian pharmacist owner, Abdul, who was really knowledgeable about nontraditional medicine and was really helpful recommending the right medicines. Although all the staff is very nice, since he retired nobody knows all the products and how to use them as he did. I hope soon Merz is going to be able to fill that void.

ma
Review №6

I love coming here its another happy place for me. I buy soaps that I love to smell on myself. They sell many other items like different flavored toothpaste. They sell many types of lotions, toothbrushes, combs, brushes, lip balms. They even have a connected building just for Mens. Beards tonics, shampoos, colognes. All for men. I didnt go on that side to take pictures. I was searching for a Tea Tree Soap. I had help finding ZUM BAR brand of Tea Tree-Citrus made with Goats Milk. It smells amazing. Only $5.50 A Bar of Soap. Then I found a Tea Tree Oil & Mint Dental Floss by Desert Essence. Thats what I bought today.

Ga
Review №7

Just the best products. I love that they have a good selection of traditional European items along with more luxury items as well. Going to Merz is always a treat.

Ch
Review №8

Mark was amazingly helpful. Great selection and well worth a trip when youre in town.

Ro
Review №9

What a great place. They carry so many very different products. I stopped in for shaving accessories due to the fact they have a very large awesome collection of various professional products.

Mo
Review №10

Yikes, first time shopping with them. and its been a horrible experience, terrible customer service, wont refund me for a terribly made product, or even allow an online credit. Very disappointed and will be spreading the word. I NEVER have issues with companies, and this one has been horrible.

Yu
Review №11

A few of the thousands great items Merz Apothecary has to offer. Ive been shopping there for the past 6 years and I can recommend their establishment with no hesitation. Super friendly staff.Thank you! 🔴

J
Review №12

I’ve been going to this place for over 10 years. From the first moment I walked in I’ve loved everything about it. The atmosphere, the smells, the customer service. It’s my happy place. I can’t always make it there because of the hours and now it’s a bit out of the way for me, but when I can, I make the drive over. They helped me find the ONLY skin care product that helps my dry, red, sensitive skin. I will forever buy this product and it will always be from there if I can get there. Thank you for helping me solve my skin issues

Sp
Review №13

Always an amazing shopping experience with hard to find international products and the nicest and most knowledgeable staff you will come across. I am able to find my most beloved body products and perfumes from Germany at a great price. Just the smells of the place when I walk through the door immediately take me back to memorable times I spent in Germany. Visit Merz, you wont regret it!

za
Review №14

Such an experience! I send as many people here as I can. A recent referral got 100% of his Christmas shopping done here in less than 30 minutes. Have someone you can never find a gift for? Come here. Incredible selection of hard to find items including German products I grew up with. Shout out to the salespeople who are super patient with fragrance purchases.

Wi
Review №15

Wonderful place. Clean, safe. Overwhelming amount of amazing products and wonderful perfume counter!

Jo
Review №16

I went in today to sample some fragrances and Dana was such a tremendous help. Merz is the place for niche fragrance in Chicago, hands down. Ask for her when you go, she’s got a nose and the knowledge to help you find your next signature scent!

Ka
Review №17

Merz Apothecary is so wonderful! Pre-pandemic, I would go to the store downtown. You walk in there and its like a different world from the noise and urban smelliness of downtown. Its just so wonderful. The employees are helpful and lovely. The products are equally so. There are things that I buy at Merz that I could buy from a bigger retailer, but I dont because I want to support them and their wonderfulness, especially now when small businesses are having a hard time, so I buy online. Merz Apothecary is the BEST! Love and all good wishes to everybody there! Love you guys.

Da
Review №18

I visited this shop yesterday after being curious for a couple of months. Great product and selection but could use a brush up on customer service. I called ahead to inquire about hours/products, the associate was kind and informative. Upon arriving shortly after, getting help was a bit slow, but another associate and a third sweet associate were EXTREMELY helpful and knowledgeable. There was a book suggested to me in which I was given a discount quote because it was damaged, after leaving these knowledgeable loves, I went to the other side of the store to check out, as it took a second to be acknowledged, figured they were busy, no issue. Fine. We get to the counter, as I’m being rang out, we come to the book (that is visibly damaged) And no discount is offered, still fine, I mention it, I was then given 20% off, although I was was informed by the initial associate it would be about 30% off. No problem, two different associates. I then inquire about the 30 being that was what I was told. The cashier then responds “ok, uhhh yeah I can do that, it’s just she’s not the manager though she’s an associate I am.” I’m not a fan of passive aggression if there was an issue of giving me the discount I wouldn’t have hassled, I was just reiterating what I was informed of earlier. I found this to be an interesting response? As well as unnecessary lol Though the encounter was standard pleasant, The overall tone was very matter-of-fact. I am a service worker and very much understand and empathize with the stresses of retail, especially during COVID. However, in this I also have a standard for customer service. As management should be probably be more diligent in assuring the staff/store is on one accord.Anyhow, loved my items and my earlier experience with the first two associates. Store is nearby, so I’ll probably try again.

st
Review №19

Incredible place

Ro
Review №20

Very helpful and knowledgeable. The physical store is also great for browsing and for gifts

Ma
Review №21

They are always super nice and help you out with what you need. It has been super easy to online order to curb side pick up during these times. I appreciate their attitude in these times thank you!

Ra
Review №22

What a local gem! Stopped by this morning in search of an all-natural shampoo. I have super sensitive skin, and have been struggling to find something that cleans my hair but doesn’t tear my scalp to shreds. The woman who helped me today was wonderful. She helped me find what I was looking for, and gave me a few samples to try at home. I will definitely be back; even if this shampoo doesn’t work, I know I will find one that does at Merz!

Mi
Review №23

Great selection of products, some that you can only find here. Staff was friendly and helpful. We live far, but my husband makes me go get him his face shaving cream and couple other things and I get something for myself each time. I think there’s something for everyone in here.

R
Review №24

When I visited Chicago I very much enjoyed shopping at this apothecary. Good thing I can still buy from them online. Visiting the actual store is a great experience

Di
Review №25

May 2020 I did not know about the curb pickup only. No line, not much business and it is also unacceptable to serve a customer in a need of just one remedy I needed now and could pay cash. I had to call their customer service and then come back some day again from however far was was coming from to get it. Very impolite and resolute tone. I will get it on Amazon. It’ll probably come faster than Metz. I am so sorry to keep losing faith in humanity.

Mi
Review №26

Good Products but staff could be nicer, Not everybody has as much knowledge about the items in the store- and it can be overwhelming for some, especially if they are looking for a product to help their health. Sooo let’s try not to be stuck up about it. Okay? Awesome.

Cu
Review №27

It would be impossible to praise this Old World style apothecary shop too highly. This is a true gem of the Windy City. They have an online presence through which they sell many of their products, some through Amazon. But nothing can beat an actual visit to this wonderful, magical store. Definitely worth a visit, even if all you do is pick up a $1 bar of heavenly-scented soap.

Jo
Review №28

Have you ever wanted to pamper yourself with an entire globe? You can do it here. Merz is a cozy old-world meets new-world apothecary with products from all over the world. It’s a place where you buy a few items now and make a mental list of items you want to buy the next time you visit. Sure, you could buy everything you wanted, but you can only use just so many pampering items at one time.

Di
Review №29

Absolutely love this wonderful store for its broad collection of aromatic perfumes, massage oils and essential oils. Ive been a long term customer here and Im impressed with their selection of European imported massage and bath oils at a very reasonable price. I always purchase their vanilla sample sized perfume which is just $5 here and twice as expensive at other stores in Chicago. I always shop here for something new and unique to try whenever I visit the Lincoln Square area and you should too! They even carry flower herbal tinctures here for holistic remedies and great toothpaste.

Ra
Review №30

Awesome place and great staff highly recommend!! Best supplements and natural products available and the staff is super knowledgeable in helping you find exactly what you need for your specific health and wellness

Sc
Review №31

Absolutely worth a stop here. They have all of the natural specialty skin and hygiene products you could think to search for. They have friendly service with sales associates who aren’t overly pushy. I’m looking forward to making this place a regular stop for men’s skin care!

Ma
Review №32

Been coming here for years. My life has benefited greatly from this natural, welcoming health alternative.

Te
Review №33

I cannot begin to tell you how much I love this place but Im not sure what is going on. About a month ago there was a lady who complained she was overcharged by 5$. The next time I went I was charged for a supplement but it was never put in my bag and at first I just thought maybe it fell out in my car but I by the time I searched a week past and I never found it but I just let it go and didnt inform them. I took a friend last week to introduce her to how AMAZING they are and she was shorted 32$ on her change. I dont know what is going on that this is happening a lot. I love this place and constantly recommend it to people but something is wrong.

De
Review №34

Merz closed on Sunday at Lincoln Square. That is not fair. I wish LUSH located at 4716 North LIncoln Avenue. They open everyday.

Ba
Review №35

HERBAL REMEDIES & AROMA THERAPY. THEY HAVE MANY GREAT PRODUCTS!

Iz
Review №36

I absolutely love Merz Apothecary! They carry the best selection of European health and personal care products that I can’t find anywhere else. Specifically, I love the Nivea products (they have the original ones from Germany!) and my dad and husband love the Pre De Provence shaving products. The staff is very knowledgeable and always willing to help when I have specific requests or questions. Even though it’s out of my way I try to go to Merz every chance I get to stock up on my favorites and always find something new and unique.

Fa
Review №37

There is very friendly staff there! There is a good assortment of soaps, and entire wall! The place has a really nice charm to it. There is anything you need from an apothecary.

Cy
Review №38

So so many German products, and a really great soap selection. The staff could have been a bit friendlier though. Otherwise really enjoyed the shop.

Ma
Review №39

Some of the higher end and lower end items are very pricey. However, the store is packed with variety and Ive had great help and conversations with many of the staff. I mainly go in to buy amber glassware but I recommend this place highly due to its wonderful atmosphere, supplements and beauty products.

GD
Review №40

One of my favorite spots. Helpful knowledgeable staff. I’ve recommended it to numerous people.

Li
Review №41

Very charming, old world feel with great products. I especially love the holiday soaps they have around the holidays!

Ma
Review №42

I love this store! The staff is helpful, and knowledgable. The atmosphere is warm and a little busy. The products are of amazing quality and difficult to find elsewhere (French skincare, loose-leaf tea, parfums). The prices are fair and competitive. I almost feel like I’m in a shop from Harry Potter when I step in here.

Ra
Review №43

Dear lord, so many grooming and hygiene options. Do you want a beard that brings a tear to your friends eye? They can help you with that. Do you want soft skin that smells of roses and feels impossibly clean? They can help you with that. Do you want to be introduced to products that you never knew existed, and leave you wondering how you managed without? Then this is your new Graceland. Walgreens and CVS are for children. Put on your big boy/girl pants and start shopping at Merz.

Li
Review №44

A walk into this store is like an aromatherapy treatment. My favorite go-to spot in Chicago to pick up a nice bar of soap, interesting toothpaste, a natural lip balm or alternative remedy. The tiny space is chock-full of different products, making browsing in this store is a true pleasure.

Kr
Review №45

Ah maifest- The perfect time for Merz to be closed.I personally like to close my store on 50% of the days that most people have off and especially during massively popular festivals which might have thousands in foot traffic. Too busy. Stressful. That’s not the Merz experience. It’s especially satisfying to watch some poor soul stand there, trying the door. Oh man, even if the sign says closed, they do still try. People are tenacious!Most stores are closed on Monday. Not mine. We’ve always been closed on Sundays and that’s how it’s going to stay. In fact, I think we might open up a trendy men’s section, just to watch people not be able to buy things after work. 6:15 pm is when you get off the train stop less than a block from our door? Nice try, buddy. We cater to the gentleman without employment.We have a legendary selection of products. We curate them daily. Only the best of the best… for you to look at through the window, because we are closed.Desire builds. We cater a mystique rarely desired by retail stores. We run a lean, tight ship. Plus, you know, re-printing that little sign with the hours is a whole thing.Yes, closed on Sundays and closed at 6 on the dot on weekdays. That’s how it’s always been and that’s how it’s going to stay. From now until the day we shut our doors for good.

Ke
Review №46

Best wet-shaving supply store Ive found to date in my area. Even better than their other location in the loop. They have a huge selection of soaps, creams, and disposable razor blades, as well as a great selection of straight razors, safety razors, strops, brushes, etc. Im glad its within walking distance of my current residence, and to be honest, it was part of the appeal of the area to me.

Am
Review №47

I love this place. There products are excellent and the prices are reasonable.

Je
Review №48

This place is my favorite place to walk through in Lincoln Square. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. They can sell me anything but Im not sure if thats a good thing. :/ Also a lot of the prices are cheaper than Whole Foods. Yay.

Me
Review №49

If youre looking for natural beauty and cosmetics, this is your place! Not only do they have great skin creams and soaps, as well as makeup, Merz is the best place to go if you need to cure yourself using homeopathic remedies. Whole Foods has a great selection and all, but Merz has everything that they have and more. Also, if they dont have it, they are more than happy to order it for you. If you have the time, just wander around this ages old store and check out all of the cool things they have to offer.

ke
Review №50

One of gems of Chicago. Most of my shower/bath/skin care supplies (such as Fa or authentic German Nivea) are from this store. I usually order online but store itself is great too.

Me
Review №51

I only wish it were easier to read about all the great product in here! This place is SHOCK FULL of goodies, it almost makes you dizzy. My recent trip was for essential oils and travel goodies for a trip to London and the guys who work here are super helpful. Well for me they have to be because I cant read anything in there! (its alittle dark but I like the ambiance). Its an old world store that carries oils, supplements, vitamins, beauty goods and on and on and one. Raw chocolates too! I wish I lived closer....

T.
Review №52

This store had great variety and good service. This is a good spot to shop. I have picked up some bubble bath for my wife and some essential oils as well.

Ab
Review №53

My wife loved this place. Its smells great and some products are expensive but you can also choose wisely. Nice place to think of giving gifts. Nice atmosphere!

Da
Review №54

I googled mapped this. Im giving this 5 stars because I could browse the selection of what this store has to offer, via the web. Thank you for offering a 360 degree view of inside your shop. This saves me time and transportation costs. I am not particularly seeking what this store offers, but I have bought similar items in the past. Ill keep this store favorited and in mind.

Mi
Review №55

Great selection of after shaves, shaving creams, other grooming products for men and women. However pretty pricy. Good spot to purchase items to try, then purchase more online once you are set on some

Jo
Review №56

What a magical place to poke around, a treasure box of surprises and little luxuries and pretty objects and things that smell good and make you feel good. I always want to take home the whole store.

Sc
Review №57

This is the ONLY place I go for beard products from now on. So many samples to try to ensure you and anyone else who might smell your beard appreciate the scent. Ive sent friends with beards since because dang girl.

Ra
Review №58

Amazing selection of baths and body products. They have some homeopathic remedies also. I go gift shopping here- they have something for everyone.

R
Review №59

Just excellent from the moment you walk in until you leave with more things you were not thinking about getting but you will since the brands they carry, youll never see them on other stores, exceptional customer service and prices. A must visit!!! Thanks again.

Sa
Review №60

Merz is European style pharmacy, or how we call it in Europe - apothecary.They sell variety of products: from skincare and makeup, to old school shaving colognes, as well as teas and other home remedies.The selection of organic and natural products is much better than Whole Foods. You will find brands here from around the world and a lot of items are imported from Europe.Due to size and shape of the store (long and narrow), Im sometimes unsure where to find which product or what method is used to organize items. If youre in a hurry, ask for what youre looking for instead of trying to find it on your own. If youre not in a hurry, well then be prepared for couple of hours of very relaxing browsing and label reading. Not a bad way to relax after work ;)This place does not accept AX.

Se
Review №61

Great customer service!Very knowledgeable Pharmacist. Thank you Jonathan for your advice and recommendations.

La
Review №62

Classy old time drug store with all the latest supplements and organic potions you can buy to stay alive forever without aging.

Ma
Review №63

Love the atmosphere and history of the store. Reminds you of what old lincoln square was! Only thing missing is walking down the street to the Brauhaus!

Al
Review №64

Rafaella was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, and the store has very high quality natural products

Li
Review №65

For anyone who loves, from low end to couture, body products. Get lotions for soft skin, soaps, toothpaste, items for the bathroom, oils and, most importantly, homeopathic remedies!

Ch
Review №66

Great place. I especially appreciated the generic brand of homeopathy made by Boiron. They are also very helpful over the phone. They will prepare things in advance to you can run in and out

Da
Review №67

Only place in Chicago (and, in some cases, the country) where one can find products given a perfect rating by the Environmental Working Group. And it has character. Lots of it.

PA
Review №68

I RESEARCHED HOLISTIC HERBAL MEDICINALS AND WAS ASTONISHED BY THE COLLECTION THIS UNIQUE STORE HAD FOR NATURAL REMEDIES...FOR THOSE OF US WHO VALUE HOLISTIC AND HOMEOPATHIC THERAPY THIS EARTHY AND NATURAL HERBAL SANCTUARY IS AS IT MUST HAVE BEEN IN THE GARDEN OF EDEN ... NO ILL WILL VENTURE INTO THOSE HEALING DOORS! 🤣P L BENDA. A TEN ON MY RATING!!! AMEN..

Wo
Review №69

Old school service used to be what set Merz apart from other shops. For years I have gone out of my way to support them because they were a local business and had knowledgeable employees. Now there only ever seems to be one guy there who has any idea what hes talking about and thats really only the homeopathic stuff. More often than not the answer from others is, I dont know, but it wont hurt to try. Not a good answer for someone who has allergies. I used to be impressed by the selection--Merz had items you couldnt get elsewhere. Now, I can find every strange and particular health and beauty item they carry online and with return policies that protect my wallet when I have an allergic reaction or discover inferior quality.The last few visits to Merz revealed dusty products and out of stock items. Most recently, when I double-checked I could return an item if I had a reaction, I was told if it was in a cardboard box I couldnt return it due to the cardboard packaging being torn and if it was in a tube, like the shampoo I was testing out, and I only used it once, I could return it. So as long as it looks new and is resellable I can return a product that gives me hives so it can then be resold? The next person pays full price for used product and gets one showers worth less?!! What the heck is going on here?There doesnt seem to be anything of value here to support locally anymore so Ill look elsewhere locally or Amazon that shizz.

Co
Review №70

Good selection of toiletries and pharmaceuticals

Ta
Review №71

Do not go owner will rip you off!!!I was promised a fix for my order and when I tried to redeem it I was verbally attacked by the owner and band from the store..

Ke
Review №72

I wish I could go there and see the Store in Person ;) Order online sometimes and love all the Items I get! wonderful!

Ma
Review №73

They have a great variety of products, the store is beautiful and well-organized, and the staff is very helpful.

ge
Review №74

This is a great store. All sorts of herbal remedies and tinctures to sooth the skin and soul.

Wa
Review №75

Good collection !!

Br
Review №76

Great, historical store with friendly, well-knowledgeable staff.

Em
Review №77

I love this store. Its my go-to for just about everything and the staff is incredibly helpful. I love everything about it.

Ra
Review №78

Amazing selection of body/health products from all price ranges. They also do a great job of meshing vintage and contemporary aesthetics.

El
Review №79

Fantastic place. Definitely worth visiting if you are looking for good products!

A
Review №80

I like products selection. But the hours sucks... if you done want me to leave my money in LUCKY SCENT then .. make later hours.... or at least sunday open ! I hate your hours of operating

St
Review №81

Truly unique store with excellent customer service.

Ka
Review №82

What a great place with a very helpful and knowledgeable staff! Its filled with wonderful treasures, beautiful scents and old world charm!

An
Review №83

Great place to find candles, soaps and any bath and body product. Love patronizing this mom and pop small business.Only complaint is that it is pricey.

Ma
Review №84

The greatest, Merz sells fabulous items that help with overall health and beauty, knowledgeable pharmacist and staff!

Mi
Review №85

Great store! Kirk at the razor counter is extremely helpful and knowledgeable with the products.

A
Review №86

My experiences with this shop have all been fantastic. I am a wet shaver and I have been finding countless reasons to keep going back in to the store to try new soaps, creams, and other essentials.

Al
Review №87

If this place didnt hurt the pocket so much...but then again the products are effective sooo it is usually worth the price.

Ad
Review №88

One of the best stores to go to in Chicago! I love the ambiance of the store.

De
Review №89

Lots of options if you are into old fashion shaving.

Es
Review №90

Great selection of homeopathic items, knowledgeable apothecary on duty, imported cosmetics and scent

Jo
Review №91

Merz is your one-stop affordable apothecary for all kinds of personal needs. From homeopathic remedies to skin-care to make-up to toiletries to parfumes, it houses it all. The prices are fair, reasonable and beat most chain stories like Whole Foods, etc. Stop in for the intoxicating aroma of botanicals and leave with a remedy to cure just about anything.

Ty
Review №92

Great mens grooming selection. Just ignore all the magic snake oil on the left side.

Lo
Review №93

Helpful staff and every fancy European toiletry you can imagine. Smells like heaven.

mi
Review №94

They even sell Arnica cream (made in German) that cures/helps for bruises (sport injury), it works like a charm! A must product if you or your kids are into sports

Ga
Review №95

Great selection of products, some hard to find items

Al
Review №96

Great customer service. I always find everything I need, and if it is not there, the store will order the item I need.

Sa
Review №97

Best place to find natural health items

Mu
Review №98

Love the store, do lots of my purchases here, if some kind of loyalty programme is introduced, would be even better, most of the staff is very friendly and helpful, except a few who are rude and judgmental.

Ra
Review №99

Expensive but we always find the best vitamins.

Da
Review №100

Great place, especially for wet shavers.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.7 Rating
  • Address:4716 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, United States
  • Site:http://www.merzapothecary.com/
  • Phone:+1 773-989-0900
Categories
  • Herb shop
  • Beauty supply store
  • Candle store
  • Cosmetics store
  • Pharmacy
  • Perfume store
  • Toiletries store
Working hours
  • Monday:Closed
  • Tuesday:10am–6pm
  • Wednesday:10am–6pm
  • Thursday:10am–6pm
  • Friday:10am–6pm
  • Saturday:10am–6pm
  • Sunday:10am–6pm
Service options
  • Curbside pickup:Yes
  • In-store pick-up:Yes
  • Delivery:No
  • In-store shopping:No
Health and safety
  • Mask required:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
Planning
  • Quick visit:Yes
  • Transgender safe space:Yes
  • LGBTQ-friendly:Yes
Payments
  • Debit cards:Yes
  • NFC mobile payments:Yes
  • Credit cards:Yes
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