A line curved around the streetwear boutique Half Evil in Wicker Park on Black Friday, with many shoppers opting to visit small businesses instead of big box retailers.

One of Keri and Baron Smith’s first stops was Half Evil, a Chicago-based retailer on North Milwaukee Avenue. The two had been in line for about 20 minutes and said it was slow-moving — but they were excited for the shopping experience. The store was selling some T-shirts for $13.33, as part of a Black Friday sale.

“This is more local, more unique, one of a kind,” Keri Smith said.

The Smiths had already been to vintage store Round Two, less than half a block north, and got “some good deals,” Keri Smith said. The store, 1501 N. Milwaukee Ave., was having a 20% off sale on Black Friday.

Keri Smith said she plans to shop on

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