Your Guide to Getting Warm and Affordable Coats in Champaign-Urbana

Trees are showing off their yellow and orange fur coats and you’re beginning to feel that cold breeze. If you’re new to Champaign-Urbana or the Midwest, welcome! Fall is here and winter is upon us.

For some, this is the perfect weather. For others, it’s already too chilly. Either way, it only gets colder and more unbearable from here. I was convinced I was not going to make it my first year here, literally. No jokes! I still don’t understand how people survive living in fridge and freezer temperatures. 

You probably already know this, but you’ll need a proper winter jacket soon to survive the impending deep freeze (trust me). The good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune to stay warm (looking at you, Canada Goose and Helly Hansen 👀). Here are some of the best places to shop for affordable winter jackets — organized by type of store, so you can find what fits your style and your budget.

Grocery & General Stores

Most people don’t think of grocery stores when shopping for jackets, but Meijer and Walmart are surprisingly solid for quick, affordable options — especially if you just need something simple before the real cold hits. While most people only think of Walmart or Meijer when they need milk or chicken, you can get a decent winter jacket here. Don’t expect name brands and quality can vary, but they’re solid for short-term use or as backup jackets.

And you should definitely check out Costco and Sam's Club if you have a membership (or know someone who does). Great deals await you here.

Expect prices around $30–$70 for basic winter coats. I recommend checking early in the season (like now) before sizes sell out.

Clothing Stores

If you want something a little more stylish without breaking the bank, head to TJ Maxx, Ross Dress for Less, or Burlington. These stores often carry name brands like Columbia, Calvin Klein, or Nautica at discounted prices. This is my go-to category (big TJ Maxx fan here), but Burlington takes the crown for the biggest winter section — they’re known for coats.

Expect to spend $50–$120, depending on the brand and warmth level.

Thrift & Secondhand Shops

Personally, I don’t vibe with thrifting — it stresses me out — but many people love it. Thrift stores can be goldmines if you’re patient. You might score high-quality jackets or even name brands for next to nothing. Plato’s Closet is a top choice for thrifting in town, but also check out Goodwill, Twice Is Nice, or Salt & Light.

Expect to spend $10-$50 for quality jackets. But please, go on weekdays for your own sanity — it’s less crowded and most of the good stuff is already gone by weekend.

Malls & Department Stores

Maybe discounts aren't your main concern and you care more about style, then head to the Marketplace Mall! Stores like Macy’s, Express, and H&M offer tons of jacket options — and you can grab a pretzel while you’re at it. You can still score deals around Black Friday or seasonal sales, but prices are generally higher here.

Prices should range from $80–$200, depending on brand and insulation. You can sign up for store emails which will likely land you a 10–20% discount code right away.

Shopping Online

When all fails or you’d rather shop from home in your PJs, check out Amazon or Old Navy online. While this does not necessarily count as shopping in town, shopping online is always an option. Amazon has tons of affordable winter coat brands (check reviews carefully). Brands like Old Navy or Uniqlo often run sales too. Look out for them! You should be able to get jackets for less than $100.

Wrapping Up

You don’t need to spend hundreds to survive winter in Champaign-Urbana, you just need to shop smart and early. Whether you’re grabbing one from Meijer, hunting for a gem at Plato’s Closet, or waiting for a sale at Burlington, there’s a jacket for every budget here. But whatever you do, do NOT cheap out on a jacket. You will freezingly regret it. 

Bundle up, stay warm, and don’t wait for that first snowfall to start looking — it sneaks up fast!