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The Big Apple is one of the best shopping destinations in the world, rivaled perhaps only by London, Paris, and Tokyo. Its compact size, convenient subway system, and plentiful cabs (or Uber or Lyft rides) make it easy to navigate with plenty of bags in tow. But what it really comes down to is the staggering number and variety of stores. If you can't find it in New York, it probably doesn't exist.
If you like elegant flagships and money is no object, head to Midtown, where you'll find international megabrands like Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent, and Gucci, as well as famed department stores Bergdorf Goodman and Barneys. Nearby Madison Avenue has couture from Carolina Herrera and Vera Wang, and 5th Avenue is lined with famous jewelry stores such as Tiffany, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Harry Winston. This is also the neighborhood to indulge in bespoke goods, such as handmade shoes from John Lobb. If you like designer pieces but can't afford them, don't despair—there are plenty of upscale consignment shops around the city where you can find last season's Chanel suit or a vintage YSL jacket.
The small, independent shops that once lined SoHo have largely been displaced by the likes of J.Crew and UNIQLO, but if you want to hit the chains, this is a great place to do it, because the neighborhood also provides high-quality people-watching and superb lunches. Poke around on the side streets and in nearby NoLIta for outposts of smaller local and foreign designers and, if you're craving some of old SoHo's artistic spirit, don't discount the street vendors' stalls, which sell handmade jewelry and simple cotton dresses.
The East Village and Lower East Side are hotbeds of creativity and quirky coolness, with little boutiques selling everything from retro furniture to industrial-inspired jewelry. They're tucked among bars and old tenement buildings. The Meatpacking District is another great shopping destination to find chic designer stores like Diane von Furstenberg and rag & bone along with independently owned boutiques. And if you jaunt over to Brooklyn, you'll discover that some of the city's hippest designers are hanging out at boutiques just across the East River.
If you truly want to be well-heeled, pick up a pair of these luxury shoes, whose prices start at around $1,200. Founded in England over 150 years ago and owned by Hermès since 1976, John Lobb offers classic styles for men, such as oxfords, loafers, boots, and slippers. Bespoke shoes are also an option.
Since 1994, this two-floor resale and consignment shop—the oldest such shop in America—has been selling items from top labels, such as Missoni, Etro, Prada, Chanel, Chloe, and Ferragamo, for a 50% to 90% discount off their original price. The items are high-fashion vintage and modern dresses, separates, jackets, and handbags, with some previously owned by socialites, celebrities, and models for everything from fashion magazine photo shoots to charity balls. A separate room displays shoes and boots, and there are seats for try-ons.
Curvy girls celebrate their figures at this offshoot of Milanese fashion house Max Mara (which has a store next door at 813 Madison Avenue). Shoppers will find form-flattering knit dresses, wool trousers, and coats that are tasteful and luxurious, as well as sportswear and more.
Step into this emporium of eclectic home goods from around the world, and you might feel like you've found your fantasy-land nest. An astounding array of colorful rugs, antiques, textiles, furniture, and bedding, including sleek sofas and Balinese daybeds is spread over several floors. The ground level is a chic marketplace of antique stemware, ceramic tableware, fine jewelry, and wellness products. There are no less than three in-house restaurants from Jean-Georges Vongerichten, which are destinations in their own right. The selection of unique jewelry on the first floor is wonderful, if you're looking for a gift.
Arguably the best place to buy fragrance in Manhattan, this lovely-smelling boutique's superknowledgeable staff help shoppers find the perfect scent. High-end (and predominantly European) brands like L'Artisan Parfumeur and Astier de Villatte are stocked, along with luxurious skin-care products, pricey candles, and room diffusers.
If Victoria's Secret is too tame for you, try this British-based lingerie shop, which has a naughty twist. Showpieces include corsets, lace sets with contrast-color trim, bottoms tied with satin ribbons, and some fetish-type leather ensembles. A great selection of stockings is complemented by the garter belts to secure them.
Archestratus is one of those rare neighborhood gems that becomes a true community hub—particularly for hardcore foodies. More than a tiny bookstore specializing in cookbooks and culinary writings, it also offers a well-curated selection of kitchenware and groceries, from pastas to tinned fish. There's also a small children's reading section and adequate meeting space for their culinary- and literary-inspired events. While their sit down café component is no longer open, they still offer daily artisanal sandwiches to go.
Stock up on wine, spirits, and everything else alcohol-related at this sprawling, below-sidewalk-level shop; it often has the bottle you can't find anywhere else. Among Astor's other assets are a wine library, a kitchen for cooking classes, and a tasting most evenings.
For over 10 years this Queer, female-owned adorable bookshop in Queens has served as a central hub dedicated to supporting local authors and promoting the literary arts. It’s a refreshing alternative to the big-box book stores and online giants, especially with their in-store speaking and author events. While you're browsing bestsellers, indie titles, nonfiction, poetry, and well-curated staff picks, consider RSVPing to read a tale of your own at their popular Storytelling Show, a free open-mic-style reading series. Alternatively, you can opt to attend one of their author events, which are generally free of charge, but require an RSVP.
Competitive prices, vast inventory (new and used), and a fair return policy make this bustling emporium a favorite with both pros and amateurs looking for audio and video equipment, new cameras, computers, or tech accessories. The store's event space also hosts stellar instructional seminars, usually live streamed. Be sure to leave a few extra minutes for the checkout procedure; bear in mind, too, that the store is closed early Friday afternoon and all day Saturday. B&H is also known for its ingenious, ceiling-height, conveyor-belt system to move packages.
Yes, you can find dance shoes here for a tango competition, pointe shoes for an aspiring ballerina, or tap shoes for your secret wannabe life as Fred Astaire or Ginger Rogers. But this shop for men, women, and children in the shadow of Lincoln Center is also a great resource for super-comfy sneakers and walking shoes that provide TLC to your tootsies whether you are in rehearsal or just walking to or from errands or sightseeing, and at half the cost of the tip-of-the-tongue brand names. You can pick up leotards, tees, and other necessities for dancing or the gym as well.
Only a few stores in New York occupy an entire city block, and the uptown flagship of this classic New York retail institution is one of them. The main floor is a buzzy, glittery maze of mirrored cosmetic counters and perfume-spraying salespeople. Navigate past this dizzying scene to find good buys on designer clothes, shoes, bedding, housewares, and more. In true upscale Bloomie's style, in-store personal shoppers will help you score styles for yourself (or gifts for others) like a VIP.
Readers young and old delight in Manhattan's oldest and largest independent children's bookstore. The friendly, knowledgeable staff can help select gifts for all reading levels. Don't miss the extensive Oz section, plus the collection of old, rare, and collectible children's books and original children's book art.
For many New Yorkers, this downtown fixture is the place to hunt for the mother lode of discount wares. Seven floors are crammed with everything from designer shoes to half-price cashmere sweaters to high-end housewares, though you have to sift through racks and fight crowds to dig out the gems. Devoted shoppers with ample time can uncover some dazzling finds, and early birds can beat the throngs. Don't miss the children's section either, or basement-level luggage bargains.
If you're on the Upper West Side or in Downtown Brooklyn, you can check out more discount shopping at the other two locations, at Broadway and 66th or at City Point, respectively.
The designs in this swoopy, gold-adorned space consistently push the fashion envelope with brash patterns, unlikely juxtapositions (tulle and neoprene), and cuts that are meant to be thought-provoking, not flattering. Architecture students come just for the interior design.
The dishes, china, and glassware for resale come from all walks of crockery life, including corporate dining rooms and failed restaurants, so you never know what you might find. Fishs Eddy also sells its own lines of dishes and kitchenware, which have both classic and whimsical looks. The shop is a great place to pick up New York–theme gifts such as mugs and trays.
