When booking a holiday to New York City, there’s one thing that’s guaranteed to be on your agenda – serious shopping!
NYC is renowned for its fabulous stores and great prices, with an eclectic choice that’s guaranteed to get any shopaholic’s pulse racing. The hardest thing is knowing where to start in a city where there are shops on every street corner…
For the bargain hunter…
Century 21
This four-storey department store is a real New Yorker favourite. Think TK Maxx-style discounts (plus the currency is also usually in our favour) but with a more department store experience. You’ll find clothing, shoes, homeware, beauty and much more. Plus you won’t just find the likes of your Levi’s discounted; you can also save $$$ on big names like Armani and Marc Jacobs!
Chinatown
If you look hard and are prepared to haggle, the markets in Chinatown are a great place to bag a bargain on knockoff handbags, scarves, watches and fragrance.
For cool high street style…
Soho
The Soho shopping strip takes a couple of sessions to get around – or multiple coffee stops for an energy boost and to rest those feet! It runs from Broadway west to Sixth Avenue, and Houston Street south to Canal Street and is full of stylish high street stores to fit with any shopper’s style and taste. You’ll find everything from H & M to Ted Baker to J. Crew. Into skating and urban style? Yellow Rat B****d is a must-visit.
Union Square area
Like Soho, Union Square has a whole host of great fashion stores such as high street favourite Forever 21, and Le Petite Coquette for gorgeous lingerie.
For department stores to get lost in…
I’ve managed to get some great deals at NYC department stores like Barneys, Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s. Their designer stock suits all budgets, and they have some of the widest collections you’ll find in the city. The seasonal window displays at Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue are also a must-see!
Tip: If you’re planning a spending spree in Macy’s or Bloomingdale’s, I suggest visiting the customer service desk upon arrival, where you’ll be awarded a 10% discount off your shopping!
For tourist gifts and browsing…
Times Square
There’s not much here for the serious shopper, but there are some fab stores which are an experience in themselves – from Hershey’s to M &Ms World, and Toys R Us. Touristy gift shops are also in abundance. It’s a great place to shop in the evening, as stores are open late and the atmosphere at night is really something special. There’s also a whole host of spots you can enjoy dinner at.
For shopping like a star…
Reserve some time to shop Fifth Avenue, 57th street and Madison Avenue – even if you don’t have the budget! I love to browse the window displays and people-watch. You’ll find shops from Versace and Chanel to Tiffany & Co, as well as more upper end high street brands you can indulge in, like Victoria’s Secret and Banana Republic.
Happy Shopping!