New York City Shopping

More of an institution than a department store, Barney’s is your Midtown must-visit for everything from Armani to Adidas. The reputation is well and truly lived up to; it’s as much about the experience as it is actual shopping, so get your Rachel Green on and pay the the stores and window displays of Barney’s a visit. Tired out from all that store-hopping? Pricey-but-worth-it Fred’s, on the 9th floor, is the place to go.

After high-end gear but not so sure about the high-end price tags? Century 21 is the best place to pick up designer fashion for a fraction of the price. Fancy yourself as a bit of a bargain hunter? Head to Century 21 for discounts on discounts (up to 65%) on clothing, shoes and accessories as well as homeware and beauty bits from some of the best brands going. Top tip: get there early to avoid the inevitable crowds.

It’s one of New York’s ‘Big Three’ department stores, and there’s no way you haven’t heard about it. For the Saks experience, head to the flagship on 5th Avenue, founded in 1924. Better yet, the higher floors are a whole lot more relaxed and a whole lot more exclusive than your average department store – make sure to check out the famous bridal boutique (if only for the experience) and the designer boutiques. Better yet, the fifth floor offers an incredible view of the Rockefeller Centre.

Less about big designer brands and more about trendy but casual street-ready gear, Kith is going to be right up your alley. With brands like Supreme and New Balance as well as lesser-known street brands, even the hippest of hipsters will find something to set them apart. The monochrome decor here lets the apparel speak for itself – look no further if you’re hunting down the latest trainer release.

This iconic 1899 luxury shopping establishment is definitely going strong. Inside the women's and men’s stores you’ll find design houses like Chanel, Alexander Wang, Paul Smith and Jimmy Choo all under one roof, and right by Central Park. If you’re looking to refuel, high tea at BG Restaurant on the 7th floor is unmissable and has great views, too – if you can, try to nab a wingback chair by the window.

Sports fanatics, you can’t exactly go shopping in New York City without stopping by the NBA Store, now, can you? Find footwear, apparel and accessories as well as other merchandise for all 30 teams – there’s the perfect souvenir for any NBA follower.

Avid comic readers can’t miss out on a trip to Midtown Comics in Times Square, the largest comic book store in the United States, and, arguably, the best. Many a celeb has been spotted here, including the creator of Star Wars, George Lucas himself. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a signing from a comic book creator.

Bookworms: the Strand is truly not to be missed. Truly. Boasting eighteen miles of books, this 1927-established bookstore is one of the few left in New York, and is rumoured to have over two million books. You’ll feel like Belle as you’re browsing the aisles. Visit the exclusive Rare Room before 6:15pm to drool over collectible first-editions, signed copies and more – people even get married in there!

Find luxury accessories galore inside the iconic brown and white striped walls of this shopping in New York City must-visit. It’s like a boutique on a whole other level; from handbags to perfume, jewellery to scarves, you’ll find the perfect accessory to complement any outfit, whatever your style.

The place for curated hip street gear, Opening Ceremony is probably most famous for its artsy collaborations, with big names like actress Chloë Sevigny, director Spike Jonze, Vans, and, more recently, San Fran-bred Espirit. Head to Opening Ceremony’s SoHo showcase store to get your hands on the trendiest pieces going.

A self-proclaimed “headquarters” for all things budget beauty, Ricky’s is a must when shopping in New York City. The shelves here are lined with big brands like NYX, Essie and Shu Uemura at discount prices - it’s a beauty lovers paradise. When you’re stocked up on all the beauty goodies you can carry, treat yourself to a mani at legend Pattie Yankee’s nail bar.

If flea markets get your blood pumping, you absolutely cannot miss Artists & Fleas, where local merchants of all shapes and sizes come to flog their artsy goods at four locations around NYC. Find photography, art and design prints, vintage and contemporary clothing and accessories, and more homeware than you can shake a stick at. Oh, and whichever location you go to, there’s the staple food vendors to feed the shopping-weary, of course – check opening times before you stop by!

Since 1970, Union Square’s been host to the farmers market to end all farmers markets. With stall upon colourful stall of delicious baked goods, fresh meats and fish of all kinds and the freshest, seasonal fruit and vegetables and so much more on offer, Union Square Greenmarket is a must for any foodie. First class, farm-fresh goods, and right in the centre of New York City. It’s a must.

Not everyone likes museums, but everyone loves a gift shop, and The Museum of Modern Art’s gift shop offering is something else. The Design Store sells everything from art prints and books to kitchenware and jewellery, as well as apparel from featured designers. And no, you don’t have to browse the museum to browse the Design Store.

Anywhere that calls itself a “gourmet food emporium” is bound to pique your interest, and Zabar’s, which has been going strong for more than 80 years, will certainly not disappoint. Loved by locals (and the not-so-locals committed enough to make a regular pilgrimage), this specialty food store is crammed floor to ceiling with delicious delights, from cheese to caviar, cured meat to coffee. If you’ve any sense, get yourself a corned beef and pastrami bagel.

A 10 (and a half) floor, 2.2 million square foot NYC institution, Macy’s is the largest department store in the USA. You simply can’t go shopping in New York City without a visit here, and really, you don’t need to go anywhere; fashion, food, furniture, and even a champagne bar near the women’s shoes department. That’s your day sorted! Pssst, international tourists: show your passport at the visitor centre for 10% discount. Macy’s worst kept secret.

Clearly curation at Dover Street Market is taken very seriously, with brands such as Commes des Garçons, Bianca Chandôn and Common Projects making an appearance inside its minimal walls. Of course, minimalism is almost a rite of passage for any edgy retail establishment these days, so even if you’re not there to buy anything, the displays inside and out are worth seeing (and posting to your story). Plus, there’s a coffee shop!

Quite literally a bookshop of mystery (and crime, and thrillers, and espionage), where better for lovers of the genre to go book shopping in New York City? Mysterious Bookshop is the oldest bookshop dedicated to the mystery genre in the world, with more new, used, collectible and rare editions of crime novels than you could ever ask for. Floor to ceiling. If crime thrillers are your bag, it’s total heaven.

A whole shop dedicated to indoor plants and pots, sleeker than the average garden centre, and in the centre of New York City – what more could you ask for? Well, The Sill also holds weekly plant care and gardening workshops, which is not only adorable but a great way to spend a lazy evening. After all, there’s nothing quite as calming as plants.

An urban shopping mall in the heart of Manhattan, The Shops at Columbus Circle has everything you need for an afternoon of shopping and an evening of eating. From Diptyque and Aveda to a dedicated Moleskine store and Amazon Books in the actual, real life ‘flesh’, there’s a whole abundance of stores to make the most of, before heading to one of the incredible restaurants for a dinner to remember - we recommend Momofuku or Per Se.

The chance to play with the latest gadgets, assistance and upgrades at the Genius Bar… you pretty much know what you’re getting with an Apple Store, right? Wrong. Fifth Ave.’s flagship Apple location, with the iconic 32-foot-high glass cube entrance (which is being renovated until sometime in 2018), is an architectural masterpiece and a total must-see, which shouldn’t be a problem – the store is open 24/7, 365. Tech geeks: Apple Fifth Ave. also puts on daily workshops, so it’s definitely worth checking what’s on before you visit!

Shopping in New York isn’t all about the giant department stores, and nowhere knows that as much as Catbird. This super stylish, super tiny boutique is amazing for all things gifts and trinkets, with beautiful, Brooklyn-made and responsibly sourced jewellery to please any sparkle-searching magpie. if you’re getting married, schedule a ring consultation in the wedding annex – how’s that for a souvenir?

In 1831, C.O. Bigelow was founded as a working apothecary (the oldest in America, to be precise). These days, there’s nowhere better to get your hands on luxury products for your bath, your body and your home. Prescriptions aside, premium brands like Ode, Weleda and Oribe fill the aisles, which are a total treat to wander.

The Garment District, also known as the Fashion Center or the Fashion District, this Manhattan neighbourhood should be way up on your list of where to go shopping in NYC. The Garment District is the (well-dressed) beating heart of the city, and many a fashion legend and emerging designer has set up camp in the area. Wander the streets between Fifth and Ninth Avenues (just under 1 square mile) and you’ll find everything from Victoria’s Secret and Urban Outfitters to haberdashery stores like M&J Trimming and Shindo, plus fantastic restaurants and galleries.

Try to sum up Fishs Eddy homeware in one word, and you’ll probably settle on “eclectic”. With unique home gifts like vintage and contemporary glass and flatware, ceramics and gadgets, there’s something to suit every style – minimal and monochrome to kitsch and crazy. Who doesn’t love a novelty mug?

Find swisher-than-swish designer menswear to fit the bill at Freemans, from bespoke tailored suits to shoes and accessories. You’re in good hands with the guys at Freemans; get yourself kitted out and looking sharp in flannel, denim or wool, with everything handmade locally. Need a chop? The barber shop that used to be on-site is now next door. Need a bite to eat? Freemans has a restaurant just a stone’s throw away, too. Now that’s service!

Known for the sensational annual masquerade ball and New-meets-Old Harlem vibes, family-owned Harlem Haberdashery is making quite the name for itself in the fashion world. They’ve been suiting and booting the rich and famous (and the less rich and famous) for years – The Notorious B.I.G. himself, a friend of the owners, ordered a Harlem Haberdashery custom suit before he passed away. Basically, if you get a suit from anywhere in NYC, make sure it’s here. Biggie’s suit was white, in case you were wondering.

This 1930s-style barbershop–all striking tiled floor, retro furniture and somewhat iconic snake symbol – is a favourite amongst the (suitably hip) locals, and not just for their straight-razor shaves and fades, but also their snake-adorned hats and accessories. Oh, and they offer a concierge service. Really. Frank, Hiro and the rest of the guys are forging new ground for barbers, and it’s certainly worth paying them a visit.

Justin Timberlake knew it, and this SoHo luxury vintage store certainly knows it, too. For meticulously curated vintage fashion and accessories, look no further – think of it as a kind of luxury “sample sale” for vintage designer pieces from the likes of Levi’s, Chanel, Chloé and Alaïa. But really well put together and without all the rummaging and stress.

Peruse three gloriously unique floors of apparel and homeware at this Chinese-American department store – symbolic of multi-culturalism in the city and a New York shopping must. Starting out in SoHo before rehoming to TriBeCa, it’s not only beloved to locals, but one of a kind. Original artwork, kids toys, and pretty much anything you might want to decorate your home with; there’s something for all tastes.

Relative newcomer The Frankie Shop has become a bit of a fashion destination for New York women of all kinds, with owner Gaelle Drevet’s love for community as much of an influence as her personal style. Everything’s carefully and lovingly curated, from the basic designer staples to the more wacky accessories, and her choices are all about allowing you to discover your personal style. If you’re a fashion lover, you can’t miss this one.

Men’s clothing gets a refresh from fashion mogul Alex Drexler and his simple-but-stylish menswear line, including cotton t-shirts, chambray shirts and cashmere sweaters. Drexler endeavours to create “a man’s perfect uniform”, where minimal and effortless seems to be the name of the game.

Shoe buyer for Barney’s turned retail pioneer, Jeffrey Kalinsky’s made a name for himself in the fashion world, and his Chelsea store is a must-browse while shopping in New York City. You’ve got all the usual suspects–Acne, Miu Miu, Givenchy et al – plus some lesser known designers, but the real star of the show is the expertly curated shoe salon.

Hipster chain, Space Ninety 8, is the massive Williamsburg Urban Outfitters concept store – it shows, but in a good way. You’ve got the typical edgy Urban feel with “homegrown” Brooklyn-made gems to be found. It works. Expect Urban-meets-thrift-store-meets-marketplace. Meets dining area, gallery, bar, general hangout space. Whatever kind of shopping you’re after, Space Ninety 8 has something on offer.

Foodies, this one’s for you. Head to Chelsea Flea to browse the offerings from 135 fantastic vendors and sellers, with everything from antique homewares to aged wines. Sample delicious treats from gelato to fresh seafood, search racks of vintage clothing, take your pick of Art Deco and Mid-Century artworks and sculptures, and comb for vintage collectible treasures. It’s open every weekend, so be sure to stop by.

Groupe are shaking up the fashion industry with their high quality, well-priced pieces for all genders. They’ve a focus on showcasing and fostering the talent of young and emerging designers, selling the kind of customer who is less about fast fashion and more about having some meaning in what they wear. The store itself is the kind of store you actually want to be in – relaxed vibe, good music and good artwork on the walls. Plus, head to the back for tailoring and customisation.

Each weekend, the street space between the Lincoln Tunnel and Port Authority is closed to the public to make space for Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market, where local vendors flock to sell all kinds of vintage homeware, books and ephemera, jewellery and fashion. Savvy shoppers: this is a great flea option if you’re looking to find yourself a gem at a bargain price. Happy rummaging!

Fashion boutiques are far from uncommon in Brooklyn, but Bird, with its careful curation of clothing and accessories, certainly holds its own. The focus is functionality and wearability without sacrificing aesthetic, and on the fashion menu are designer brands like Acne and Rag & Bone. If style AND substance is your thing, Bird is for you.

Nature is the inspiration and the method at this museum-like store, with homewares, jewellery, clothing and art and natural history-related collectables and gifts (think taxidermy, fossils and an insectarium) that are as fun to peruse as they are to actually buy. Your inner (or outer) science and nature nerd will adore The Evolution Store.

Odin is deceivingly small for what you get, with an impressively extensive selection of designer footwear, apparel and grooming products for men on offer. They carry many big names, like Thom Browne, Comme des Garçons and Maison Margiela, as well as selected store exclusives, so you’ll be looking, feeling and, well, smelling fresh in no time.

Tech lovers, head to this Apple Store-reminiscent Greenwich Village gadget store for every lifestyle gizmo under the sun, from big brand music accessories, watches and cameras to robots and drones. The store itself is a hipster’s minimalistic dream, and they hold regular think tanks for designers and creators to get together and test their products – if you fancy yourself as a bit of an inventor, you know where to go!

Of course, no shopping in New York City experience would be complete without a trip to the iconic Tiffany’s in all it’s equally iconic powder blue glory, and all tastes are certainly accounted for – both the classic pieces from 19th century collections, as well as more contemporary collections on offer. After something extra special? Book a consultation with an in-store diamond expert, and you’ll be sure to come away with something perfect for you.

Once known to locals as the “Downtown Tiffany”, William Barthman knows exactly how to ‘do’ diamonds. Watches are their crowning glory, though; from Bulgari to Rolex and own brand timepieces to suit every style and desire, “diamond encrusted” is a given at this jewellers. Inside, you’ll find the original 1884 display cases. Outside, the famous (and still working!) Cartier clock set in the pavement.