Shopping must-haves in New York
Fifth Avenue, temple of luxury
First, a guide to the shopping in New York would not be credible without the world famous 5th Avenue. The latter, measuring 4 km long, is a real temple of luxury. It includes the brands Tiffany's, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Prada and even Victoria's Secret.
My favorite ? Probably the shop Tiffany's since she is New Yorker and her store has become a real emblem of the city in terms of shopping.
Open for almost 76 years, it has been the site of many marriage proposals, and is home to the famous Tiffany Diamond. Discovered in South Africa, this 287,42 carat yellow diamond was then cut into a cushion shape of 128,54 carats and 82 facets, then worn by Audrey Hepburn in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's. Something to impress more than one!
Go for a walk there to impress yourself, and who knows ... Maybe make you happy?
Finally, you can't leave New York without buying your pair of sneakers, can you? So don't miss out Niketown, at the intersection with 57th Street. This huge Nike store will allow you to customize your pair of shoes before leaving with! Count around thirty dollars in addition to the original price.
Times Square and Midtown, the madness of grandeur
Very touristy but unmissable, Times Square is full of shops of all kinds. You'll find brands like H&M, Forever 21, American Eagle and even a Disney Store there. Note for fans that the official Yankee store is also located there.
It is especially in Times Square that you can find your souvenir gifts, such as the famous “I love New York” t-shirts and mugs or caps that can be personalized with your logo or first name. Do not miss !
Above all, don't forget to enter the shop M&M’s World and leave with your pockets full of new flavors! There you will find these famous chocolate candies available in a thousand flavors such as peanut butter, chocolate mint, puffed rice or even cinnamon. Should I clarify that my favorites are peanut butter?
You can also personalize your candies with a text or a small image. Or choose from their wide choice of merchandise such as t-shirts, soft toys or kitchen utensils. The perfect gift for foodies!
However, if you go to a small shop in electronic products in Times Square, be sure to check your product and warranty thoroughly before leaving the store. Indeed, there are many scams of which tourists are often victims. Also, my advice would be to prefer large brands rather than small shops for this type of purchase.
Macy's
Then go down the 7th to Macy's, located on Herald Square in Midtown. Huge 10-storey building, this last one is sure to entertain you. Like Bloomingdale's, there are clothes for everyone, cosmetics, accessories, shoes and even household items. As much to say to you that you will not leave empty-handed!
Also, you will find among the 4 million articles offered by brands such as Donna Karan, Burberry, DKNYC, Vera Wang or Michael Kors.
Finally, the brand has many places to eat and fill up on caffeine. Don't miss Pinkberry, where you'll find delicious frozen yogurts (my sweet spot).
The good plan not to be missed: the brand offers 10% discount for 30 days to all foreigners. To do this, go to the Macy's website to obtain your voucher and print it. However, don't forget to present your passport when you want to use your voucher.
Last but not least, if you are in New York during the Thanksgiving period (end of November), do not miss the spectacular costume parade ! The latter will end at the doors of the sign on Herald Square, with its famous balloon release and Santa Claus.
Soho and Broadway, my shopping favorites in New York
Now head to Soho and especially Broadway, the longest street in the neighborhood and highly regarded for its countless shops. Urban Outfitters, American Apparel or MAC that you certainly already know, but also Crate & Barrell. This decoration store located at 611 was one of my favorites, as was the superb Strand Book Store, at 828.
If you like to read or want to give an original gift, this is for you. It is a huge bookstore where you can find all kinds of books. Whether new, rare, or used… There is something for everyone.
Bloomingdale's
Then don't miss the famous mall Bloomingdale's, the competitor of Macy's. You will find absolutely everything there, from clothes to shoes, including crockery and furniture.
The tip: go there in the morning when it opens (10am) to avoid the crowds that are there the rest of the day. Also, prefer Bloomingdale's on Broadway, located at 504, in order to enjoy its Free WiFi. Not insignificant when you are a tourist and want to know where the nearest ice cream vendor is!
And then, don't forget that you will get a 15% discount with your New York Pass!
Then, in order to change from the big signs, move away a little until 135 Grand Street. You will discover there American Two Shot.
This superb indie and very modern store will make you discover pieces with a unique style while allowing you to taste an espresso in its Café Integral. A true fashion haven.
Finally, don't miss Dean & Deluca (at 560) if you are as greedy as me. This delicatessen offers many take-out snacks as well as high-end culinary products to offer. Their packaging is adorable.
If you're feeling peckish, go for the vegan sandwich with Portobello mushroom, cucumber, baby spinach, hummus and grilled zucchini. A delight ! It's actually my favorite.
Greenwich Village and West Village, the bobo spirit
Unlike previous neighborhoods, Greenwich Village and West Village offer a somewhat quieter experience if you wish.
Located near Washington Square Park, Bleecker Street is the place to go for shopping in New York.
The latter presents a variety of shops including some international brands, as well as several vintage shops or small designers. You can stroll from store to store while discovering the little designers who are there.
Also, go visit Darling at 1 Horatio Street. Its adorable decoration will please you just as much as the pieces offered at affordable prices.
Do not hesitate to inquire about their next vintage sale (in summer) taking place in their inner courtyard, in order to find the best deals.
Vintage shops and thrift stores
Stella Dallas: cashmere at low prices
Large thrift store where items are carefully selected, Stella Dallas is one of the essentials. First held by a designer, it now belongs to a Japanese couple working in fashion.
Also, the store offers many items that you will no doubt fall for. Colorful vintage jackets and dresses at great prices, as well as a multitude of jewelry will seduce you.
However, his specialty is probably his selection of cashmere coins whose prices will be just as low. Go to 218 Thompson Street to find your future favorite sweater!
Note that Stella Dallas is mainly aimed at women, while her little sister, 10 Ft. Single by Stella Dallas, located in Brooklyn, offers items for everyone.
Rags-a-gogo, for its boots and sweatshirts
Located at 218 West 14th Street, Rags-a-gogo, whose colorful facade makes it look like a treasure cave, is worth a visit.
Indeed, it is a true vintage paradise! Cowboy boots, dresses, disco accessories and above all original sweatshirts.
Note that these are at a fixed price of $ 20, and you will find all kinds of them. What to bring back some souvenirs home!
Malin Landaeus: rent your outfit for the evening
A stone's throw from the Brooklyn Brewery, this pretty little thrift store has the distinction of being quite selective, thus offering quality items.
Clean and tidy, it's a real pleasure to stop at 157 N 6th St, Brooklyn, where it is located.
Also, what I like about Malin Landaeus: the fact that we can rent an outfit for a night. So, no need to spend a fortune to impress your friends at a New York night out. Prefer the Malin Landaeus option and… come back the next day for a new outfit!
Brooklyn Flea Market, the hipster market
Vintage lover, you will be served! The Brooklyn Flea Market offers loads of great deals and surprises of all kinds.
Indeed, it does not count less than one hundred sellers. Also, you will find absolutely everything there. Furniture, vinyls, jewelry, souvenir mugs, lighting and more, all within an industrial and modern decor specific to the hipster district of Brooklyn.
Do not hesitate to plan an entire morning, and to have lunch there. In fact, the market has about thirty various street food type food stands.
There are so many options that it is difficult to choose. However, I must admit I love the ice cream sandwiches from The Good Batch as well as the “Pupusas” from Solber Pupusas. The latter, originating in El Salvador, are kinds of tortillas for which you can choose the filling. Note that they are gluten free!
Located at 176 Lafayette Avenue on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 17 p.m. and called the Fort Green Flea, the latter changes location on Sunday. It thus becomes the Dumbo Flea on Water Street, at the Manhattan Bridge Archway Plaza.
Outlets: big brands at low prices
Century 21, for inimitable prices
Got something in mind, but wish you had it at a low price? Look no further, you will most certainly find it at Century 21.
This huge outlet brings together many brands such as Versace, Givenchy, Longchamp or Jimmy Choo. The prices are unbeatable and go up to 85% discount during sales. Enough to make you lose your mind.
You will be able to find several Century 21s in New York, notably in Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Woodbury, the shopping village in New York
Comprising many luxury brands, the Woodbury Common Premium Outlet is a little more expensive than Century 21. Discounts will typically be between 25 and 65%.
Having said that, spending an afternoon shopping there will certainly be more enjoyable. Indeed, it is arranged like a real small flowered village.
Also, you will be spoiled for choice among their 220 brands present! Burberry, Adidas, Levi's, Gucci, Swarovski and so many more. So find out in advance to list the shops you would like to visit and save time.
Also, many stores do not exchange, so be sure of your choice when checking out.
Note that the Woodbury Common Premium Outlet is open Monday to Sunday, 9 am to 21 pm… You can't miss it!
You can also take advantage of the WiFi when you get to the restaurant.
To get there, given that this outlet is located about 1h30 from Manhattan, I advise you to take a bus. Also, the Woodbury website lists the bus companies that run from central New York to the outlet.
Shopping New York: sales and Black Friday
Unlike Europe, the United States authorizes more than two sales periods per year. These last take place approximately every two months, being based on different holidays.
Here is the calendar of these days to note in your diary:
- President's Day Sale: the 3rd Monday in February
- Memorial Day Weekend Sale: the last Monday in May
- 4th of July Sales: July 4th
- Back-to-school / Fall Preview Sale: the last week of July
- Labor day: the 1st Monday in September
- Columbus Day Sale: 2nd Monday in October
- Thanksgiving Eve: the last Thursday in November
- Black Friday: the last Friday in November
- Boxing Day: December 26
That said, many brands are making reductions outside of the official sales. Be careful.
Finally, you have no doubt heard of the Black Friday. The latter takes place the day after Thanksgiving, at the end of November. This is the launch day of the sales in the United States, and we might as well tell you that it is something!
Offering discounts up to 80%, a few weeks before the end of the year holidays, Black Friday is very popular, in all stores, whatever their products.
To avoid if you don't like crowds, but to do if you want a real American experience. Also, prefer to go there in the morning, in order to take advantage of the best deals.
Note, however, that if you had planned to go to Victoria's Secret for the occasion, the brand does not participate in Black Friday.
Ready for adventure? Bring good shoes and why not an empty suitcase? This could help you carry your new purchases more easily!
