New York City is known around the world for its buildings, culture, culinary scene and, of course, its shopping. With the largest concentration of fashion designers and retailers in any city, it is a haven for those seeking a healthy dose of retail therapy. From mega department stores to tiny village boutiques, New York City offers a U.S. shopping experience like no other place on earth.
Here are eight reasons shopping in New York City ia top choice when considering a U.S. shopping trip.
1. Fifth Avenue
It’s easy to lose count of the number of flagship stores that call Fifth Avenue home. From Swarovski to LEGO, Bergdorf’s to Tiffany & Co. to Apple, it’s no wonder this is one of the most famous shopping streets on the planet. Admire the massive and imaginative LEGO displays, snap a selfie outside Apple’s iconic glass cube (which rises impossibly from the sidewalk), browse high-end designers (think Prada, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana) or snag only-in-New York goods at the Nike or Adidas stores. Fifth Avenue is a must-visit stop on any U.S. shopping tour for its window shopping alone.
2. Department Stores
New York City stands unrivalled as the global epicentre of iconic department stores. Saks Fifth Avenue offers ten stories of designer clothing, handbags and shoes. Bergdorf Goodman offers nine floors dedicated to women’s luxury fashion, jewelry and home goods on the west side of 5th and men’s fashions on the east side. Farther south, Bloomingdale’s has been a fixture since the 1860s, and Macy’s, a NYC landmark for over 150 years, retains its status as the largest department store in the nation. It’s easy to spend the day (or several) wandering through these legendary stores.
3. SoHo
SoHo is a vibrant enclave of fashion-forward boutiques, pop-up shops, flagship retailers and street vendors tucked into the area “South of Houston Street” (hence the SoHo moniker) and between Broadway and 6th Avenue. Here, you’ll find your favourite global brands, local designers, modern furniture, art shops, and so much more. Whether you’re on the hunt for designer jeans, a new accent for your dining table or a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry, SoHo is the place to go. By night, the area is home to a provocative mix of trendy restaurants, hidden speakeasies and old-school pubs.
4. Brooklyn
For a decidedly different — yet authentically New York — shopping experience, head across the bridge and into Brooklyn. It’s a great spot to snag cool sneakers, vintage goods, hip clothing and interesting furniture. However, Brooklyn is a big place, with several neighbourhoods within this NYC borough.
In Williamsburg, for instance, you’ll find interesting shops selling everything from plants to textiles, home décor to books and skateboards. This neighbourhood at the north end of Brooklyn also has some of the city’s trendiest restaurants and nightlife. DUMBO, meanwhile, with its charming streets and stunning views of Brooklyn Bridge, is home to Brooklyn Flea, Brooklyn’s largest flea market. Open every Saturday and Sunday, you’ll find vendors hawking vintage design, antiques, collectibles, and food.
Fifth Avenue in Park Slope was recently named the coolest street in New York City by a local magazine. Its mom-and-pop shops, independent bookstores, record shops and cafes sit on tree-lined streets in this brownstone-filled Brooklyn neighbourhood that enchants with a decidedly literary feel.
5. Upper East Side
Exuding classic New York elegance, the Upper East Side is synonymous with refined sophistication. Madison Avenue’s prestigious row of haute couture boutiques is a shopper’s paradise. The expansive Hermès flagship features an upscale cocktail bar and exclusive VIP lounge, while Ralph Lauren’s flagship straddles both sides of the avenue. Unlike NYC’s busier districts, this neighborhood delivers a serene experience, frequented mostly by locals. If you’re looking for a quiet stroll past high fashion storefronts, this neighbourhood is worth a stop.
6. The Shops at Columbus Circle
The Shops at Columbus Circle is an upscale shopping centre at the bottom west corner of Central Park. Small, manageable and not nearly as crowded as midtown, the Shops at Columbus Circle feature well-known brands spread across 40 stores and three floors. If you’re there over lunch or dinner hours, the selection ranges from grab-and-go to Michelin-starred restaurants, and everything in between.
7. Herald Square
This hectic tourist spot is home to H&M and Macy’s flagship stores. The intersection of Broadway, Sixth Avenue, and 34th Street forms this major shopping hub. With food stalls, outdoor seating, umbrellas and chess boards, it’s a bustling, pedestrian friendly area that’s full of people and energy.
8. Meatpacking District
The Meatpacking District is one of Manhattan’s coolest areas. Situated near the beginning of the High Line, the area is anchored by Chelsea Market, a food and retail marketplace that’s a popular spot for food tours and features all kinds of unique shops. Elsewhere in the area you can find high-fashion boutiques, superb restaurants and trendy roof-top bars that are excellent places to relax after a long day of shopping – and maybe spot a celebrity or two.
Throw a dart in New York City, and you will find a street, neighbourhood, or intersection with incredible shopping. With so much to explore, narrowing down the best of the city isn’t easy, so it’s worth checking out NYC for a weekend of shopping for yourself. Just be sure to pack your walking shoes!
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