NYC is a Mecca for shoppers the world over. From Barneys to K-Mart to the tiny little boutiques of Chelsea, you can find anything you want in the Big Apple.
If you are a girl like me who is on a budget, but still wants something fashionable and durable I say the place to start is at “the world’s largest store,” Macy’s on 34th Street. Being the biggest department store in the world means that there is a lot of floor space (approximately 1 million square feet) to fill with nearly every product the heart could desire in a variety of sizes and colors.
Of course it is always fun to visit Macy’s in December with all of the Christmas decorations and holiday fare. However I think the flower show displays in the spring are even more impressive. Every spring, the main hall is transformed into an urban botanical garden featuring thousands of flowers and plants. The floral designs are sculptural masterpieces and definitely worth the trip. This year, the flower show will be on display Sunday, March 16th – Sunday, March 30th.
Along 34th Street, from 9th Avenue to 6th Avenue, are many stores and shops including: Victoria's Secret, Old Navy, H&M, K-Mart, Conway, several shoe stores, the Manhattan Mall, The Gap, Sephora, jewelry shops, at least 4 Starbucks and a leather tannery. It is conveniently located with easy access to buses, subways and all the trains that stop at Penn Station.
If you are looking to purchase something a little more edgy, I suggest starting in the village near NYU. Wigs, make-up, glasses, piercing, tattoos as well as goth, glam or punk apparel can all be found along 8th Street or St. Mark's Place. There are also some great bookshops and restaurants as well as a number of Starbucks, a K-Mart and a Gap. One of my favorite shops is Ricky's, which sells hair products, cosmetics and novelty items. While Ricky's has been expanding and opening new locations throughout the city, there are 2 Ricky's right near NYU.
If you are a bargain hunter, there are a number of discount stores that offer close-out name-brand clothes. One of my faves is Filene's Basement on Broadway and 79th Street (again there are other locations throughout the city). Filene's slogan is "where bargains were born" and I'm a believer. Some of my best outfits were purchased at Filenes.
I also love the Century 21 Department Store in the financial district. Voted the "#1 Discount Store in New York" by Zagats, they have 5 floors of designer label apparel and house hold items at 40% to 70% off regular prices.
As much as I love a bargain, there is something delicious about investing in a high quality handbag, or a pair of shoes that will make your friends die of envy. So, if you have some extra bucks, you might want to check out the boutiques in Chelsea or on the Upper East Side including Saks 5th Ave and Bloomingdales.
Shopping in NYC is not just about the stores or the bargains or even the purchases. Each area of town offers a unique ambiance and experience. It is a great way to see the city and while away the day.
Insider Tips:
Take breaks. If you want to have a pleasant time shopping, take a few minutes here and there to indulge in a cup of tea, have lunch or just sit and enjoy the environment.
If you are looking for something specific, you may want to look online or even call the store in advance.
If you aren't really into "shopping," but just want to make your purchase, you might employ what my BF and I call "guerilla shopping." This is especially useful when the store is very crowded or time is short. Guerilla shopping is the practice of getting in and getting out as quickly as possible. Having 2 or 3 people can make this easier as you can strategically work as a team. For example, 2 people find the department and search the perspective items for the quality and price you are looking for. Meanwhile the 3rd person locates a cash register and secures a place in line. Warning -- more than 3 people tends to complicate the tactics.
If you are a girl like me who is on a budget, but still wants something fashionable and durable I say the place to start is at “the world’s largest store,” Macy’s on 34th Street. Being the biggest department store in the world means that there is a lot of floor space (approximately 1 million square feet) to fill with nearly every product the heart could desire in a variety of sizes and colors.
Of course it is always fun to visit Macy’s in December with all of the Christmas decorations and holiday fare. However I think the flower show displays in the spring are even more impressive. Every spring, the main hall is transformed into an urban botanical garden featuring thousands of flowers and plants. The floral designs are sculptural masterpieces and definitely worth the trip. This year, the flower show will be on display Sunday, March 16th – Sunday, March 30th.
Along 34th Street, from 9th Avenue to 6th Avenue, are many stores and shops including: Victoria's Secret, Old Navy, H&M, K-Mart, Conway, several shoe stores, the Manhattan Mall, The Gap, Sephora, jewelry shops, at least 4 Starbucks and a leather tannery. It is conveniently located with easy access to buses, subways and all the trains that stop at Penn Station.
If you are looking to purchase something a little more edgy, I suggest starting in the village near NYU. Wigs, make-up, glasses, piercing, tattoos as well as goth, glam or punk apparel can all be found along 8th Street or St. Mark's Place. There are also some great bookshops and restaurants as well as a number of Starbucks, a K-Mart and a Gap. One of my favorite shops is Ricky's, which sells hair products, cosmetics and novelty items. While Ricky's has been expanding and opening new locations throughout the city, there are 2 Ricky's right near NYU.
If you are a bargain hunter, there are a number of discount stores that offer close-out name-brand clothes. One of my faves is Filene's Basement on Broadway and 79th Street (again there are other locations throughout the city). Filene's slogan is "where bargains were born" and I'm a believer. Some of my best outfits were purchased at Filenes.
I also love the Century 21 Department Store in the financial district. Voted the "#1 Discount Store in New York" by Zagats, they have 5 floors of designer label apparel and house hold items at 40% to 70% off regular prices.
As much as I love a bargain, there is something delicious about investing in a high quality handbag, or a pair of shoes that will make your friends die of envy. So, if you have some extra bucks, you might want to check out the boutiques in Chelsea or on the Upper East Side including Saks 5th Ave and Bloomingdales.
Shopping in NYC is not just about the stores or the bargains or even the purchases. Each area of town offers a unique ambiance and experience. It is a great way to see the city and while away the day.
Insider Tips:
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