Guide to Great Shopping Experiences in New York City
New York Shopping New York City is an undeniable fashion mecca with some of the best shopping in the world. No matter your budget, we have the scoop on where to go for great shopping experiences and exceptional service in New York City.
Major flagship department stores located in New York City include Henri Bendel, Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bloomingdales. Each of these enormous department stores carry a wide array of designer clothing as well as unique up-and-coming labels. These stores feature the best visitor services to make the shopper feel catered to for a great shopping experience.
Department Stores
Henri Bendel
712 Fifth Avenue, 212-247-1100
Henri Bendel is a four-story luxury women’s department store selling make-up, fragrances, colorful clothing, and accessories from over 30 vendors like Roberto Cavalli and Chanel, as well as up-and-coming designers. A Frederic Fekkai hair salon is on the top floor and the Chocolate Bar on the third floor. For a great shopping experience, concierge services are available to assist shoppers with searching for the perfect gift or any shopping needs.
Macy’s
151 West 34th Street, 212-695-4400
One of the most exceptional New York City shopping experiences can be found at Macy’s in Herald Square, the world’s largest department store. Macy’s stretches a whole city block and has an entire 10 floors. Macy’s carries everything from men and women’s clothing for all ages, to beauty products, cookware, furniture, and bedding. Another draw is its massive shoe department, and selection of wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, and men’s formalwear. The visitor’s center offers a baggage and coat check, and shopping and language assistance. Also, visit the basement level for a cooking class at De Gustibus Cooking School.
Saks Fifth Avenue
611 Fifth Avenue, 212-753-4000
Upscale retailer Saks Fifth Avenue is another department store occupying an entire New York City block. Saks Fifth Avenue features in-store boutiques like Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton, as well as bridal gowns, formal wear, and a fur salon. Saks has services for a great shopping experience like wardrobe consulting, alterations, interpreters, and personal shopping services. The store also features Cafe SFA and a salon and spa.
Bloomingdales
59th Street and Lexington Avenue, 212-705-2000
Bloomingdales offers visitor services like a coat check, multi-lingual store directories and translators, the opportunity to purchase theater tickets, and book tour and restaurant reservations for your stay in New York City. Bloomingdales has personal shoppers to make your shopping experience perfect, and expert interior designers that can assist with selecting merchandise for your home. Bloomingdales also has a relaxed return policy, in which there is no time limit on returns.
Shopping Areas
Fifth Avenue – High End Brand Shopping
Look no further for the best high-end shopping than the strip of stores along Fifth Avenue in Midtown stretching from 58th Street to 49th Street. Major designers can be found along Fifth Avenue such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Ferragamo, Brooks Brothers, Kenneth Cole, Versace, Prada, Fendi, and Bulgari, as well as Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Fortunoff.
34th Street – Tourist Shopping Destination
A major New York City tourist shopping destination is on 34th Street, from 5th Avenue to 7th Avenue. Stores line both sides of the street, with such affordable fashion retailers as Banana Republic, H&M, Old Navy, Forever 21, Victoria’s Secret, and Zara.
Broadway in Soho – Funky Downtown Boutiques
Another street condensed with shops is Broadway in Soho, between West Houston Street and Canal Street. This stretch of about six blocks has more of a funky downtown feel with interesting boutiques and hip cafes. This area is a good tourist destination for those who want a more authentic New York City shopping experience.
Canal Street – Fake Handbag Heaven
Looking for a fake designer handbag? Canal Street in Manhattan’s Chinatown is the place to go to find cheap knock off designer purses, perfumes, and jewelry with top designer names on them like Gucci, Coach, Louis Vuitton, and Prada. What vendors display in public are often very fake looking. To get the good stuff, listen to the vendors listing brand names quietly in your ear as you walk by. They are likely to lead you to a hidden back room or basement where the better quality replica handbags are with authentic logos. Always be safe and bring a friend if you want a good shopping experience. But buyer beware, police are often cracking down on Canal Street and arresting vendors for trademark infringement and selling counterfeit items.