The shops in Times Square, Soho’s designer boutiques and the department stores of Fifth Avenue are just a few of the popular shopping destinations New York visitors should include in their travel itinerary.
Here are a few suggestions for a successful shopping trip:
Saks Fifth Avenue. The grande dame of New York City shopping is a must for anyone new to the Big Apple. Featuring a large assortment of high end brands at appropriately high prices, this world-famous department store can be overwhelming and intimidating, even to the most seasoned of fashionistas. Tall, polished model-like sales associates converge on shoppers like throngs of hungry exotic birds, peddling perfume and luxury goods. Buyer beware: hard sell is the order of the day, and be prepared to spend a lot of money.
Saks Fifth Avenue, flagship store location: 611 5th Ave., New York, NY.
Sanrio. Home of Hello Kitty and friends, this glitzy eye candy of a store offers everything fans of the infamous, fashionable feline could desire. From stuffed toys and apparel to Hello Kitty NYC mugs and cell phone bling, this busy Times Square boutique is a must for all Kawai aficionados. Be sure to check out the Luxe section, featuring jewellery designed by Kimora Lee Simmons!
Sanrio Times Square location: 233 West 42nd St., New York, NY.
FAO Schwarz New York City. Established in 1862, this legendary toy store is sure to please children of all ages. Shoppers in search of affordable souvenirs and rare collectibles will be delighted: the New York landmark offers the latest and the greatest in all manners of toys, stuffed animals, action figures, popular dolls and whimsical costumes. Be sure to check out the large piano, featured in the Tom Hanks movie “Big.”
FAO Schwarz flagship store address: 767 5th Avenue at 58th St., New York, NY.
Kiki de Montparnasse. A popular adult destination, this high-end Soho boutique brings an aura of rich decadence to boudoir adventures. The elegant, polished staff is at once discreet and helpful, offering aide while allowing customers to admire the crops, blindfolds and fine silk lingerie, peruse the tastefully smutty books and examine the luxurious adult toys, fashioned from gold and other precious materials. Kiki de Montparnasse is easy on the eye, but hard on the pocketbook.
Kiki de Montparnasse in Soho: 79 Greene St., New York, NY.
Century 21. Well-kept secret of stylish New York men and women, this bargain-hunter’s paradise – featured in the television hit “Sex and The City” – caters to frugal fashionistas in search of the perfect designer item, at the perfect price. The aisles are filled with racks of designer fashions from Pucci to Calvin Klein, discount cosmetics, and high-end brands at low-end prices. Get there bright and early and be prepared to put up a fight, if need be: aggressive shoppers will team up to block your way as they dig through piles of seductive accessories, determined to ensure they get first pick.
Century 21 Manhattan location: 22 Cortlandt St., New York, NY.
Century 21 Brooklyn location (a quieter alternative): 472 86th St., Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY.
From kitschy souvenirs to children’s toys, from adult novelties to designer fashions and luxury goods, New York is sure to please even the most discriminating of shoppers. The best part of shopping in New York City? Turning your shopping excursion into an adventure where treasures await, wherever you may go.
For more information about New York City shopping destinations, visit NYCgo.com
Andree Lachapelle - Andrée reviews books, movies and local events, and brings you essential beauty, fashion, travel and wedding planning tips.
Join the Conversation