Shopping in New York

Shopping in New York
If it exists, you can buy it in New York City. From the priciest couture shops to “treasures” sold out of hawker’s trunks, visitors are provided with opportunities to shop literally everywhere.

Of course, New York City is known for shopping destinations such as 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue, which are lined with sophisticated stores that cater to up-market shoppers. New York is a textile capital, however, so there’s much more than just the big-name stores. Vintage is big here, and some of the best vintage stores are Allan & Suzi on Amsterdam, featuring amazing window displays and hefty price tags on designer duds, and Cheapjack’s on Broadway, which, despite its name, highlights famous designers and collections from all over the world.

Art and design is huge in this city as well, and you can discover some fantastic finds at places such as Moss in SoHo, where international designers stock the shelves with beautiful interpretations of seemingly utilitarian items. New Philippe Starck pieces can be found alongside vintage Baccarat. ABC Carpet & Home in the Flatiron District is a repository for every upscale decorative piece imaginable; you can find items from rustic furnishings to refinished Chinese chests in the huge store, as well as restaurants and a chocolate boutique.

Big Ticket Stores
These are the doyennes—the traditional New York City stores that are world famous for providing the upper crust with everything from china to clothing to diamonds. Saks Fifth Avenue, the company’s flagship store, is a colossal site that takes up an entire city block and offers luxury brands of clothing, cosmetics, perfume, accessories, and much more. Bloomingdale’s (“Bloomie’s” to those in the know), is perhaps the most “New York” of any store. The trademark Little Brown Bag will cart away everything from upscale clothing to house wares. Barney’s New York on Madison Avenue is the epitome of chic shopping, with a boutique feeling and department store selection. Bergdorf Goodman on Fifth Avenue offers unparalleled opulence—from the museum-like architecture to the couture and designer collections to the onsite salon and day spa. For the child in your life (or in you!), FAO Schwarz is the first and last name in toy stores, offering both traditional and innovative up-market playthings.

The selection of jewelry in New York City is phenomenal, with Tiffany & Co. leading the way. Pick up top-quality diamonds, crystal, and china, and you’ll walk out of the store with one of Tiffany’s famous little blue boxes. Cartier and Harry Winston, both located on Fifth Avenue, are also go-to destinations for incredible jewelry creations.

Hidden Gems
The city’s many museums provide a wealth of unique purchases in their gift shops. If cartography is of interest, head to the New York Historical Society to pick up Manhattan in Maps: 1527–1995, a coffee table book that traces the history of this fascinating borough through its evolving maps. The American Folk Art Museum is the place to purchase items such as a hand-embroidered pillow that requires 50 hours of labor. Carte Postale New York (available at the Museum of the City of New York) isn’t a collection of postcards that you send; these 18 vintage cards that depict classic New York scenes are meant to be kept.

Kate’s Paperie in SoHo is dedicated to all things paper—from wrapping paper to blank books to writing instruments. Book lovers will also be interested in The Strand in the East Village, which boasts an overwhelming 18 miles of books. Rare books are housed next door.

A surprising find—in the Meatpacking District, no less—is Ten Thousand Things, which features both jewelry and home accents. The twist is that these unique items, including many abstract renditions of natural forms, are presented in hip gallery style.

More salon than candy shop, Vosges Haut Chocolat in SoHo is a gourmet experience, from the setting to the globally themed selections. Savor a Black Pearl (with wasabi) or an Aboriginal chocolate (with wattleseed or ryeberry).

If thumping mega music stores aren’t your cup of tea, check out Other Music in the East Village, which carries unique and hard-to-find music. Whatever your preferred listening method—CD or vinyl—the shop carries every genre you’ve ever heard of and some you haven’t.