Things to do / Travel Guide
New York City (NYC) is quite literally a shopper's paradise. In NYC shopping and entertainment intersect, as there is no other city in the world with such a breadth and variety of stores in such a densely-packed amount of space. Tiny, chic boutiques display their wares right next to the world's largest department stores. Even if shopping does not intrigue you, strolling down Fifth Avenue from 50th Street to 59th Street, where you can window-shop to your heart's content, is a “can't miss” experience. Anyone and everyone will find the upscale boutiques, and the famous stores like Tiffany & Company and F.A.O. Schwarz, positively tantalizing.
Shopping in New York is an adventure, whether you are drawn to the small hole-in-the-wall bookstore or the fantastically-expensive couture house. The thing to remember in this city is that you really can buy everything here, from computer and electronic equipment, to clothes of all colors and styles, to food of every ethnic style. Religious items, unique or tacky souvenirs, jewelry, music, musical instruments, books, antiques - it's all available in New York City.
One of Manhattan's biggest shopping lures is the bargain. Every street corner has its hawker, selling everything from “almost-real” Rolex watches to faux Kate Spade bags, especially on Madison Avenue and Canal Street in the Lower East Side. Just be aware that when buying from these street vendors, you get what you pay for, and there are absolutely no refunds!
Open Hours
All the big department stores are open seven days a week, most keeping to a regular 10 a.m.-9 p.m. schedule, and often adding on a few hours one night a week, usually Thursday. Sunday hours are usually from noon until 5 or 6 p.m. Smaller boutiques may close one day a week. During the holiday season, many stores keep extended hours, with Macy's, for example, staying open regularly until midnight in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
There are some entire shopping districts almost all of the doors of which close on a particular day. For example, the Lower East Side pretty much closes on Saturday, the East Village closes on Monday, and most of the Financial District closes for the entire weekend.
Department Stores in New York City
Many department stores have famous flagship stores in Manhattan. These include F.A.O. Schwarz (a toy kingdom paradise for children), Toys “R” Us (in Times Square), Macy's (the world's largest department store, also famous for its Thanksgiving Day parade), Saks Fifth Avenue (offering men's and women's designer collections at its present location since 1924), and Bloomingdale's.
On the Streets
Fifth Avenue features Tiffany & Co., Fortunoff, Piaget, and Wempe Jewelers, as well as the Disney Store, the NBA Store, and the Elizabeth Arden Salon & Spa. The area stretching from 33rd Street to 42nd Street and from the Fifth Avenue to Ninth Avenue, is the city's fashion district. The Crystal District is located along the five-block stretch of Madison Avenue between 58th Street and 63rd Street, featuring stores like Baccarat, Daum, Lalique, Steuben, and Swarovski. The Jewelry District is located on 47th Street between Fifth Avenue and Avenue of the Americas.
Other Shopping Areas in New York City
- The Grand Central Market at Grand Central Terminal features national retailers and fine local merchants for wines, European chocolates, elegant leather items, and other specialty goods.
- Greenwich Village, SoHo, and the East Village offer unique boutiques and vintage clothing stores. For bargains you can go to the Lower East Side.
- Along the East River is the South Street Seaport, a busy waterfront neighborhood boasting more than 100 shops, cafés, and restaurants.
- In Harlem you can visit the Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Market, an open-air market where African clothing, instruments, and other crafts are up for sale.
Shopping Malls in Manhattan and New York City
Shopping
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