For many decades, New York has been considered one of the largest fashion capitals in the world. Almost no visitor to the city leaves the local shops without shopping. When going shopping in New York, you need to prepare properly. In particular, find out what things are worth buying here, which outlets to visit and at what time. With this information, you can meet any budget.
When going shopping in the American fashion capital, there are several important points to consider:
- You will have to pay in dollars. It is better to change money at home. Just in case, a certain amount should be deposited on a bank card. But when calculating, a commission of 1-2% will be charged from it for each operation.
- There are always very long queues at local malls and shops. To avoid long waiting times at the checkout, it is best to visit these establishments in the morning on weekdays if possible.
- If the brand you are interested in has several outlets in New York, the best option is to go to the one that is located far from the center. Although the choice there will not be so wide, there are many times fewer people.
- In many stores, at one checkout, you can both pay for the items you just purchased, and arrange a return for items purchased earlier. In most cases, an item can be returned within 30 days. But there are also exceptions to the rule. Therefore, it is better to check the conditions with the seller.
- When shopping in New York, it is best to always have an ID passport with you. First, it may be asked at the checkout when paying with a credit card. And secondly, in many shops foreign tourists who show their passports can get a discount coupon of up to 10-15% (tourist discount). To find out if such a service is provided at the outlet, you need to contact the customer service department. If so, the foreigner will be given a coupon, which must be presented to the cashier.
- To get additional discount on goods, it is better to visit stores during the holidays. In many outlets these days there are special prices (special offers).
- American clothing and footwear sizes are different from those familiar to Russians. Before you go shopping, you need to carefully study the table of their correspondence, and also not be lazy to try on things in stores.
In the United States, there is no Tax Free - a VAT refund system (value added tax), since there is no VAT itself in the usual sense for us. But here there is a sales tax - Sales Tax. On the territory of New York, it is equal to 8.875% of the value of the goods and applies to those things that cost over $ 110.
Prices on all labels are excluding Sales Tax. Therefore, buying goods more expensive than $ 110, you need to add another 8.875% to the amount indicated on the tag.
The store can give a discount on this tax: the buyer pays in the amount indicated on the label, and 8.875% of it will then be paid by the outlet itself.
First things to buy in New York
What can you buy in New York is a question that interests every foreign tourist who comes to this city for shopping. Consider what exactly is worth bringing from the American fashion capital.
Buying clothes, shoes, jewelry
Prices for products of world famous American brands in New York are several times lower than in Russia. And the goods of some of them are generally rare in the Russian Federation.
First of all, Levi’s, Wrangler, Lee denim clothes are worthy of attention. For example, a pair of Levi's jeans here will cost between $ 30 and $ 40.
It is also more profitable to bring from America things from such companies as Brooks Brothers, Banana Republic, Gap, Old Navy, Eddie Bauer. The exclusive lingerie of the American brand Victoria's Secret is popular.
Fans of high-quality American footwear should visit branded stores Converse, Timberland, UGG. Prices for timberlands, depending on the model, range from $ 90-240. A pair of ugg boots will cost an average of $ 120-130.
Ladies who know a lot about fine jewelry should pay attention to the products of the Tiffany brand. This jewelry is considered a symbol of luxury all over the world. The most expensive of them cost several million dollars.
In the Tiffany brand boutique you can find not only jewelry, but also perfumes, handbags and genuine leather shoes.
Choice of American cosmetics
Organic cosmetics from such American manufacturers as Urban Decay, Burt's Bees, MAC are popular. One palette of branded eyeshadows in New York costs $ 20-60.
Also noteworthy are the MILANI blush, Jordana eyebrow shadows, EOS lip balms, Bliss face and body skin care products, Erno Laszlo, NYX and others.
All this is easy to find both in specialized stores and in pharmacies that sell both medicines and cosmetics.
Food
As a present to family and friends, you can bring delicious food and drinks from New York:
- maple syrup;
- marshmallow marshmallows;
- Hershey's chocolate, Ghirardelli;
- Reese's bars and baskets;
- sweet and salty toffee with sea water Salt water taffy;
- dragee M & M's;
- Twizzlers gummies
- peanut butter;
- Taster's Choice coffee, J. B. Marshall Coffee;
- Wild Turkey bourbon, Evan Williams, Early Times, Jim Beam, Jack Daniel's;
- Californian wine from grape varieties Gros Verdot, Malbec, Merlot;
- American beer The Boston Beer Company, Adolph Coors, Miller Brewing Co, Anheuser-Busch.
These are goods of decent quality that real gourmets will certainly appreciate.
Souvenir products
Friends and relatives can be pleased with themed magnets from New York, miniature copies of the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, the Liberty Bell, Golden Gate, Brooklyn Bridge and other architectural objects.
As souvenirs, you can bring caps, sweatshirts, hoodies, T-shirts with the I Love NY slogan, as well as clothes decorated in the style of the US national flag. Such things are sold everywhere: both in small souvenir shops and in large shopping centers.
A separate category of gifts is Indian souvenirs: amulets, talismans, dream catchers, weapons. Among men, cowboy attributes (boots, hats) are also in demand.
Admirers of comics and Marvel films can donate products of this line: educational supplies, T-shirts, comics, figurines of characters and more. You can buy them at specialized retail outlets.
What else can you bring from New York
In addition to the goods listed above, guests of the city prefer to buy:
- Technique. First of all, it is worth looking into those electronics stores in New York where Apple appliances are sold. Here it is 20-50% cheaper than in Russia. The best option is to visit the brand store, which is located at 767 5th Avenue (corner of Central Park). The sales point works around the clock.
- Medicines. If possible, it is worth buying American counterparts of many popular domestic drugs. They are more expensive, but they are of high quality and efficiency. To purchase potent drugs, you will need to present a doctor's prescription. You can also buy American vitamin complexes for women, children, athletes and others. Most of the pharmacies are located in the buildings of large supermarkets, for example, Walmart, Walgreens.
- Musical instruments. Travelers looking for real masterpieces are advised to visit New York music stores: Main Drag Music, ProAudioStar, Retrofret Vintage Guitars, Rogue Music. CDs, books about famous musicians, T-shirts with their portraits are sold in The Juilliard Store, which opened in 2021.
- Tobacco products. In local shops you can find quality products from manufacturers such as Tatuaje, Don Pepin Garcia Cigars, Cuban Diploma. Tobacco and cigars are sold both in gift boxes and in regular packages. Here you can also buy EL Original electronic cigarettes.
- Candles. Classic candles from America from manufacturers such as Yankee Candle and Bath and Body Works make the perfect gift for women.You can buy flavored products - with the smell of apple pie, fried marshmallows, and so on.
- Sports equipment and paraphernalia. In sports boutiques, you can find balls autographed by famous American football players, the uniforms of the NY Yankees, LA Lakers and others. These things can be used for their intended purpose, and not only stored as souvenirs.
A separate category of goods that should be brought from America are children's things: clothes, accessories, toys. Popular children's stores in New York are Lego (200 5th Avenue, as well as Rockefeller Center, 620 5th Avenue), Kidding Around (60W 15th Street). Unique toys are sold here.
Many branded boutiques have children's departments: for example, Gap Kids, Old Navy Kids. Also, clothes for children can be purchased in specialized stores Gymboree, OshKosh, Carters. They are located in many large shopping centers.
Answering the question about where to buy clothes, shoes, gifts and souvenirs, appliances and other exclusive goods in New York, first of all it is worth mentioning Manhattan. It is the largest administrative district in New York. The largest city shopping centers and shops are located here, there are many brand boutiques.
Once in Manhattan, you should visit the following streets:
- Fifth Avenue. The main shopping street in New York. It is known for its luxury boutiques Tiffany, Gucci, Louis Vuiton, Hugo Boss, Escada, Emilio Pucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Tommy Hillfiger and others, Macy’s shopping center and Bloomingdale’s department store.
- Broadway. It is considered one of the most iconic streets of the city. It houses the best New York boutiques. One of them belongs to the fashion house Prada, which will not hurt to visit lovers of exclusive and expensive designer items.
- Times Square. Another legendary street in the city. There is a Hershey’s brand store of chocolate products, a large toys R Us store.
- Madison Avenue. This street is less popular with fans of shopping than the previous three. But there are very interesting places here too: boutiques Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, Jimmi Choo, Hermes, Calvin Klein and others, Barneys New York department store.
We invite you to familiarize yourself with the information about the most popular retail outlets in New York in more detail.
New York stores
As stated above, the best shops in New York City are located in Manhattan. In addition to the outlets listed above, here you can find boutiques of Versace, Polo, Valentino, Yves St. Laurent, Vivienne Westwood, Bulgari and many other fashion houses. In them you can buy extravagant outfits that barely had time to leave the catwalks.
City shopping centers
On the territory of New York, the following shopping centers are located - giants:
- Macy's. It has been operating since 1843. The assortment of goods presented in his stores is quite wide - from wardrobe items to interior items. There are fashion stores here from famous designers (Guess, Calvin Klein, Coach and others). Macy's covers an area of about 200 thousand km2. As of today, this is the largest store in New York.
- Bloomingdale's. The second most popular shopping center in New York. It sells footwear, clothing, accessories, household goods. There is a large grocery section filled with delicacies from all over the world. Sales at the mall are held throughout the entire 12 months. This tradition was introduced by the founders of the store - the Bloomingdale brothers.
- Marshalls. A chain of shopping centers, the largest of which is located in Manhattan. The store is not very large compared to the two previous ones. Nevertheless, both locals and tourists love it for the fact that here you can buy shoes, accessories and clothes with discounts from 50 to 80%.
Local Outlets
According to the reviews of shoppers, travelers who come to the American fashion capital on a shop tour should look into these outlets in New York:
- Nordstrom Rack. Here you can find items from over 100 manufacturers (Kenneth Cole, Max Azria, Michael Kors and others). They can be purchased at discounts, the amount of which often reaches 80%. In some stores of this outlet, paying at the checkout, customers receive a pleasant bonus - an additional discount to the existing one. Its size can vary from 10 to 15%.
- Woodbury Common Premium Outlets. Within the outlet there are over 200 shops selling cosmetics, footwear, clothing, and accessories. You can buy unique branded items from Dolce & Gabbana, Michael Kors, Dior, Calvin Klein and other fashion houses with a 30 to 60% discount. There is a special bus from the Port Authority bus station to the outlet, where you can get an additional discount coupon.
- Century 21. This is a whole chain of outlets, the largest of which is located in Manhattan, and the rest - outside of New York. Items from last year's brand collections can be bought here at a discount of 60 to 80%. Going to the Century 21 store, you need to be prepared to spend a lot of time there. The fact is that the clothes and shoes that are presented in the assortment are not sorted by style or size. So it will take a long time to look for a suitable option.
Outside the city, there are popular outlets such as Newport Center (6 miles), Bergen Town Center (15 miles), Palisades Center (25 miles) and others.
New York Markets
Popular markets worth visiting for a visitor to New York include:
- Union Square Greenmarket is a grocery market that is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 08.00 to 18.00. Here you can stock up on honey, maple syrup, meat, vegetables and fruits.
- Eataly is an Italian market that resembles a large supermarket. Open daily from 09.00 to 23.00. Here you can buy Italian sausages and cheeses, coffee, pastries, ice cream. There is a culinary school in the market.
- Smorgasburg is a gastronomic market in Brooklyn that operates from April to November. There are many restaurants of various national cuisines that tourists like to visit within its boundaries.
- Brooklyn Flea Market is a famous flea market in the city, where you can find antiques, vintage furniture, clothes, handmade souvenirs. Open only on Sundays from 10.00 to 17.00.
- The Antiques Garage - Flea market open on Saturdays and Sundays. First of all, it is worth visiting here for connoisseurs of painting.
The goods in the markets are cheaper than in stores. And the food products sold in the markets are always of high quality and fresh.
Shop opening hours
The bulk of city shops are open from 09.00-10.00 to 17.00-18.00. Some boutiques and small shops close for lunch. Large shopping centers and supermarkets have longer working hours - until 21.00.
Most of the outlets are open from Monday to Saturday. Mainly supermarkets and shopping centers are open on Sundays. Before visiting a particular store, it is recommended to check the opening hours.
Sale season
One of the most pressing questions for shoppers is when are sales in New York. The most ambitious of them are held in winter, summer and holidays. They are evidenced by the inscriptions Clearance and Sale on the windows.
The unofficial start of winter sales falls on Thanksgiving (4th November Thursday). A week before it, stores begin to make the first discounts to customers.
After Thanksgiving Day comes Black Friday, during which the discounts reach 90%.
After that, the winter sales season officially starts in most shopping centers and shops. It lasts until the end of January. Discounts range from 20 to 60%.
Prices decrease as much as possible at the very end of the season, but the range of goods at this time is already small. Therefore, it is best to come for shopping during the Christmas holidays, when the choice is still wide and the prices are average.
Summer sales do not have a clear schedule. They are held in each of the three months. In general, they continue until early September.
It is also beneficial to shop in New York on the eve of the big holidays. These include Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (first September weekend), Valentine's Day (February 14), Easter.
During sales, discounts apply to most categories of goods, except for jewelry, exclusive fresh collections of clothing and shoes from fashion houses.
What is New York Pass
The New York Pass is a tourist card that provides discounted access to over 100 attractions and excursions in New York City. You can buy a card for one, two, three, four, five, seven or ten days.
You can buy the New York Pass on the official website (with a discount) or directly in the city (without a discount). You can use the card from your phone or get a physical card in New York on its basis.
New York Pass holders do not have to queue up for tickets to attractions. The pass must be scanned at the entrance. It is allowed to visit each place with a discount on the basis of a tourist card only once.
In addition, many city shops offer discounts to New York Pass holders. Their size in most cases varies within 10-15%, and in some shopping centers even reaches 40-70%.
Outlets accepting New York Pass include Macy’s, Century 21, Woodbury Common Premium Outlet, Bloomingdale’s and others.
Conclusions
Shopping in the American capital of fashion - New York - is a great chance to purchase stylish and useful things in everyday life at an affordable price. To do this, it is worth coming to the city during the season of winter, summer sales or on the eve of national holidays. It is at this time that outlets offer their visitors favorable discounts. Every foreign tourist, having bought a New York Pass, has the opportunity to take advantage of additional discounts of 10-15% in many local stores.
