Shopping malls are not native to New York City. Here, shopping is a pursuit likely to lead to the exploration of Manhattan’s unique neighborhoods.
Give yourself time to wander, and you’ll discover some of the city’s smaller and lesser-known boutiques, but don’t miss out on the top designer brands and world-renowned luxury department stores that make New York a shopping mecca. We’ve selected some of the very best to help you on your way.
SOHO
The cobbled streets of Soho are packed with designer boutiques and luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Burberry and Prada.
The area is popular with Manhattan’s fashion followers seven days a week.
NOLITA
A crowded weekend shopping destination, though perhaps not quite as popular as the famous Soho, Nolita contains fewer brands and more boutiques.
Nolita’s parallel north-south spines are Elizabeth, Mott and Mulberry Streets between East Houston and Kenmare Streets.
CHELSEA AND THE MEATPACKING DISTRICT
Well known for lively shopping and high fashion, Chelsea (west of Sixth Avenue between 15th and 30th Streets) is home to such designer boutiques as Comme des Garçons and Balenciaga.
In the neighboring Meatpacking District, you’ll find Jeffrey, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen and more among fresh galleries, gourmet food stores and eclectic antique stores farther toward the Village.
MIDTOWN
FIFTH AVENUE
Fifth Avenue, between Rockefeller Center and Central Park, is the pinnacle of the classic Manhattan shopping experience.
Expect to find names like Prada, Gucci, Cartier and Tiffany & Co., along with many other brands revered for their quality and vision. The famous Saks Fifth Avenue faces Rockefeller Center, a shopping destination in itself. Farther toward Central Park is the striking, glassenclosed flagship Apple Store.
57TH STREET
The iconic Louis Vuitton flagship, typically awash in some version of the brand’s legendary monogram, is on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street, setting the tone for this fashionloaded thoroughfare.
Next door is Yves Saint Laurent and not far away are other flagships such as Burberry and Chanel, as well as some of Manhattan’s most well known art galleries.
Madison Avenue
As far up as 79th Street, Madison Avenue is packed with French and Italian labels that include Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino, Versace, Prada, Hermès, Jean Paul Gaultier and Chanel.
Between some of these big names and farther north, you’ll find several fascinating bookstores and antique dealers of old Manhattan.
MAJOR STORES
APPLE STORE, FIFTH AVENUE
At first glance, New York’s flagship Apple Store is not much more than a glass cube, yet it boasts hidden depths.
As it’s one of the most visited sites in New York City, you’ll want to stop by either early or late. For a more handson experience, reserve a place at one of the many workshops and events this technology wonderland offers.
BARNEYS NEW YORK
Barneys New York, founded in 1923, is today a chain of luxury department stores offering high-end brands and private concierge services to build the shopping experience around you.
Brands available at Barneys include Dior, Manolo Blahnik, Fendi, Givenchy, Marc Jacobs, Prada, Paul Smith, Diane von Furstenberg and many, many more.
BERGDORF GOODMAN
The company was founded in 1899 by Herman Bergdorf and is located on Fifth Avenue at 58th Street.
Since its humble beginnings, Bergdorf Goodman has come to symbolize the very height of Manhattan‘s elegance, luxury and superior service, offering all the major brands under one roof.
STEFANO RICCI
Classic Italian tailoring at its best, Stefano Ricci offers refined attire and accessories for the discriminating gentleman, as well as a coveted home ware range.
The trademark cufflinks are handmade by master goldsmiths using a host of precious stones, and the luxury leather range includes wallets, footwear, belts, travel bags and handbags for the perfect gift.
FAO SCHWARZ
Nearly 150 years old, this legendary toy shop is a favorite destination for adults and children, tourists and New Yorkers alike.
If not for shopping, it is worth visiting merely to marvel at the displays in the Grand Hall and FAO Schweetz, a classic New York candy store.
HENRI BENDEL
Advertised as ‘a girl’s playground,’ Henri Bendel is a Fifth Avenue shopping icon for anyone interested in accessories, cosmetics or gifts. Although technically it’s a department store, inside it feels more like a series of sophisticated boutiques.
DEVI KROELL
Redefining true luxury, New York-based luxury accessories brand Devi Kroell combines modern design with flawless craftsmanship and highest quality materials.
Not relying on logo or hardware, Devi Kroell allows their innovative designs to showcase fine skins, securing a style that is decidedly modern and distinctly New York.
JEFFREY
Jeffrey Kalinsky selects the finest, fashion-forward pieces for his stores, and you can expect to find labels like Givenchy and Yves Saint Laurent, among others. All of Jeffrey’s associates are trained personal shoppers who offer warm and insightful assistance.
KIRNA ZABETE
This two-floor boutique has been attracting fashion fans ever since its 1999 opening.
The store carries a well edited collection of clothing, jewelry and accessories from established designers like Balenciaga, Celine and Lanvin, as well as pieces from select up-and-coming labels.
LINDA DRESNER
This exclusive and modern store caters for many of Manhattan’s sophisticated and elegant customers, who book ahead to make use of Linda Dresner’s expert staff during private shopping appointments.
Linda Dresner presents her discerning clientele with a carefully-edited selection of pieces from top designers like Chloe, Balenciaga, Dries Van Noten and Marni.
SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
Saks Fifth Avenue has been one of the city’s preeminent high-end department stores since it opened in 1924.
The ten-floor luxury behemoth buzzes with brands like Gucci, Escada, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Chanel and Fendi.
SCOOP
Scoop first opened in New York City in Soho in 1996. Since then, the store has branched to additional locations on the Upper East Side and in the Meatpacking District.
The store is merchandised to be the ultimate closet, brimming with brands like Diane von Furstenberg, Missoni and Rag & Bone.
FASHION AND ACCESSORIES
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