The Insider’s Guide to Shopping in NYC

The Big Apple is every shopaholic’s paradise. Clothing, footwear, jewelry, books, candy, well, you can shop until you drop.

But isn’t the city quite expensive? Though the New York State sales tax is just 4%, other taxes add up to it totaling it at over 8%. 

If you’ve struck out shopping from your NYC trip’s to-do list due to budget reasons, these exclusive tips for shopping in NYC might change your mind.

The Insiders Guide to Shopping in NYC 1

1. SoHo

South of Houston, nicknamed SoHo, is a prime shopping area in the city.

Whether you’re an avid shopper looking to indulge yourself in luxury purchases at Chanel or a backpacker trying to find something within your budget at H&M, SoHo is worth stopping by. Plus, you can also try Japan’s favorite clothing brand, Uniqlo.

I’m sure you’d find many expensive kitchen tools at a reasonable price in Sur la Table

2. Chinatown

Chinatown is home to several family-run businesses that have stood the test of time. Wing on Wo & Co. is probably the oldest of them all, selling aesthetic porcelain goods.

The vintage watches and clocks at Chen’s Watch Inc., are sure to catch your attention.

K.K Discount Store is a friendly Asian store in the locality. It stays true to its name with amazing discounts on a wide range of products including silverware. 

You can also shop from their website for convenience. Don’t worry about missed deliveries, you can always use a trusted package receiving service like Stowfly.

3. Madison Avenue

Madison Avenue is a north-south avenue located in Manhattan. It starts from Madison Square, and passes through Midtown and the Upper East Side, ending at Harlem River Drive.

Here, you can find retail outlets of Burberry, Proenza Schouler, Emporio Armani, Jimmy Choo, and a lot more. If it’s your lucky day, you may find one of these major brands running a huge sale.

On the other end, we have Repurpose, Felix, and Roller Rabbit offering high-quality and colorful prints at pocket-friendly rates.

4. Meatpacking District

I recommend visiting this neighborhood early in the day because there are a plethora of exclusive stores to cover.

Barton Perreira sells handmade-Japanese luxury eyewear. Buy a gift for your pet at Beasty Feast. Or check out Bond No.9’s perfumes that are pure bliss.

If you’re looking for fine quality skin, body, and hair care products made of natural ingredients, Kiehl’s Since 1851 is your haven.

Wine aficionados would not want to miss Little West Wine & Spirits and Chelsea Wine Co.

5. Little Italy

San Diego has always been known for its artistic neighborhoods. Little Italy is one of them and the shopping options here are not-so-little.

If you’re a mindful shopper not wanting to splurge money, this is the ultimate shopping destination.

Specialty stores like Be Beauty and Vocabulary Boutique are run by local designers.

The Bungalow Store’s unique artifacts deserve a special mention. And there’s no dearth of art galleries in this locality. 

6. Flea Markets

In New York, you can find flea markets everywhere. Even locals choose flea markets as budget-friendly shopping destinations.

Some of the flea markets are run round the clock like the Brooklyn Flea and others may be seasonal like the Bronx Night Market. It’s better to call up and check if the market is running at the time of your visit.

Not all flea markets are created equal. So, take time to compare markets before you purchase any collectibles, hip clothing, or vintage accessories. Chances are, you’ll find similar products elsewhere that are cheap.

7. Buying Souvenirs

Did you even go on a trip if you didn’t bring a souvenir home?

Of course, you may buy souvenirs at any of the spots mentioned above. But here are some souvenir ideas.

Next to mugs, tees, and keychains, you can also buy art souvenirs from MoMA or a tiny Statue of Liberty figurine from local stores.

Homesick candles and LEGO kits are always a hit.

Have a sweet tooth? I recommend visiting Nassau Candy for some yummy treats as souvenirs. Two birds for one stone!

Do you have any other suggestions for a better shopping experience in NYC? Share them with us in the comments.

Julie Higgins
Author
Julie is a Staff Writer at momooze.com. She has been working in publishing houses before joining the editorial team at momooze. Julie's love and passion are topics around beauty, lifestyle, hair and nails.