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New York City is indisputably one of the most astounding places on earth to visit if you are an ardent shopper. According to Reuters, 60 million tourists visited New York during 2016, many proclaiming that shopping was the primary reason for their visit. From department stores that never close and countless upmarket boutiques to personal shoppers and full-day shopping tours, it is no wonder that the Big Apple was named the world’s top shopping destination by Expedia in 2015. When it comes to shopping in the City, your options are almost limitless. A few handy tips such as the following will help you plan, and make the most of your New York shopping trip.
Pay a visit to the strips
Regardless of what you are looking for, chances are you will find it by shopping on just one of NYC’s major streets. While Madison Avenue and Canal Street are both brimming with exclusive stores, Fifth Avenue is undoubtedly one of the most renowned shopping destinations in the USA. As far as luxury and indulgence is concerned, nothing beats spending a day exploring this world-famous street which is filled with flagship stores of some of the biggest designers from around the globe including Calvin Klein and Prada. Some of the other must-see attractions in NYC include a massive Apple Store, Nike Town and luxurious department stores such as Saks and Bergdorf Goodman. While you are on Fifth Avenue you might as well pay a visit to the Empire State Building and the rather infamous Trump Towers, both popular landmarks found within the city.
Don’t disregard the sample sales
In the movie Confessions of a Shopaholic the main character’s biggest flaw was her inability to resist a New York sample sale. A sample sale is a superb way to find terrific bargains on clothes, accessories and even home furnishings. These sales include the sample outfits designers make to showcase to store buyers, cancelled store orders as well as overstock merchandise. If you are wanting to score up to 90% off designer items, it will be well worth your while to search online for sample sales that will occur while you are in NYC. While you might not clinch an invite to the latest Chanel sale, chances are you can pick up a few fantastic bargains at venues like Metropolitan Pavilion, 260 Sample Sale and Clothingline.
Pay a visit to China Town
If China Town is not on your NYC shopping itinerary you need to add it right away. Apart from trendy tourist attractions like Columbus Park, the Museum of Chinese in America and the Temple Mahayana, China Town is renowned for the colourful shopping experience it offers visitors to the city. From avant-garde record store like the Downtown Music Gallery to chic boutiques selling everything from Wendy Nickel bags to Arielle de Pinto jewellery, China Town has plenty to offer even the most fastidious of shoppers. Don’t forget to pop into one of the quainter Chinese stores such as Yunhong Chopsticks Shop or the Lung Moon Bakery which offers delicious traditional pastries to eat on-the-go.
With all the shopping options New York City has to offer it is normal to feel overwhelmed by the entire experience. Plan your trip carefully, giving yourself enough time to relax and take in the sights and sounds of the city at a more leisurely pace as well. As tempted as you may be to splurge your entire life-savings on designer gear it is in your best interest to refrain from doing so. Your favourite boutiques are not going to close overnight and most have online shopping options available which will enable you to stagger your purchases in a more affordable manner upon returning home.
More things to do in New York City
When you’re all shopped out, here are some more fun things to do in New York City.
Accommodation in New York
Need a hotel for your shopping trip to New York? Use our interactive map below to check out some options.
