Shopping in New York City
New York City is a top destination for many when it comes to shopping. In New York you will find anything you're looking for and sometimes prices are much cheaper than in other countries.
Is Everything as Cheap as They Say?
The reality is that with the current euro-to-dollar exchange rate, everything is cheaper, but not enough to make shopping in New York compulsive. That said, it is possible to find great value for money stores in the Big City. In Fashion, you'll find specific products that cost less than half the price of shops found in London or Paris, including Levis jeans and Converse trainers. Nevertheless, the prices of high-end shops like Hugo Boss are still in the same price range as in the rest of the world.
When it comes to technology, laptops, digital cameras, and iPhones are available for very little compared to most other parts of the world, and are just some of the devices tourists have in mind when visiting New York.
Clothing and footwear costing less than US$ 110 are tax-free in New York. This rule applies on a per-item basis, so even if you buy more items and the total amount exceeds this amount, as long as the individual price is less than US$ 110, you won't have to pay any tax.
Where to Go Shopping in New York City?
Most shopping is done in the Midtown area as it's the most touristy. Our main recommendation when it comes to shopping is to go during the week and early in the morning, as you'll avoid the major crowds.
If you're looking for high-end shops, the best option is Fifth Avenue, near Central Park. Here, you will also find the Apple Store, a must for many tourists.
If you want something a little more-accessible, some of the best shopping centers to visit are Macy’s or KMart. Macy’s is located very near Penn Station and is highly recommendable. In addition, if you show your Passport to Customer Service, you will be given an 11% discount card valid 30 days (Technology goods, furniture and similar are not included in this discount).
Another popular shopping destination in New York is the toy store. When you're with children in particular, one way to pass the time is to go to these shops that don't just sell toys, such as the Lego Store, the Disney Store or the giant M&M's shop in Times Square.
Shopping in Chinatown
If you are looking for counterfeit products, the best area is Chinatown. In this neighborhood, you will be able to find replicas of practically any luxury item, like watches, bags, sunglasses, etc.
In Chinatown there are two ways to shop: either to go to the numerous shops on the neighborhood’s main streets or when walking around the area, to follow someone that whispers the magical words of “Channel, Dior, Michael Kors…”. In these cases, you will be taken to basements of apparently closed shops, full of counterfeit objects. The difference of price between buying goods in these basements and in shops located in Chinatown are not worthwhile the experience of being taken to a basement.
Inhabitants of Chinatown usually negotiate prices according to the number of products you buy, so the more you buy, the better the price. If you are good at bargaining, you will normally get the products you want for half the initial price, even if you are only looking to buy one item.
New York Outlets
If one of your goals is to renew your wardrobe, we recommend visiting the outlet malls in the outskirts of New York City. The discounts are worthwhile and many tourists go to New York exclusively for this type of shopping.
There are several shopping outlets not far from The City. However, the most famous is Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, for its prices, variety and atmosphere. It takes an hour to get there by bus and costs US$ 50 each way.
On our tour, you can get the cheapest ticket and spend between 7 and 9 hours shopping. With a small-town feel, it has more than 200 clothing shops, budget brands, and some luxury brands spread out over several open-air streets, with discounts of up to 70%. On their website, you can find a complete list of their shops and opening hours.
Another famous outlet in New York is Jersey Gardens, located in the neighbouring state of New Jersey. Many of its shops are outlets or factory stores with deep discounts. It also has the advantage of not being tax-free in New Jersey.
Sales in New York
Visiting New York at certain times of the year can be an extra shopping treat. In addition to visiting outlets, there are several dates a year with discounts thanks to the sales.
The sales in the United States coincide with national holidays and dates on the calendar. The main deals come during the winter sales, which usually start after Christmas, at Easter you can also get great deals, in the summer for Father's Day or Labour Day and, of course, on Thanksgiving (Black Friday), always the fourth weekend in November.
The best discounts are usually found weeks before the date, in the United States they live a step ahead and products are put on sale well in advance.
Bargaining
In New York City, you will get the impression that you can bargain for anything. Although this might seem obvious in a Chinatown basement, you will also find that haggling is possible in certain Fifth Avenue stores such as jewellery stores, where we were offered a 50% discount in several of these types of shops when asking about their watches.
Our Advice
If your plans in New York include browsing and shopping, it's best to dedicate an entire day to it and take advantage of the discounts offered to tourists.
As you can see, shopping in New York is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. To avoid going crazy shopping and to save money, it's best to go with a clear idea and a list of the shops you want to visit and the products you want to buy, so you can avoid problems when you have to pack your suitcase when you get back. One option that many travellers do is to bring an extra empty suitcase on the way out (or buy one) to fill it up and check it in on the way back with the option of being able to return with everything they want.
You'll also save money on your shopping thanks to discounts for foreigners. Some shopping centres offer a discount on the day you go shopping. Be sure to check before you go, as some centres will ask for your passport or airline tickets.
Familiarise yourself with American clothing and shoe sizes. Be sure to double check the sizes in store to avoid issues after you leave
With the same idea as the previous advice, we recommend buying the most valuable items, whether technological or luxury, in official shops. Once you're back home, you won't be able to do anything if you have not made sure beforehand.
Also, check customs restrictions before buying many things, to avoid disappointment at the airport checkpoint or on arrival.
