Shopping in New York

[JLM]

Hi,

I was wondering what time stores are usually open until. I read that Soho has a lot of cool shops - can anyone tell me what the typical hours are in that area (and the Times Square area)?

Can anyone suggest areas that have clothing stores that are also open at night?

Thanks.
John

[NYatKNIGHT]

Stores in Soho close anywhere between 5:00 and 10:00 or even later for some, it varies greatly. I'd say most of the bigger clothing and shoe stores are open until 9:00....ish? In Soho, The best bet for clothing and shoe stores that stay open the latest are mostly along Broadway between Bleecker St. and Canal St., and some more on Prince, Spring, and West Broadway. Who knows what time they open - not very early. T-shirt type shops are open very early and very late. I'm equally oblivious to Times Square store hours, sorry.

[yyy]

Hi,
I'm sorry if this has already been asked but I haven't seen such question in here.

Can you please recommend me of a good mall/shopping center in the New York area? I was wondering where is the best one. There are probably a lot but I want to know where locals do their shopping and where's the best place for tourists.

Thanks :)

[junglizt1210]

Which areas do you mean? and what do you want to buy?

Theres a difference between the areas where the locals do their shopping and the areas tourist do their shopping.

There's a mall in Roosevelt Field (in Nassau) and one in Staten Island..... I don't actually know any in the Manhattan/Queens/Broolyn/Bronx area, LOL... there are probably closer ones.

There is a European style food market inside Grand Central if thats of any interest...

[yyy]

I don't really mind where - anywhere in NYC. I'm just looking for a place where you can find all sorts of stuff - fast food resturants, clothing, electronics and etc. Anybody knows where's the best place where I can find all this?

The mall in Roosevelt Field is great :) But I was wondering if there's something like this which is closer to the Manhattan/Queens/Broolyn/Bronx area.

[ryan]

soho

[Schadenfrau]

People who live in NYC don't really shop in malls. The Time Warner Center is as close as you're going to get.

Ryan's suggestion of Soho is spot on.

[yyy]

Thanks for you answers. I thought there are many other malls in NYC. The TWC seems too expensive for me... What is there in SoHo? Is there a mall in that area?

[RandySavage]

Fifth Ave and 57th street comprise the greatest (glitziest) shopping district on the face of this planet. Soho can be considered the planet's 2nd greatest shopping district. Consider both to be huge outdoor malls - the best in the world, at that.

Most "real" indoor malls in Manhattan aren't that great (with the exception of the Time Warner Center). Two that come to mind are 1) the Pier Mall in South Street Seaport and 2) the Manhattan Mall in Greeley Square.

SoHo has every type of shop you can imagine from an Apple megastore (with a cool glass staircase) to a Swiss Army shop to a brand new Bloomingdales. It is famous for its designer fashion boutiques.

[kmistic]

there is the Manhattan Mall!

http://a1595.g.akamai.net/7/1595/2000/b3df753cde38f1/www.manhattanmallny.com/mimages/drivingMap.gif

[ryan]

Mall stores are all over manhattan - another concentrated area is 5th ave in the 50's/Rockefeller Center.

[Schadenfrau]

YYY, are you just looking to get some shopping done? If so, you'd be better off doing it on the streets and not in a mall. Unlike many places, New York City has retail stores in almost every neighborhood. There's no reason to make a mall your destination.

[yyy]

Thank you all for your replies :) I didn't know that the best places to shop in NY are outdoors. I think I visited the Manhattan Mall on my last visit to NY. That's a nice one. But I couldn't find the Pier Mall.
Thanks for your suggestions again.

[drikc_80]

Hello,
I'm french and I play american football in france and i would like to have some adress to where i could find footballwear.
Thanks so much......

[redhot00]

Are you coming to NY, or do you want to purchase gear online?

[lofter1]

Modell's has at least 3 stores in Manhattan; you can also shop online.

Go Here: http://www.modells.com/home/index.jsp

http://mod.imageg.net/images/home/Mod_Aspot_090705.jpg (http://www.modells.com/category/index.jsp?categoryId=716563)

[redhot00]

Paragon Sports on 18th and B'way is another favorite. As far as Modell's, in my opinion, the one at Herald Square is the best.

[NewYorkYankee]

Ive only been in the one at Times Square.

[chipstick10]

I understand a big new store is to open on 5th ave soon does anyone know when? Also i am bitterly dissapointed to find out (do not know if info is correct) that there is no kids store in manhatten at all. I am visiting soon and so much wanted to buy my kids some of the lovely clothes this season. Any ideas. Was thinking of ordering it on line and asking for it to be delivered to a branch in Manhatten or my hotel, do you think this would be poss. They are not very helpful on line:(

[chipstick10]

Doing a very short shopping trip near christmas (see abercrombie thread) can someone please tell me the best places to shop for clothes in particular etnies, converse, atticus. I have also been told to look out for shopping outlets. Please can someone tell me if there are any good ones in manhatten.?:confused: :)

[ZippyTheChimp]

Merged threads

[lofter1]

For kids shopping try this site and take a look a around: http://www.gocitykids.com/?area=197

For Etnies and other great shoes: http://www.blades.com/home/index.jsp

[ryan]

I know there's a big Best Buy opening on 5th in the 40's, though I wouldn't get too excited about it.

Manhattan actually has a lot of kid's stores - clothes and toys. I don't have specifics (sorry) but the west village has lots of expensive boutiques full of painfully cute clothes. I'm a terrible uncle for not buying more. My favorite toy store is the little place on Christopher @ Gay.

[sweetgirl]

I really think its not worth to spend like $20 or even $30 on a belt or necklace. Can anyone recommend me of good places/areas or stores that I can find nice and not too expensive accessories and jewelry?Thanks!:p

[ablarc]

The sidewalk.
That's where my wife shops when in New York. Lots of good stuff at bargain prices.

[sweetgirl]

Can u please tell me when the sidewalk is？:confused:

[lofter1]

SoHo is filled with tables on the sidewalks selling everything.

Also H&M is dirt cheap.

[ablarc]

I mean the plain old sidewalk. Theres stands and people all over.
You could say the sidewalk migrates. Sundays, Fifth Avenue's good above 59th Street; you'll find stands wherever there are lots of people: 34th Street, Broadway, Times Square, Downtown.

These stands set up in seconds, some out of suitcases, some on a cloth on the pavement, African style. They evaporate just as quickly; many of them operate illegally. Some undoubtedly sell hot (illegally-acquired) merchandise.

[stache]

Bijoux Way - 75 W. 38th. St. Manhattan - Many fun things for a dollar!

Jewelry Plaza - 1204 Broadway @ 29th. St. Manhattan - Look upstairs too -

Jewelry Plaza in particular is a good place for small gifts. Also, Urban Outfitters does deep markdowns on sale items. - Back to our regularly schedualed threads...

[czsz]

Broadway in Soho is undoubtedly the densest concentration of these stands, although they're really citywide (well, Manhattan-wide).

[lofter1]

^ ^ And the vendors / tables are a real pain for many of us who live down here -- as if the sidewalks weren't crowded enough ... get a gang of buyers in front of a table and 3/4 of the sidewalk is gone ... and line up the tables end to end down the full length of the block ... plus the fights at 8AM when one vendor feels his sacred spot has been infringed upon -- you can't imagine the yelling and screaming that ensue ...

Sometimes the thought of just shoving the whole tableful of knock-offs and cheapies into the street passes through my brain. But I get over it ...

Rant complete.

[sweetgirl]

thx a lot for all your replies:p

[stache]

Lofter I agree. Broadway in SoHo on weekends is a nightmare.

[Ninjahedge]

I feel like walking over all the burnt copies of the movies and crap feeling them crunch under my shoes.

The RIAA has enough time and money to sue schoolgirls and grandmothers, but does very little to persue the ones that are not only copying their stuff, but SELLING it out on the street.

As for the knock-off dealers. If people were not so stupidly infatuated with ugly-as-sin Luis Vuitton(sp) handbags JUST BECAUSE LV designed them, maybe we would not have so many knockoffs.

And maybe China would not be so much of a threat to our national economy... ;) (J/K)

[ablarc]

Ablarc, did your post change?
When you change a post a little italicized notice appears at the bottom.

[lofter1]

What's up with the insanity being displayed by X-Mas shoppers this season?


"Digital Rage" in Queens ( http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/369179p-314071c.html ) :
Cops had to calm furious shoppers at Circuit City stores around town yesterday as bargain hunters discovered that laptops advertised at $200 were in short supply.

"They bum-rushed the store and we couldn't control the crowds," said a shaken manager at the Rego Park, Queens, store, where cops had to quell an angry throng of more than 500...

"They make us wait here for three to four hours and we leave with nothing. They played us," said Zeshan Haider, 33, of Jersey City, who got in line at 3:30 a.m. outside the Circuit City on E. 14th St. in Manhattan only to walk out empty-handed.

Pepper Spray at Texas WalMart ( http://www.kbtv4.tv/news/default.asp?mode=shownews&id=9901 ) :
Early morning shoppers at Beaumont’s Wal-Mart say they were pepper sprayed by an off-duty police officer working security as a large crowd gathered in the electronics department of the store.

Fights in Orlando ( http://www.local6.com/news/5401142/detail.html ) :
Orlando police officers were called to break up some fights between shoppers early Friday as Central Floridians flocked to stores for one of the busiest shopping days of the year, according to Local 6 News.

Elderly lady trampled in S. Florida ( http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-1125shop,0,6753979.story?coll=sfla-home-headlines ) :
The crowd of shoppers outside BrandsMart USA in Sawgrass Mills, angry at being forced to wait by security personnel, pushed their way under the security gate and down a hallway into the store, forcing dozens of people against the walls and trampling the woman.

Mobs in Michigan ( http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051126/ap_on_bi_ge/holiday_shopping&printer=1 ) :
The bargains were so good at Wal-Mart Stores Inc. that things got out of hand.

In Cascade Township, east of Grand Rapids, Mich., a woman fell as dozens of people rushed into a store for the 5 a.m. opening. Several stepped on her, and a few became entangled as a man pushed them to the ground to keep them away.

When the rush ended, the woman and a 13-year-old girl suffered minor injuries.

[Schadenfrau]

I seriously think that many people believe this is the way you're expected to behave at the Black Friday sales. Why else would people get so worked up over saving some pittance on a sub-standard piece of electronic equipment?

[nycbound]

I don't think that people realize that much of the sale items for Black Friday, are specifically made for the event. It's not like they are getting a $700 laptop for $200. They are getting a cheap laptop worth $200 FOR $200. They have saved NOTHING- especially their dignity, after acting like animals! It's sad & pathetic- I stay away from the stores the day after Thanksgiving.

[Schadenfrau]

But if you're not throwing a punch with one hand and securing your wig with the other, all the while grabbing for a $300 laptop, how are you going to make it onto the local news' weekly round-up of wacky clips?

[mima2006]

I'm visiting New York for 5 days over Easter, and would like to do some serious shopping...Where are the best places to buy jeans - specifically brands that are ludicrously expensive in the UK such as 7 for All Mankind?
I'm planning on visiting the big department stores, but wondered if anyone knew of any good little boutiques?

Thanks in advance.

[lofter1]

Check out stores along lower Broadway between Houston & Grand in SoHo -- and side streets in that area ...

[MidtownGuy]

Make sure you include Century 21 on your list. Ridiculously good deals on jeans and everything else. But, get there early before it becomes a madhouse.

[NY_Yankees_1979]

Well the Manhattan Mall is a good bet really for a mall type. If you are looking for the New York area in general try the Pallasades Center which is in Rockland County off the thruway, its exit 12ish I believe.

[Hof]

If you are looking for a concentration of shops,walk West along 34th Street from the Empire State.First,you get to pass through the gauntlet of sidewalk vendors along Broadway,and Macy's and the Manhattan Mall are right there in front of you at the starting line.
34th is lined with retailers of all types,and as you cross Seventh you enter a cheap clothes zone.The manufacturers in the adjacent Garment District must use the stores in this area as an outlet for overstocked goods.

There are a dozen places selling things at unreal prices--leather stores,jeans shops,women's clothing,kid's stuff and men's clothing stores all line the block--and they have things like $12 jeans,$50 suede jackets and $3 dress shirts piled in huge mounds on display tables.Their inventory is amazing,and their service is crummy.You will always stand in long lines to cash out.

Once,I was on my way to meet someone Important and I had sweated through my dark shirt,making me look like I'd fallen in the pool.I stopped at one of these 34th St shops and bought a very nice dress shirt for $5 and made my meeting in a crisp,fresh,cotton button-down Emergency Shirt.

Also,don't forget Canal St,especially on weekends.You can find ANYTHING there,from eels to MP-3s,usually cheaper than you would believe.One time,a friend wanted to buy a t-shirt with "something about New York" on it,and the stuff he was looking at was like ten,fifteen dollars a shirt in The Village.Then we went to Canal,where we saw a million NY-themed shirts,3 for $10.Later,we saw a 4-for-ten vendor.

Century 21 is an amazing place to shop.It reminds me of a souk or a Mideast bazzar,and Chelsea Market is cool as well.SOHO has a few square blocks of retail,although a lot of the SOHO stuff is pricey,like The Village is around Bleeker or 4th.

[capoeta cypher]

Harlem has the best shopping, especially around Broadway and W 125th St.

[czsz]

There are no stores at Broadway and 125th...only a McDonald's and I think some kind of deli.

[Cocomo]

I'm looking for a roller bag that is either bootleg burberry, gucci, LV or something like that. Can anyone help me find the right street vendor, or shop?

e-mail me at joseph.ober@us.army.mil
thanx

[pianoman11686]

Try Little Korea - Broadway in the mid 20's. Lots of street vendors and small shops with discount bags, perfume, etc.

[milleniumcab]

For bootleg, Canal Street might be a better choice...

[capoeta cypher]

There are no stores at Broadway and 125th...only a McDonald's and I think some kind of deli.

Try going there and see for yourself. :rolleyes:

[lofter1]

For bootleg, Canal Street ...

Bootleg / counterfeit / bogus goods vendors = the scourge of NYC.

What do they contribute? Aside from crowding the sidewalks?

Basically they are thieves and all who buy from them are accomplices.

(I have a particular dislike as they are pervasive in my neighborhood -- and those seeking a "deal" flock to them like flies to sh!t. A good shoulder block seems to be the best way to pass through the throngs that fill the side WALK -- notice it is not called a side SHOP ;) )

+++

[ablarc]

Try going there and see for yourself. :rolleyes:
Parking lots, apartments in a park, a few shops. What are the great shops?

[MidtownGuy]

Try going there and see for yourself.

The shops on 125 all sell the exact same type of clothes, most of it deliriously oversized or of a very low quality. To tell people to go shopping there shows you have a very narrow sense of what's in style. Nike,Sean John, and Akademiks aren't most people's idea of great shopping. I suppose it's good if you're a teenybopper or something.

[milleniumcab]

Bootleg / counterfeit / bogus goods vendors = the scourge of NYC.

What do they contribute? Aside from crowding the sidewalks?

Basically they are thieves and all who buy from them are accomplices.

(I have a particular dislike as they are pervasive in my neighborhood -- and those seeking a "deal" flock to them like flies to sh!t. A good shoulder block seems to be the best way to pass through the throngs that fill the side WALK -- notice it is not called a side SHOP ;) )

+++
The government overlooks the activity in Chinatown and allows bootleging to go on there.. It is like they are exempt from the laws all New Yorkers have to abide by.. It is different world on Canal Street that's for sure.

[milleniumcab]

There are bootleg taxis too, you know.. I wouldn't mind if ALL bootleging stopped in NYC..:D

[MidtownGuy]

Bootleg / counterfeit / bogus goods vendors = the scourge of NYC

You might hate me for this, but....Horsepucky, Lofter! They're part of the scene. People come here looking for them. If you choose to live in Soho, you gotta take the good with the bad. It's like living in Midtown and complaining about all those swarming, bothersome office workers in their French blue shirts. Gosh, they're always in my way.

Basically they are thieves and all who buy from them are accomplices.

The bigger thieves are found in the "legitimate" corporate stores. Actually, it's the genuine brand names that disgust me. Costs 10 cents to make something and sell it for 150 bucks. Soho has become a giant shopping mall of thievery. The real thieves are the ones selling ripped jeans for $ 252.

The people selling on the sidewalk are trying to scratch out a living, and not all the stuff is counterfeit, many are selling things they created themselves. To the people perched above in their 5 million dollar lofts, or on their way to buy a 6 dollar latté at some poo-poo-la-la café, cry me a river!

[lofter1]

If you choose to live in Soho, you gotta take the good with the bad.

When I moved in down here they were nowhere around ;)

But to the point: I've no problem with legit vendors -- but please keep them to their allotted 30" of space and away from doorways -- and don't be taking up half the sidewalk.


The bigger thieves are found in the "legitimate" corporate stores.

Gotta agree with you there -- but I'm not buying much of that stuff.


The people selling on the sidewalk are trying to scratch out a living, and not all the stuff is counterfeit, many are selling things they created themselves.

I specifically referred to bootleg / counterfeit / bogus items --

Not fair to accuse me of going after the other vendors when they weren't part of my post.


To the people perched above in their 5 million dollar lofts, or on their way to buy a 6 dollar latté at some poo-poo-la-la café, cry me a river!

Clearly this doesn't describe me --

Maybe we should send some of the gang with their bogus CDs, fake Gucci bags, knock-off Rolex watches over to your building so they can spread out their counterfeit "wares" in front of your door ;)

***

[MidtownGuy]

I might be mistaken, but it just seems like most of the vendors in Soho aren't selling bootleg stuff. There's so many selling beaded necklaces, graffitti caps, silver rings, hats, artwork, etc. etc. that the crowded condition of the sidewalks in Soho isn't mainly from knockoffs. I associate that more with Canal Street. For example, when I used to go down to Soho for the Apple Store(we midtowners have our own now, thank goodness), Prince Street was so crowded, I admit annoyingly so, but it was mostly with people selling offbeat things.

Didn't mean to go after you personally on the anti-bourgeois tip, but I see how you may have gotten that impression- sorry.

I really do despise what has happened to Soho. When I moved to New York, dewy-faced and headed to art school the following September, the vintage clothing dept. at Canal Jean Co. was my first job. I loved Soho at the time, and remember it well. Of course, Canal Jean Co. is now a Bloomingdales, and all of the characters like me that worked there have been replaced by fancy-pants label whores. The stores have all morphed into chains. A good portion of the street vendors, and longtime residents like yourself;) are the only ones still keeping it real I think.

aybe we should send some of the gang with their bogus CDs, fake Gucci bags, knock-off Rolex watches over to your building so they can spread out their counterfeit "wares" in front of your door

Too late, I live above a busy stretch of Lexington, and exactly in front of my building there are guys like you describe. In fact, midtown is the fake Gucci and LV bag Capital aside from Chinatown. Between my door and Bloomingdales there must be a zillion. They don't bother me much. In fact, one of them is a great guy from West Africa with whom I often converse. He's lived everywhere! and what stories he has to tell.

Overall, I have more philosophical qualms with the real Gucci than with the guys selling fakes on the streets. When the street vendors-artists and bag hawkers alike- are booted from Soho and the corporate behemoths rule the neighborhood even more completely, it'll suck bad.

[capoeta cypher]

The shops on 125 all sell the exact same type of clothes, most of it deliriously oversized or of a very low quality. To tell people to go shopping there shows you have a very narrow sense of what's in style. Nike,Sean John, and Akademiks aren't most people's idea of great shopping. I suppose it's good if you're a teenybopper or something.

What do you expect, I'm black. :D

[lofter1]

... when I used to go down to Soho for the Apple Store(we midtowners have our own now, thank goodness), Prince Street was so crowded, I admit annoyingly so, but it was mostly with people selling offbeat things.

When I first moved down here you could play football on Prince St. on a Saturday afternoon!! No cars parked on the streets (as almost all of the few businesses down this way back then were strictly M-F, with a few open on Sunday) and barely a car passing through ...


Canal Jean Co. is now a Bloomingdales, and all of the characters like me that worked there have been replaced by fancy-pants label whores.

But that horrid Bloomingdales is always EMPTY of shoppers (salespeople invariably outnumber customers 3 - 1)...

Revenge :p !!


When the street vendors-artists and bag hawkers alike- are booted from Soho and the corporate behemoths rule the neighborhood even more completely, it'll suck bad.

Seems that the craftsmen / bona fide vendors / artists have won that war via the courts ... but it does seem that to allow them shoulder-to-shoulder table-to-table along an entire block could be viewed as detrimental to the public interest. If you can't walk down the sidewalk to do needed personal business (post office, bank, food shopping, etc.) in the neighborhood then something's gotta give.

My answer to that problem: Do all local business before 11 AM.

(And don't go west of Broadway into SoHo if at all possible on either Saturday or Sunday ... walk around it ;) )

[ablarc]

Maybe we should send some of the gang with their bogus CDs, fake Gucci bags, knock-off Rolex watches over to your building so they can spread out their counterfeit "wares" in front of your door ;)

***
N...I...M...B...Y...!!! ;)

.

[lofter1]

Hmmmmm ^ ...

Maybe: H ... A ... Y ... B ... Y

(how about your back yard ;) )

[pianoman11686]

Walking through Midtown last night, I saw tons of street vendors peddling mainly Prada/LV purses and sunglasses. Asking price? $60.

[capoeta cypher]

Honostly in my opinion, who would want to shop in Midtown. It' 's all business(buildings) and rarley can find an apartment there. *awaits the flame from MidtownGuy* :p

[pianoman11686]

Apparently, you haven't seen the hoards of tourists that overwhelm the streets there.

But on a separate note, it's far from just business buildings. (I think that applies more to lower Manhattan.) There are more restaurants, hotels, theaters, and shops than in any other neighborhood. You can rarely find an apartment there because it's in such high demand that anything coming on the market gets snapped up in a hurry. Midtown's great, if you don't mind all the tourists.

[MidtownGuy]

Midtown Manhattan is the most convenient place on the face of planet Earth
.

[milleniumcab]

N.I.M.B.Y = not in my back yard ???

[Hof]

If you steal a street vendor's product--say,just walk away with a bootleg copy of "Cars" without paying,or maybe you stop,examine and then just stroll off with a gilded sidewalk "Bolex" watch on your wrist and no bucks passed--is it a crime?

Is it even,in God's eyes,a sin?

What would the vendor do--call the cops??
Would the Street Thieves abandon their post and bother to chase you if you ran off??
Could they count on their fellow thieves for help,like the "Hay Rube" Carnies on the midway do whenever they need to close ranks?If you rob one,do the others in the area get involved?
Do they have,like,bodyguards hanging around to prevent customer theft??
Can they write stolen goods off on their taxes??

What if a dozen vendor-hating sidewalk consumers planned and executed a simultaneous multiple ripoff of a dozen vendors,netting,say,a dozen Bolexes all at once from around,ideally,Herald Square at Noon??
What would happen??Would that make a good movie??
Oh,yeah...Why DOES The City permit this ripped-off merchandise to be offered right in front of everybody??

[lofter1]

Stealing counterfeit items is not "crime" for which the vendor could get legal relief. Whether or not it is a crime to take the bogus stuff -- don't know.

Definitely unethical to grab the stuff and run -- stealing is stealing.

However if you were ripping off the vendor for the "greater good" of ridding the steets of BS, then you might have an argument.

[fonti]

sorry this is my first time. not sure if what to do.

Need to know where i can buy Etnies (trainers) in new york?
Can anybody help me?:confused:

[lofter1]

Need to know where i can buy Etnies (trainers) in new york?

BLADES Board and Skate

Footware (http://www.blades.com/category/index.jsp?categoryId=760781)

Store Locator (http://www.blades.com/corp/index.jsp?page=storeLocator)

659 Broadway
New York , NY 10012
Get Map (http://maps.yahoo.com/py/maps.py?addr=659+Broadway&csz=New+York+NY+10012&country=US&tarname=)

901 6th Ave
Level C-2
33rd Street and 6th Ave
New York , NY 10001
Get Map (http://maps.yahoo.com/py/maps.py?addr=901+6th+Ave&csz=New+York+NY+10001&country=US&tarname=)

156 West 72nd Street
New York , NY 10023
Get Map (http://maps.yahoo.com/py/maps.py?addr=156+West+72nd+Street&csz=New+York+NY+10023&country=US&tarname=)

[steve morris]

Hi

I'll be visiting for a week in January (staying near 57th street).

Can anyone please advise me on where to purchase video games / systems from? I've never been to New York before, so wouldn't know where to start!

I'd like to pick up a PS3 whilst there (i know that they are rarer than rocking horse poo at the moment) so any advice would be fantastic!

Thanks!!

[ryan]

The world's only Nintendo store is in Rockefeller Center. Other than that I think you'll find Gamestop and Best Buy are pretty much the same as you'd find anywhere - except more crowded and with poorer customer service. (sorry I don't know anything about PS3 - mine is a Nintendo home)

[clubBR]

Hi

I'll be visiting for a week in January (staying near 57th street).

Can anyone please advise me on where to purchase video games / systems from? I've never been to New York before, so wouldn't know where to start!

I'd like to pick up a PS3 whilst there (i know that they are rarer than rocking horse poo at the moment) so any advice would be fantastic!

Thanks!!
You can buy a PS3 no problem. The frenzy has died down. Visit Sony Plaza on 56th and Madison

[Stian]

Hello. I am looking for two things in New York. A store, or some stores, where I can buy digital cameras and other technoligical stuff. Not best buy (I dont trust best buy. Once I bought a broken TV from them and it was a hard time getting a new one) and not stores around big tourist places where they rip you off.
I am also looking for vans sneakers like these; http://www.junkyard.se/images/product_alt/25763.jpg

Sorry for bad english, I have only been here for a couple of months.

[dennisonNYC]

Hey to all,

I'm looking for great thrift/vintage/consignment stores in all 5 boroughs. Could anyone point me in the right direction?

Thanks!!!
dennisonNYC

[Schadenfrau]

I love vintage shopping, so I can honestly say that New York City has the worst vintage shopping of anywhere I've ever been. I'm sure people will disagree, but compared to everywhere else, the prices are incredibly high and the quality of the stock is relatively low. A few months ago, I saw a thrift store (not even a vintage store) in the East Village trying to sell a New Kids On The Block t-shirt for $80. No kidding.

That said, Beacon's Closet in Williamsburg is very popular. I like the Memorial Sloan-Kettering and Spence-Chapin thrift stores on the Upper East Side, myself.

[MidtownGuy]

I know what you mean and it wasn't always like that.
There used to be so many cheap vintage stores, I mean really good stuff to be found. In my college days I always managed to look fashionable even when broke. Of course, they mostly disappeared as the neighborhoods went to hell (invasion of the pram-pushing body snatchers). Who can forget the vintage department at the old Canal Jean Co. on Broadway circa 1990. It was my first job in NY, I can smell the mercerized cotton now. The basement seemed the size of a football field.

A store, or some stores, where I can buy digital cameras and other technoligical stuff. Not best buy

Same thing I tell everybody...B&H ! B&H ! B&H ! Best selection and prices in the city, only occasionally beaten by J&R.

[k-thuglife-xo]

sorry didnt realise this thread or i wouldnt have opened a new one !!


In 3 weeks im heading to NYC :)! , staying in comfort in manhattan
where is all the best shops im talking bout Clothes shops

Roca wear
Sean John
Air Brush Clothing
Black Wall Street
Makavelia
Nike Kicks
Etc etc etc

Also is there any thing / place youd suggest going for a Hiphop Fan??
Thanks for your time
k xx:)
http://www.wirednewyork.com/forum/images/misc/progress.gif

[Schadenfrau]

You'll be able to find all of that in various stores on Broadway, between Astor Place and Canal Street.

You might enjoy one of these tours:

http://www.hushtours.com/

[luke77]

Hi guys,

Just saw this thread and thought I'd ask about something I was wondering about. Earlier in the thread someone posted about buying a really nice dress shirt from one of those discount shops on broadway around canal st (I think it was there). I've seen these shops before, and having zero fashion sense, figured that the clothes were either really low quality or counterfeit. Is this an incorrect impression? Are the stores worth checking out for buying actual work clothes? There's a place right outside my door that advertises $75 suits and I've never given them a second look - should I? (The reason I'm asking here first is because I'd have to get someone to come with me if I was actually thinking about buying something, because I can't judge quality at all on my own...) And if the stuff is at least decent quality, how do they get away with selling it so cheap?

[alonzo-ny]

I love vintage shopping, so I can honestly say that New York City has the worst vintage shopping of anywhere I've ever been. I'm sure people will disagree, but compared to everywhere else, the prices are incredibly high and the quality of the stock is relatively low. A few months ago, I saw a thrift store (not even a vintage store) in the East Village trying to sell a New Kids On The Block t-shirt for $80. No kidding.

That said, Beacon's Closet in Williamsburg is very popular. I like the Memorial Sloan-Kettering and Spence-Chapin thrift stores on the Upper East Side, myself.

How is the quality of the vintage clothing in those stores?

[MagnusPym]

How about a question concerning a place where I can no longer shop in Manhattan? After watching a Seinfeld repeat that featured Elaine dating a "Nobody Beats The Wiz" pitchman, I was drawn into a discussion with some friends about the old "Wiz" location in Union Square.

Some of us seemed to remember it being on Union Square West, right across the corner of 15th street from the Amalgamated Bank. There's an American Eagle Outfitter there now (replacing Mexx)---#19 Union Square West. Others think it was next door (#17? not sure what's in there now).

Anyone remember the block and the address the Wiz used to call home?

Many thanks in advance...! :)

[Schadenfrau]

Alonzo, the clothes tend to be grouped by the neighborhoods the shops are located in. Beacon's Closet is good for hipster gear, Spence-Chapin is good for more old-school designers. The Cancer Care thrift store on the UES often carries reasonable Hermes scarves, as well.

[Front_Porch]

The Cancer Care thrift store on the UES often carries reasonable Hermes scarves, as well.

oooh, I didn't need to know that!!

ali r.
{downtown broker}

[bjstanbridge]

We love to go to open air markets.

Does anyone have any recommendations for markets in NY

Thanks

[MagnusPym]

How about a question concerning a place where I can no longer shop in Manhattan? After watching a Seinfeld repeat that featured Elaine dating a "Nobody Beats The Wiz" pitchman, I was drawn into a discussion with some friends about the old "Wiz" location in Union Square.

Some of us seemed to remember it being on Union Square West, right across the corner of 15th street from the Amalgamated Bank. There's an American Eagle Outfitter there now (replacing Mexx)---#19 Union Square West. Others think it was next door (#17? not sure what's in there now).

Anyone remember the block and the address the Wiz used to call home?

Many thanks in advance...! :)


C'mon----I can't believe I stumped the panel.

Anybody?

:eek:

[NYatKNIGHT]

17 Union Square West at 15th Street

The magic of Google.

[Portia1776]

After reading through the posts and asking a few questions, I just wanted to say thank you!!!! We found Century 21 and Syms (both suggested by everyone here) and we found a nice suit and long wool overcoat for my husband and I have so much money left over that I get to go shopping for myself now!

Thank you again! (By the way.. .I love living here!)

[MagnusPym]

17 Union Square West at 15th Street

The magic of Google.

#17! Kudos for for clearing that mystery up, NYatNight. :)

[pricedout]

Regarding the vintage issue, there is a very funky store on 23rd Street, between 6th and 7th, I think. For thrift shops, the New York City Opera shop has some amazing deals. It's on 23rd Street, I think between Second and Third. There's a Housing Works thrift shop across the street, and another one who's name escapes me around the corner on Third, west side of the avenue, between 22nd and 23rd, so you could make it a destination if you really like to hunt. If you REALLY like to hunt, 23rd Street between Second and Third also has the Salvation Army and one other thrift shop.

[Schadenfrau]

Great suggestions, PricedOut. The stretch of 3rd Avenue from 23rd up to about 28th has a few good thrift stores, as well.

[pricedout]

I'll have to check them out. It's amazing how one can live in a neighborhood for years and notice things so selectively. I always notice new restaurants, though.

[localjoost]

What do cigarettes cost in NY (i smoke lucky strike's)

thx

[lofter1]

~ $7.50 / pack :eek:

If the cigs don't kill you the taxes will

[localjoost]

damn, that is a lot :eek: hmm I'll be sure to bring some cigarettes from home as well, not that they are cheap (5.75$)

[Front_Porch]

Bringing this back to vintage stores, there used to be -- and maybe still is -- a great vintage store on 23rd on the second floor -- not sure if it's the one pricedout is referring to or if it's upstairs from that -- Jim Smiley's or Smalley's or something like that -- I bought rhinestone Art Deco clips for my wedding dress there, he was very nice . .. anyway, the rambling moral is that not all great stores are on the first floor!

ali r.
{downtown broker}

[pricedout]

I remember the store Front Porch is talking about, it was great. Last time I was over there I didn't notice it, but there's been alot of change and I may have missed it (or its successor). I'll look next time I'm there.

On another issue, I'm looking to buy my husband a guitar (electric) for Christmas and I know squat. I know about Chelsea Guitars, and there's a store on I think First and one LES (maybe Stanton). Can anyone recommend a good, friendly salesperson downtown? I really don't want to do the Sam Ashe type route. They intimidate me. (I've been in them before for things for my daughter). Thanks!

[media35]

I remember the store Front Porch is talking about, it was great. Last time I was over there I didn't notice it, but there's been alot of change and I may have missed it (or its successor). I'll look next time I'm there.

On another issue, I'm looking to buy my husband a guitar (electric) for Christmas and I know squat. I know about Chelsea Guitars, and there's a store on I think First and one LES (maybe Stanton). Can anyone recommend a good, friendly salesperson downtown? I really don't want to do the Sam Ashe type route. They intimidate me. (I've been in them before for things for my daughter). Thanks!

www.umanovguitars.com/ Matt Umanov Guitars, hands down the best. Very helpful, but be sure to know what type of sound you want out of the guitar.

[pricedout]

Thanks. My husband is about as subtle as a brick so I should be able to get that info out of him without arousing any suspicions.

[NewYorkDoc]

Happy UK shoppers hit US stores

By Laura Smith-Spark
BBC News, New York
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http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44249000/jpg/_44249457_macys203bbc.jpg
Many of the shoppers jostling for handbags in Macy's are Brits

Listen to the hubbub of excited shoppers in New York's famous Macy's department store and one thing is striking.

An awful lot of the voices - and particularly those coming from the people clutching the biggest number of bulging bags - seem to be British.
Stop by other large retailers - Bloomingdale's, Saks Fifth Avenue or any Gap store - and the same experience is repeated, with the odd French or other European accent thrown in.
While Americans are feeling the pinch of a credit crunch, housing slump and rising fuel prices, it seems their European cousins are ready to make the most of a dollar which has slid to near record lows.
As the Brits happily point out, an exchange rate of over $2 to £1 makes clothes, cosmetics and electronic goods so much cheaper that it seems worth paying for a flight and hotel.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifFORECAST EUROPEAN ARRIVALS TO THE US IN 2007
From the UK - 4.36m (up 4.5%)
Germany - 1.5m (up 8.1%)
France - 943,000 (up 19.5%)
Spain - 481,000 (up 13.4%)
Ireland - 468,000 (up 13%)

Source: Global Insight

And as a result, it is not just the rich and famous who can enjoy a quick transatlantic shopping trip ahead of Christmas.
Outside Macy's on Friday, Sally Coxon is one of a group of eight women, friends since childhood, who are visiting from London to take advantage of the exchange rate.
"We're here celebrating our 40th birthdays," says Sally. "We've been buying handbags, jackets, whatever we could really."
As they wait for two cabs to whisk them and their mountain of bags back to the hotel, all the talk is of designers and how much cheaper everything is than back home.

Bargain hunters
Ken McGill, a travel and tourism expert for international forecasting company Global Insight, says statistics back up the impression of a European influx to the US.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifhttp://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44249000/jpg/_44249458_bags_bbc203.jpg
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/start_quote_rb.gif Tour operators are telling people 'don't even pack, just go with one little carry-on bag, buy luggage over there and fill it up with what you buy' http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/end_quote_rb.gif


Mary McCormick
Shop America Alliance


According to Global Insight, there will be a growth of 4.5% in the number of arrivals from the UK in 2007, reversing a dip seen last year across the US, barring New York.
Increases are also predicted in the numbers of visits to the US this year from France, Spain, Germany and Ireland.
But it is the British - who make up the biggest share of European visitors - and the Irish who appear most motivated by the prospect of bargain hunting while the dollar slides, Mr McGill says.
Mary McCormick, president of Shop America Alliance, a trade and travel group, agrees.
"The Brits have never been more 'shop happy' in their entire lives, because the pound is so attractive compared to the dollar," she says.
And it is not just New York that is benefiting.
"The problem right now that they run into in New York is that hotels have got so expensive...because of all the people going there to shop in December," she explains. "So I'm hearing that they are going to Boston, Philadelphia, even Chicago and other cities to go shopping.
"Tour operators are telling people 'don't even pack, just go with one little carry-on bag, buy luggage over there and fill it up with what you buy'."

'Affordable luxury'
In New York, the big stores are certainly aware that an increase in European shoppers is good for the balance sheet.
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At Saks Fifth Avenue, multilingual customer service staff will point customers to rails of designer goods, three cafes - and probably the only shoe floor that can claim to be "so big it has its own zip code" (10022-SHOE, if you were wondering).
Saks' general manager Suzanne Johnson says: "We do have an awful lot of Brits coming in.
"And, when you think about it, once they get to the States, or to New York City, or to Saks, they are starting with half off, so they can benefit greatly because they can afford luxury.
"A lot of shopping is done throughout the store, but in particular handbags and shoes...the average spend per customer has gone up significantly."
The store has not advertised in Europe, she added, but a lot of effort is going into PR and building partnerships with European media and travel groups.
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK
43.8m visitors in total to NYC in 2006
1,169,000 British visitors to NYC last year
British tourists spend about $235 a day in NYC
Total spending for British visitors in 2006 was $1.64bn
Total visitor spending was $24bn for NYC last year
Visits from overseas account for 17% of total trips to New York but more than 50% of visitor spend

Source: New York City and Company

It seems the message is getting out.
"We had a hundred women from Iceland who chartered a jet to shop in our new designer shoe store," Ms Johnson says.
"They made a three-day trip out of it and they spent a good day-and-a-half in our store."
Christopher Heywood, PR director for New York City and Company, which promotes New York, says the city is the big success story for US tourism, having bucked the decline seen elsewhere in previous years.
The British in particular are getting "tremendous savings" on goods and benefiting from cheap flights, he says.
Top of UK shoppers' wish lists are major brand names such as Apple, Tiffany, Abercrombie and Fitch, Levi and Nike, he adds.

Anything to declare?
However, one cloud may loom on the horizon for Britain's happy shoppers: import duty.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44214000/jpg/_44214638_dollar203jpgafp.jpg
Europeans are benefiting from the euro's strength against the dollar


Not all travellers may realise that they are only allowed to bring in £145-worth of shopping from the US into the UK, including gifts and souvenirs, without declaring what they have bought.
If this limit is breached, HM Revenue and Customs can insist on the payment of import duty and VAT of up to 20% on many items, which may include those prized jeans or iPods.
As for the US, Mr McGill warns against complacency if it wants to maintain its appeal to European shoppers.
Analysts have come up with three possible reasons as to why European tourism to the US has not grown faster, given that exchange rates have been favourable for some years, he says:

A more negative perception of the US and Americans brought on by the Iraq war and policies of the Bush administration
An impression that the US is not a very welcoming place because of tightened security and entry policies, such as fingerprinting
Rising competition from other destinations, such as Singapore, Dubai and Macau, which have made greater efforts to market themselves to European travellersThat said, the Europeans enjoying the pre-Christmas flavour of New York just before Thanksgiving seem pretty content with the deal on offer. "Don't stop till they turn out the lights," urge the signs in Macy's, advertising its weekend sale. One suspects the pound-rich Brits will be only too happy to obey.

[bumper38]

um i live in st. petersburg fl and i kinda have a shoping ??? where do you get groceries in new york. in fl i am used to going to wal mart or publix and im thinking in manhattan there isnt anything, and also are there any good gyms in manhattan or queens...

thanks for the help

Bumper38

[Front_Porch]

Getting groceries in New York is a constant problem. There are no mega-supermarkets on the island, and all the food has to be trucked in, so you have your choice of small supermarkets with huge markups or giant gourmet stores with bigger markups.

On the other hand, the quality of the food is generally a little bit better than what I remember from the mega-market chains growing up.

I don't know how other people do it, but my husband and I are basically buying groceries every other day. In a typical two weeks, we will go to different chain stores for staples a couple of times, go to a greenmarket/greengrocer to get good produce, and go to one of the better discount markets to load up on meat.

But it's tough, you're constantly shopping and everything is expensive -- figure $20 per grocery bag is a good rule.

ali r.
{downtown broker}

[pricedout]

The biggest and cheapest grocery store in Manhattan was (maybe still is?) the LES Pathmark, but isn't that going to be history soon? Although I think I recall that Pathmark will be allowed to reopen in the new space? It's also a fright show on the weekends. The biggest and cheapest gourmet store is Fairway in Harlem and the UWS, and Trader Joe's near Union Square (although somewhat more limited in selection). There's still some good grocery shopping, particularly meat, seafood and ethnic (although disappearing quickly) around Port Authority on Ninth Avenue, and in Chinatown.

K-Mart has decent prices on pantry staples and things like toilet paper. SOME greenmarket vendors have great prices, some not so great. Even Whole Foods has some great prices on the items that it has branded (pasta, oreos, cheerios, condiments, sauces, ice cream, etc.) But Ali is definitely correct, it often seems much harder than it ought to be.

[lofter1]

... figure $20 per grocery bag is a good rule.

Funny how that ^ works out.

On my grocery runs I'm always happen when a $20 bill covers me.

[Encideyamind]

I'm 6'7 looking for suits and such but don't want(read: can't afford) to get anything tailored. where should I head.

[alskdj80]

I've been looking for a sweatshirt or hoodie that has "Brooklyn" stitched on it since I've moved here, but I still can't find anything.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

[Schadenfrau]

Order one from neighborhoodies.com- it seems like every recent transplant under the age of 30 already has.

[JrVegasCEO]

I am coming to NYC for the first time on business, and I will be wrapped up pretty much all day until 5 or 6 ish all week. Is there any thing open after 6? The MOMA and Statue of Liberty are closed after dark right? Also does any one know when the street vendors leave? I want to go to Canal St and Battery Park to see all the knockoff stuff, but Im going to be super busy! Thanks for any help!

[pricedout]

Encyd (hope you don't mind the abb.)

Try Century21, downtown. My husband is 6'3", not your height, but still we find great things here. It's very close to the subway stop (fulton, 6). Sometimes the finds are amazing, other times so so. If so so, I recommend coming back in a month or so.

[lofter1]

I'm 6'7 looking for suits and such but don't want(read: can't afford) to get anything tailored. where should I head.
Many stores have free tailoring in-store.

[lofter1]

A bit off topic, but what they hay ...

It seems that Beyonce is in every other TV ad for this that or the other product this holiday season.

What do y'all think she's worth these days (sponsorships and all)?

And is there anything she won't sell?

I have norhing against her. Seems she figures she's gotta cash in while the iron - and bod - is hot. Not a bad show biz strategy.

[KrissySF]

Not to mention Beyonce looks exceptionally H-O-T in that credit card commerical. Especially when she's in that low cut blue dress! Whatever she sells, it's flying off the shelves!

[Joey Blaq]

Where can a get a cheap, but still nice suit in Manhattan. I'm looking for something all black and sleek. Thanks

[Gregory Tenenbaum]

Not to mention Beyonce looks exceptionally H-O-T in that credit card commerical. Especially when she's in that low cut blue dress! Whatever she sells, it's flying off the shelves!

Thats the lighting and makeup...:cool:

[Foxy lady]

Just want to say that I'm from europe and coming to USA for the first time so every information is a good one :)

I found this on internet - Woodbury Common Premium Outlets Shopping Tour, Offered By: Gray Line New York Sightseeing, NY's Most Popular Outlet Shopping Day Trip!

so, does anyone know something about this? I'd like to go and shop something like Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, Victoria secret and so on, because in my country all your designer shops are very expensive and I heard from my friends, who have been there, that the prices are reasonable for our budget. so I'm interested in prices...

[NYatKNIGHT]

See if the thread called Woodbury Common (http://www.wirednewyork.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12594&page=2) can answer any of your questions.

[rachelol]

go to bloomingdales. i work there, they have a great sales rack full of designer clothing.

[hotdog]

Hey guys - I'm plannaing a shopping trip to New York in Sep/Oct and was just looking for some advice. Is there any point in trying to organise round the retail sales season. Somebody told me there were discounts on Colombus day - should I hang on and try to take advantage and how big are the discounts on offer?

Also Woodbury Common seems to be the place to head for right?

Thanks a lot - any info is much appreciated...

[Sunnygirl]

I like Filene's Basement - on the UWS - good prices, good selection.

[Heidswaan]

Hello,

My girlfriend and i are going within 3 weeks to NYC. She is despered to buy some Minnetonka's shoes there...She dont want to buy them here in Holland or buy them online. She wants to buy them in a store in NYC...I searched the internet for hours but cant find a shop who sells them... Who is gonna help me out ? Make me the man! :D

tnx alot :cool: