A Fashion Expert’s Guide to Shopping in New York City

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NYC shopping is legendary. Since the late 1800s, its gleaming concrete streets have been the nation’s shopping capital, with luxury flagships, classic department stores, and fashionable indie boutiques. Few tourists go beyond 5th Avenue, Rockefeller Center, and Herald Square chain retailers. Erin Walsh, a longtime New Yorker and stylist to Anne Hathaway and Selena Gomez, shares her insider tips on NYC’s hidden shopping areas.

SoHo between West Broadway and Broadway for women’s fashion
Start in SoHo to experience NYC fashion. This creative district is known for its boutiques, which sell luxury and indie goods. Between West Broadway and Broadway is Walsh’s favorite women’s fashion stretch. Classic stores like The Webster, Kate Spade, and Chloé are here. Don’t limit yourself to big companies. Explore the cobblestone lanes to find hidden jewels like Kirna Zabête on Mercer Street, which features curated collections from established and emerging designers. Eat at La Mercerie, where everything from clothes to flowers is on sale, after a day of shopping. To complete your New York adventure, finish at Balthazar.

Best for Men’s Shopping: Bowery
The industrial Bowery in downtown Manhattan has men’s fashion. Unique “woodsy” and “underrated” shops reside in this rough region. Walsh shops at John Derian on 2nd Street for high-end home furnishings and Dashwood Books on Bond Street, her husband’s favorite bookstore. The Bowery Hotel is a fixture in this diverse neighborhood, with Goop stores nearby. This Bowery section is snug and great for finding unique gifts and niche boutiques.

Best for Traditional Holiday Shopping: Midtown
Midtown Manhattan embodies festive charm like no other. Midtown is a holiday must-see for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Bergdorf Goodman and Saks’ window displays. Walsh says experiencing Midtown’s celebratory vibe is crucial despite the crowds. View Rockefeller Center’s huge Christmas tree and ice skating rink. Holiday shoppers love Rockefeller Center and 5th Avenue’s luxury stores.

Best Home Interiors: Tribeca and West Village
Tribeca and the West Village have elegant residential interiors. Walsh enjoys searching these communities for unique presents and well-designed homewares. From mirrors and candlesticks to trays and books, these establishments provide many possibilities for home decor. Candle and fragrance shops offer unique gifts. Walsh takes risks with gifts to make them more personal and memorable. Visiting these neighborhoods might give your home distinctive elements that match your style.

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SoHo between Thompson and West Broadway is best for kids
Children’s shopping in SoHo is fun, especially between Thompson and West Broadway. Bonpoint on West Broadway is a children’s designer staple with many fashionable selections. The lovely and unusual designs of Makie on Thompson Street make it another beloved kids’ clothing boutique.

Finish your shopping adventure to Ladurée on West Broadway for delicious macarons, which kids and adults love. Kids will love finding attractive and unique goods in this area, making shopping entertaining and productive.

Upper East Side surrounds The Mark Hotel
Upper East Side surrounds The Mark Hotel offers luxury shopping. Georgia Louise Atelier on 71st Street offers “reset” facials and high-tech face tools and skincare products to start the day. Madison Avenue’s premium businesses include Sidney Garber jewelry, Ralph Lauren, and La Ligne, famed for its sweaters. Visit the Gagosian art gallery to finish your high-end shopping day, says Walsh. Get a drink at The Mark to cap off your sumptuous day.

Insider Tips for Shopping in NYC

• Get Lost: The best way to discover NYC’s shopping scene is to wander and explore. Venture into different neighborhoods and get off the beaten path to find unique stores and experiences.
• Plan Your Stops: Think about the restaurants and cafes around your shopping areas. Combining shopping with dining enhances your experience and provides a more enjoyable day out.
• Mix Luxury with Indie: Balance your shopping trip with visits to both luxury brand stores and independent boutiques. This approach allows you to find a wide range of styles and products.
• Embrace the Seasons: Each season brings a different vibe to NYC’s shopping districts. Enjoy holiday shopping in Midtown, summer strolls in SoHo, and cozy winter days on the Upper East Side.

New York City’s shopping scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. Whether you’re looking for high fashion, unique gifts, or a memorable day out, this insider guide by Erin Walsh will help you navigate the best shopping spots in the city.