New York City has no shortage of amazing stores. The challenge is figuring out where best to spend your time — and money. Whatever’s on your wish list, there is someone selling it among the bustle of the Big Apple. Here are some of our favorite purveyors, from the finest department and specialty stores to the coolest independent boutiques.
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DEPARTMENT STORE INSTITUTIONS
Bergdorf Goodman
Ease in with a little window shopping on New York’s most iconic retail strip: Fifth Avenue. Make luxury giant Bergdorf Goodman your first stop. The window displays are jaw-dropping, no matter the time of year, though we are partial to the storefront come Christmastime. Once you’ve had a gander, go inside — it’s worth the trip just to admire the couture.
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Barneys New York
Barneys on Madison Avenue is another must. This iconic destination offers designer apparel and accessories with an avant-garde flair, and the brand’s newer downtown location is even edgier. Whichever venue you visit, be sure to make the mandatory brunch stop at Freds. Here, you’ll find ladies who lunch munching on the restaurant’s famous oversized salads with fat-free mustard vinaigrette.
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Saks Fifth Avenue
This celebrated department store is filled with a heavenly selection of high-end designers. Come with a plan or you could spend an eternity browsing 10 floors of show-stopping merchandise — don’t leave without a visit to the famous shoe department. If you’re downtown, check out the store’s newest location on Liberty Street.
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Dover Street Market
This sprawling Murray Hill department store is a purveyor of nothing but the trendiest designer goods. The London-based boutique’s offers seven floors of chic from the likes of Gucci, Prada and Thom Browne. Come here for fresh-from-the-runway looks.
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INDEPENDENT BOUTIQUES
Bird
This Brooklyn-based chain of shops carries wardrobe essentials that are anything but basic. Expect a highly curated collection of staples by luxe designers like Rachel Comey, Ulla Johnson and Isabel Marant Étoile.
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This Upper East Side townhouse is brimming with top-shelf threads and wares by up-and-coming designers as well as veterans like Carolina Herrera and Alexander Wang. You can find a few steals here for under $200.
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Personnel of New York
If you’re looking for something that no one else has, shop here for unique pieces that are hand-selected from top indie designers. Browse these Greenwich Village racks to find everything from vintage clothing and costume jewelry to stationery and bar tools.
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Kirna Zabete
This cutting-edge shop in SoHo features a well-curated selection of on-trend items fit for a queen. Expect familiar names like Gucci mixed among items from emerging labels.
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SPECIALTY STORES
Strand Bookstore
Bibliophiles will rejoice at this independent East Village landmark. Tomes line every inch of the 90-year-old store that claims to carry more than 18 miles worth of new, used, rare and even out-of-print titles.
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ABC Carpet and Home
When it comes to high-end homewares, this stylish warehouse at 888 Broadway has it all. To glamorize your life, shop all six floors of furniture, carpets, décor, jewelry and even makeup at this one-stop emporium.
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Fishs Eddy
If you prefer your kitchen to have some quirky character, plan a pit stop at this whimsical Gramercy Park shop. Fishs Eddy is a tableware wonderland, if ever there was one. It is filled with home novelty items as well as piles and piles of dishes, utensils, linens and more to unearth.
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Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle
Olfactory enthusiasts can’t miss a trip to this luxurious fragrance house. Sales associates consider themselves “matchmakers” and are prepared to find your scent soul mate.
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Economy Candy
As the name suggests, this edible emporium sells just one thing. Find your favorite bonbons of yesteryear as well as imported delights at this Lower East Side institution. Even if you don’t have a sweet tooth, it’s fun to browse the confection-covered shelves that stretch from floor to ceiling.
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Suistudio
Where else in the world can you find a store that focuses solely on suits for the female physique? The professionally trained staff at this SoHo store will fit you in a flash and, thanks to on-site tailoring, send you off with your gorgeous new garment in tow.
