Shopping in New York City
A city famous for its elegance and Bohemian chic, New York is a shopper's paradise, hawking everything from cutting-edge designer fashions to flea market bargains.
Key areas
The smartest shops are on Madison Avenue in the Upper East Side. Fifth Avenue is a magnet for the label conscious. Soho is the most European of the neighbourhoods. The East Village and the Lower East Side harbour street fashion, with vintage shops and music stores.
Markets
On weekends, the Antiques Garage Flea Market, 112 West 25th Street (between Sixth and Seventh Avenues), spreads an assortment of vintage goods. Along Broadway and Soho, street vendors that hawk almost everything. The Brooklyn Flea consists of several huge markets held on weekends in Fort Greene and Williamsburg.
Shopping centres
The mall at the Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle houses a variety of upscale shops. Famous department stores include Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 Fifth Avenue; Macy's, 151 W 34th Street; and Bloomingdale's at 504 Broadway in Soho and 59th Street at Lexington.
Opening hours
Business areas open as early as 0800, while shops in Soho and the East Village open at 1200. Many stay open until at least 1900. Department stores are generally open Monday to Saturday 1000-2000 and Sunday 1200-1800.
Souvenirs
Classic souvenirs include clothing or accessories emblazoned with iconic New York City logos like NY Yankees, NY Mets, FDNY, NYPD or the new basketball team, the Brooklyn Nets. The ubiquitous I 'heart' NY label is plastered on everything from bags and t-shirts to luggage tags and Christmas ornaments.
Tax information
There’s a sales tax of 8.875% on most consumer goods (clothes and shoes are taxed at a lower rate - no tax under US$110, 4.5% over US$110). Visitors are unable to claim a tax refund.
