The 5 most famous stores in New York

For many travelers, New York is a shopping mecca. If you are planning to take a trip to New York, you may be wondering if you should bring an extra empty suitcase for your purchases there.

The answer will depend on your budget and your passion for shopping but I warn you that in all probability you will return home with a good handful of gifts, since in the Big Apple it is possible to find all kinds of products at all prices. What's more, Although the price difference with Europe is not huge, it can be significant, which will probably encourage you to spend. In short, you will be tempted!

If I like something about New York when it comes to shopping, it is the wide variety of stores there are. Walking through its streets you will always find a store that catches your attention and invites you to enter to browse its products. From branded boutiques and shopping malls to vintage markets and young designer shops. There is something for everyone! However, in the next post I am going to focus on the 5 most famous stores in New York that no traveler should miss. You will love it!

Macy's

Possibly the most popular mall of all department stores in the United States and an essential visit on any shopping route through New York. This mall is so big that it takes up one block in Herald Square. In its more than ten floors, you will find most of the brands and practically everything in one place, to the point that it even caters to retail customers.

Since it is made up of two buildings, it is sometimes difficult to find what you are looking for but if you get lost, do not hesitate to consult their staff. In fact, this mall is so important in New York that in 1978 its structure was listed as a National Historic Monument. But back to shopping, if you are looking for recognized brands, good deals and a relaxed atmosphere you have to visit Macy's.

What are the sections of Macy's?

The ground floor and the mezzanine is dedicated to perfumery and jewelry (Chanel, Clinique, Dior, Gucci, Lancôme, Louis Vuitton, MAC, NARS, Shiseido, Tom Ford, Ralph Lauren and Tory Burch, among many others.

On the second floor of Macy's the shoe store (Calvin Klein, Adidas, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Nike, Michael Kors, Sam Edelman, Ralph Lauren, Sketchers, Converse, Vans ...) while on the third floor the golden mile is condensed with the best luxury boutiques (Armani Exchange, French Connection, Calvin Klein, INC, Polo Ralph Lauren or Michael Kors). On the fourth and fifth floors you can spend the afternoon since it is where all the Macy's women's fashion is found except for the lingerie that is on the sixth floor next to the section dedicated to the home.

Children's fashion is located on the seventh floor while furniture and decoration are on the ninth. For tourists, this plant is very interesting as it is intended for assortments of suitcases and travel bags. That is, here you can buy everything you need to pack back home all the purchases you make in New York after a vacation.

And what can you find on the eighth floor of Macy's? This is a somewhat particular plant because the items sold here depend on the time of year you visit the city. For example, in winter they put all the clothes for the snow and they set up Santaland for the little ones, a winter town where children can meet Santa Claus by prior reservation on the official website. On the other hand, in summer you can buy swimwear. On the other hand, the eighth floor is the permanent section dedicated to wedding dresses at Macy's.

When to visit Macy's?

Personally, my favorite time of year to go to Macy's is during Christmas Well, its Christmas windows are spectacular. Every year these department stores are surpassed to surprise customers and if you visit New York as a family the little ones will love the festive atmosphere of Santaland. It will be an experience they will not forget and you can take the opportunity to buy them a Christmas gift at Macy's. Macy's holiday decorations can be viewed from Thanksgiving week through December 26.

If your trip to New York doesn't coincide with Christmas, Another time to go shopping at this mall is at the end of March when the Macy's Flower Show takes place. It is a flower show that has been going on since 1946. Every year the theme is different and around a million flowers are used to decorate the building for a fortnight. It is really very pretty.

Interesting Facts

• Where is Macy's ?: 151 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001
• Hours: Monday to Thursday from 11AM to 8PM. Friday and Saturday from 11AM to 9PM. Sundays from 11 AM to 8PM.

Tiffany's

New York City is itself a movie set. Important productions that have left their mark on popular culture have been shot there. One of these films was "Breakfast at Diamonds" (1961) the film adaptation of Truman Capote's novel that starred Audrey Hepburn on the big screen.

If this film has an iconic scene that we all remember, it is Holly standing in front of the Tiffany's window on Fifth Avenue having a croissant for breakfast in a black Givenchy dress. Nowadays, many people take advantage of their trip to New York to visit this popular jewelry and emulate the mythical actress taking the typical photo with a coffee and a muffin. It's like an unwritten tradition, you can't leave the Big Apple without yours.

But if in addition to being a movie buff you are passionate about jewelry, you should not miss this fabulous store that is part of the National Register of Historic Places. The pieces they have for sale are authentic works of art and if you like one, you can always ask to have it wrapped as a gift.

Interesting Facts

• Where is it ?: 5th Avenue and 57th Street
• Hours: Monday to Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Sunday from 12 PM to 5 PM.

Saks Fifth Avenue

Another of the most famous shopping malls in New York is Saks Fifth Avenue. Located opposite Rockefeller Center and next to St. Patrick's Cathedral, it was founded in 1867 and is considered a symbol of distinction and elegance in the city. Throughout its ten floors, the different departments that have products from the most prestigious international brands (Valentino, Fendi, Alice + Olivia, Burberry, Prada, etc.) have been articulated.

Take advantage of a visit to the Top of the Rock viewpoint or inside St. Patrick's Cathedral to explore these department stores later. There you will find everything for everyone. The fashion plant for women and men is perfectly stocked with all kinds of garments and accessories of the best quality. They even have a personal shopper service to help you choose the clothes and colors that best suit you according to your style.

Bridal fashion at Saks Fifth Avenue

If you are visiting New York and it happens that you are planning your wedding or have been invited to one, you may want to stop by the bridal fashion section in this mall. They have a fantastic selection of wedding and guest dresses from the best designers as well as everything necessary to complete the look such as veils, footwear, lingerie, jewelry ... Saks Fifth Avenue is aware of all the details.

Take a break at Fika Coffee Bar

Let's face it, shopping can be exhausting. If after a day of shopping you need to take a break, head to the fifth floor of Saks Fifth Avenue where there is a Swedish cafeteria where you can savor a freshly brewed coffee with a traditional cinnamon roll that will give you enough energy to continue shopping.

When to visit Saks Fifth Avenue?

All year round it is conducive to visiting Saks Fifth Avenue but like Macy's, Christmas is a highly recommended time to go to these department stores as the staff goes to great lengths to decorate the entire building with Christmas motifs and it looks spectacular. They truly manage to surprise customers every year with their creative proposals and make you want to take photos inside the facilities as one more Christmas decoration.

Interesting Facts

• Where is it ?: 611 5th Avenue New York, NY 10022
• Hours: Monday to Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM. Sundays from 10 AM to 7 PM.

Bloomingdale's

Another of the shopping centers with a lot of history in New York is Bloomingdale's, it will surely sound like series like "Friends" because it is where Rachel Green, one of the protagonists, worked. What began as a small store on the Lower East Side in 1861 has today become one of the most important department stores in the United States with stores throughout the country although the headquarters of 59th Street and Lexington Avenue, in the Upper East Side, is the most popular of all.

Unlike Saks Fifth Avenue, prices aren't that expensive at Bloomingdale's And you can also buy fashion, jewelry, accessories, perfumes and decorative items from good brands. If your budget is somewhat tighter, this is a good place to go shopping in New York and one of the most famous.

Another reason Bloomingdale's is so popular is because of its "brown bags." These department stores were pioneers in replacing plastic bags with paper bags in order to take care of the environment. They have even become an icon and are sold as New York souvenirs in tote bags, handbags, toiletry bags ... You know what to buy at Bloomingdale's!

Interesting Facts

• Where is it ?: 1000 Third Avenue, NY
• Hours: Monday to Sunday, from 10AM to 8:30 PM

FAO Schwarz

When you enter FAO Schwarz you will return to your earliest childhood! Founded in 1862, it is the largest toy store in New York, which is divided into two floors on the ground floor of the famous 30 Rock building in Rockefeller Center.

This store is so famous that it has appeared in the cinema several times in films such as "Home Alone 2" or "Big". It sure sounds familiar to you from the famous scene where Tom Hanks danced on a tactile piano. If you get bitten by emulating this sequence, in the store there is a replica where you too can dance on the piano of «Big».

As soon as you enter, you will be greeted by the clerks dressed in their soldier's uniform, who can help you find what you are looking for. Walking the corridors of FAO Schwarz you can enjoy its different sections. There is an area dedicated to magic, another to science, a dolls section and a stuffed animal factory, among many others. One of my favorites is the sweets and trinkets section. In this store they have a wide variety of candies of all shapes, colors and flavors. It is a very original souvenir from New York if you want to surprise someone with a sweet tooth!

Interesting Facts

• Where is it: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111
• Hours: Open from Wednesday to Saturday from 11 AM to 7 PM. Sunday from 10 AM to 7 PM. Monday and Tuesday, closed.