33 Best Shopping in New York City, New York

Only a few stores in New York occupy an entire city block, and the uptown flagship of this classic New York retail institution is one of them. The main floor is a buzzy, glittery maze of mirrored cosmetic counters and perfume-spraying salespeople. Navigate past this dizzying scene to find good buys on designer clothes, shoes, bedding, housewares, and more. In true upscale Bloomie's style, in-store personal shoppers will help you score styles for yourself (or gifts for others) like a VIP.

The clothes at this classic American haberdasher are, as ever, traditional, comfortable, and fairly priced. Summer seersucker, navy-blue blazers, and the peerless oxford shirts have been men's staples for generations; the women's and boys' selections have variations thereon. At this flagship store, which Brooks Brothers has occupied since 1915, tailors are on hand for fittings; an appointment is recommended.

Located in Grand Central Terminal, the symbolic heart of New York City's transit system, this museum store and gallery features an eclectic array of merchandise all linked to the MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority), from straphanger ties to earrings made from old subway tokens.

The iconic store remains a high-fashion force and continually revamps its modish offerings with contemporary designer lines, such as Proenza Schouler and Victoria Beckham. The department store has a designer sneaker shop, as well as an enormous Christian Louboutin shop-within-a-shop. The ground-floor beauty department stocks an incredible array of products, from classics to edgy. This store's extravagant Holiday Light Show is one of the city's top attractions from late November to early January.

Antiques dealers since 1851, this shop specializes in European and Russian decorative arts, jewelry, and paintings. Behold bibelots by Fabergé and others, enameled or encrusted with jewels. If money is no object, there are also antique diamond necklaces and pieces of china once owned by Russian nobility. The shop is closed on weekends.

This brand is known for its casual, preppy clothes for men, women, and kids—but brace yourself for the thumping club music and dim lighting.

New York's flagship Apple Store features a 32-foot-high glass cube that appears to float over its subterranean entrance. The Apple-obsessed will be happy to know that this location is open 24/7, holidays included. There are often special programs here, so check the website. Make an appointment (well in advance) at the Genius Bar if you need tech help. There also are several more Apple Stores across New York City, including a SoHo location in a converted historic post office building.

Family-owned since 1925, Argosy is a charmingly old-fashioned place to browse for both bargain and priceless books. The shop keeps a scholarly stock of rare books and autographs. It's also a great place to find good-value maps and prints for gifts.

In keeping with the Armani aesthetic, the minimalist furniture and housewares here have a subdued color scheme (gold, gray, cream, and black). Big-ticket items include luxuriously upholstered sofas and sleek coffee tables. The desk accessories and throw pillows are equally understated.

If you want to channel your inner princess, you can't go wrong with the ladylike pumps and high-heeled boots here. The mostly leather accessories and clothing are equally tasteful.

Over five decades after Pierre Balmain opened his first New York boutique on Madison Ave., the French luxury fashion house under Creative Director Olivier Rousteing brought the brand's signature French flair back to New York with a massive store-cum-gallery-space that opened brazenly and optimistically in the height of the Pandemic. The all-black, New-York-cool, gleaming reflective interiors showcase the brand's iconic expertly-crafted ready-to-wear, bags, and accessories. Look for Rousteing’s collaboration with luxury candle brand Cire Trudon.

Although there are plenty of Banana Republic stores around the city, come to this 5th Avenue flagship for the biggest selection of the brand's classic clothing for men and women. Don't miss the Heritage collection or the big clearance racks.

The ultimate shopping destination, this luxury department store is one of the city's iconic stops for designer clothes and impeccable service. The shoe department is stellar, and the range of products in the beauty department is unparalleled. Complete your look with highlights at the in-house Salon at BG. Refuel with a bite at the seventh-floor BG Restaurant, which has Central Park views, or a quick bite at the beauty-level Palette. Cross 5th Avenue to shop at Goodman's Men's Store, with fine selections of menswear and accessories, as well as the posh, second-floor Goodman's Bar.

The signature crosshatch weave graces leather handbags, slouchy satchels, and shoes; the especially satisfying brown shades extend from fawn to deep chocolate. The stylish men's and women's ready-to-wear collection is also sold here.

With a marble-lined, jewel-encrusted flagship on 5th Avenue (one of several global Bulgari "temples"), this Italian company is certainly not meek with its branding, which encircles gems, watch faces, and an ever-growing accessories line. There are ornate, weighty rings and other pieces mixing gold with stainless steel, porcelain, and the brand's signature cabochon multicolor sapphires. Wedding and engagement rings are slightly more subdued.

Occupying six stories, this glass-and-stone flagship is a temple to all things plaid and British, with clothing for men and women. The iconic trench coat can be made to measure here, and the signature plaid can be found on bikinis, scarves, and wallets. For children, there are mini versions of quilted jackets and cozy sweaters.

Established in 1914, this legendary French jeweler and firm favorite among royals and celebrities is the place to come for exquisite engagement rings, luxury watches, or cuff links. The brand's iconic designs include the panther motif, the Trinity ring, and Tank watches—all available at the famous Cartier Mansion on 5th Avenue, along with vintage accessories. The entire building, which is a Gilded Age mansion built for Morgan Freeman Plant, son of railroad tycoon Henry B. Plant, is wrapped in a Cartier signature red bow every year for the holidays. 

The five-story Midtown flagship on 57th Street has often been compared to a Chanel suit—elegant, timeless, and flawlessly crafted. It's also Chanel's largest store in North America. Double-C devotees come here for the iconic suits and quilted handbags, along with other pillars of Chanel style: chic little black dresses, evening gowns, and yards of pearls. There's also a cosmetics area where you can stock up on the famed scents and nail polish.

This brand is known for comfortable but stylish footwear and its designer and limited-edition collaborations. All kinds of shoes from sandals to boots to pumps are available.

Very white and very glossy, this space sets a serene background to showcase the luxe women's ready-to-wear collection along with handbags, fragrances, and accessories. If you're not in the market for an investment gown or fine jewelry, peruse the latest status bag.

Once known primarily for its furs, Fendi is now synonymous with decadent handbags, and its Madison Avenue flagship is a temple for them. The purses are beaded, embroidered, and fantastically embellished. Leather goods, women's wear, menswear, shoes, watches, and other accessories are also available.

Elegance and restraint typify these designs for both women and men, from handbags and footwear to fragrances and leather goods—all well represented at this multilevel flagship. The company has reworked some of its women's styles from previous decades, like the comfy Audrey (as in Hepburn, for whom the style was designed) ballet flat, released seasonally in various styles and colors.

The 46,000-square-foot flagship with floor-to-ceiling glass windows is the largest Gucci store in the world, selling goods for women, men, and kids. The latter is a specialty in this location, which also has store-exclusive goods and a special "heritage" department. The clothing is edgy and sexy. Skin-tight pants might be paired with a luxe leather jacket; silk tops leave a little more to the imagination. Many of the accessories, like blingy shades or snakeskin shoes, have Gucci's signature horse-bit detailing.

Of-the-moment trends are packaged for the mass market at this affordable Swedish clothing chain for men, women, and kids. The 57,000-square-foot flagship is one of the brand's largest stores, though there are numerous others around the city. H&M has collaborated with many designers, including Karl Lagerfeld, Alexander Wang, and Isabel Marant.

These jewels regularly adorn celebs at the Oscars, and you need an A-list bank account to shop here. The ice-clear diamonds are of impeccable quality and are set in everything from emerald-cut solitaire rings to wreath necklaces resembling strings of flowers. No wonder the jeweler was immortalized in the song "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend." 

In the grand 57th Street flagship featuring women's and men's goods, you can get your fill of LV-emblazoned handbags and accessories, as well as the more subtle Damier check pattern and colorful striated leathers. The clothes and shoes here are devastatingly chic, and the merchandising displays alone make the store worth a peek.

The Japanese originator of the cultured pearl, Mikimoto presents a glowing display of high-luster pearls. In addition to viewing creamy strands from their own pearl farms, check out the diamond-and-pearl earrings, bracelets, and rings.

On the ground floor of Sony headquarters, this sprawling space is more a showroom of themed, rotating installations to showcase the latest Sony electronics than it is a store. Take new Playstation games for a spin, experience the latest VR products, preview unreleased products, and even borrow top-of-the-line cameras and lenses to test around the city. The space also hosts events with celebrities and industry experts: check out the online calendar.

The broad range of (mostly women's) shoe styles, from pumps to tall boots to strappy sandals, is enhanced by an even wider range of sizes and widths. Bridal shoes are hugely popular, if pricey. The label also produces a line of chic handbags.

It's hard to think of a more iconic New York jewelry store than Tiffany, along with its unmistakable blue box. Daydream among the displays of platinum-and-diamond bracelets and massive engagement rings, or head to the sterling-silver floor for more affordable baubles. This flagship is among the world's most famous stores, thanks in part to Truman Capote's 1958 novella Breakfast at Tiffany's and the 1961 classic film starring Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly.