Shopping in New York requires a bit of planning to make the most of your time. Visiting outlet centers like Jersey Gardens, hunting for deals in Midtown, or browsing the flagship stores along Fifth Avenue each require a different approach. Use these seven tips to plan your stops, check transport schedules in advance, and save extra space in your luggage.
1. Plan Your Shopping Route
Before diving into the city’s hustle and bustle, it’s essential to plan your shopping route. New York is packed with shopping districts, each offering different stores. Macy’s in Herald Square is a classic, but don’t miss SoHo, known for its exclusive boutiques and emerging designers. Use map apps to find the most efficient routes and ensure you don’t miss anything.
2. Visit the Best Outlets: Jersey Gardens, Woodbury Common & Bergen
Just an hour away from the city, outlet shopping offers unbeatable savings. Jersey Gardens is a top indoor outlet mall featuring over 200 stores like Nike, Adidas, Michael Kors and Coach, complete with dining options and entertainment.
If you are looking for outdoor luxury shopping, here are a few extra options:
Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
Located about an hour outside Manhattan, this outdoor shopping center features over 250 high-end luxury stores, including Gucci, Prada, Burberry, and Saint Laurent. It is the top choice if you are looking for designer labels at outlet prices.
The Outlets at Bergen Town Center
Located just across the Hudson River in New Jersey, this center offers a quick trip for discounted fashion with major off-price stores like Saks OFF 5TH and Nordstrom Rack.
Planning a trip to Jersey Gardens? Read our Jersey Gardens: The Mills Guide for complete bus schedules, tax-free savings tips, and store details.
3. Explore New York’s Discount Stores
If you prefer staying within the city, New York is full of discount department stores offering high-quality fashion at reduced prices. Century 21 is a true New York institution, famous for great discounts on designer clothing and accessories right in Downtown Manhattan. Other excellent options include TJ Maxx and Marshalls, where you can find branded apparel, home goods, and shoes all in one place.
4. Don’t Miss the Famous Stores for Shopping in New York
Visiting New York’s massive retail locations is an essential part of the Midtown experience. Tiffany & Co. Landmark on 57th Street and Fifth Avenue features ten floors of fine jewelry, watch collections, and rotating art exhibits. Just a short walk away at 767 Fifth Avenue, the Apple Store operates 24/7 beneath its iconic glass cube, offering full product displays, repair services, and interactive workshops.
For family shopping or entertainment, stop by FAO Schwarz in Rockefeller Plaza for interactive toy displays, or visit the multi-level LEGO Store nearby, which features giant brick sculptures of New York landmarks, custom minifigure stations, and exclusive sets.
5. Take Advantage of Seasonal Sales
Seasonal sales are a great way to score deals on your favorite brands. Sales usually kick off after Thanksgiving with events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, where many stores offer significant discounts. You’ll also find special sales in January and July, so plan your visit around these dates to maximize your savings.
6. Explore Local Markets
Local indoor and outdoor markets offer a distinct shopping atmosphere for artisanal products, food, and vintage fashion. Chelsea Market (75 9th Ave) houses over 40 vendors selling specialty foods, local crafts, and gifts inside a historic industrial building.
On weekends in Brooklyn, head to Smorgasburg in Williamsburg for an open-air food market with dozens of local culinary vendors. Directly adjacent to food markets or under the Manhattan Bridge archway in DUMBO, you will find the Brooklyn Flea, one of the city’s top spots for antique furniture, vintage clothing, rare vinyl records, and handcrafted jewelry directly from local designers.
7. Don’t Forget Souvenirs
Leave souvenir shopping for the end of your trip to avoid carrying extra bags throughout your daily itineraries. Beyond basic street carts selling t-shirts and magnets, Times Square hosts large-scale themed retail stores. M&M’s World (1600 Broadway) offers three floors of customized merchandise and candy walls, while the nearby Harry Potter New York store in Flatiron (935 Broadway) features the largest collection of Wizarding World merchandise, butterbeer on tap, and photo opportunities.
Planning Your Shopping Budget and Taxes
Organizing your route in advance helps you maximize both time and savings across Manhattan and outer-borough outlets. Keep in mind that New York City applies an 8.875% sales tax on most purchases; however, clothing and footwear items under $110 per item are exempt from NYC local tax. If you plan to buy higher-end fashion or multiple items, taking the bus to New Jersey outlets like Jersey Gardens allows you to benefit from 0% sales tax on all apparel and shoes. Check transit schedules ahead of time, request customer discount booklets upon arrival, and make sure to leave extra space in your luggage for your return flight.
