358 Best Places to Shop in New York City, New York

& Other Stories

SoHo Fodor's choice

There are now several & Other Stories in New York and California, but this was the first U.S. outpost of the popular shop owned by Swedish megastore H&M. The inventory focuses on midrange clothes and bold twists on staples designed in Paris and Stockholm. Chunky sweaters, pointy-toed flats, and printed coats are just the beginning. This is a great place to browse: you're sure to find something delightful and not over-the-top expensive.

ABC Carpet & Home

Union Square Fodor's choice

Step into this emporium of eclectic home goods from around the world, and you might feel like you've found your fantasy-land nest. An astounding array of colorful rugs, antiques, textiles, furniture, and bedding, including sleek sofas and Balinese daybeds is spread over several floors. The ground level is a chic marketplace of antique stemware, ceramic tableware, fine jewelry, and wellness products. There are no less than three in-house restaurants from Jean-Georges Vongerichten, which are destinations in their own right. The selection of unique jewelry on the first floor is wonderful, if you're looking for a gift.

Aedes Perfumery

Lower East Side Fodor's choice

Arguably the best place to buy fragrance in Manhattan, this lovely smelling boutique's super-knowledgeable staff help shoppers find the perfect scent. High-end (and predominantly European) brands like L'Artisan Parfumeur and Astier de Villatte are stocked, along with luxurious skin-care products, pricey candles, and room diffusers.

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Agent Provocateur

SoHo Fodor's choice

If Victoria's Secret is too tame for you, try this British-based lingerie shop, which has a naughty twist. Showpieces include corsets, lace sets with contrast-color trim, bottoms tied with satin ribbons, and some fetish-type leather ensembles. A great selection of stockings is complemented by the garter belts to secure them.

Alter

Greenpoint Fodor's choice
Sartorialists come to this fashionable boutique to snag unique wardrobe pieces like drapey sweaters, Cheap Monday jeans, and minimalist jewelry, as well as retro-inspired sunglasses, canvas bags, and shoes for men and women. Area designers are well represented.

Archestratus Books + Foods

Greenpoint Fodor's choice

One of those rare neighborhood gems that becomes a true community hub, Archestratus started out as a tiny food bookstore. It has now expanded into two storefronts: one with a well-curated selection of cookbooks and culinary writings, and another a cozy café serving Italian-inflected goodies like arancini (rice balls), with shelves packed with local produce, high-end grains, oils, and spices. There are also cooking classes, bake sales for good causes, and lectures, plus a monthly event that sees locals coming together to cook recipes from a specific cookbook, often alongside the author.

Artists & Fleas

Fodor's choice
Hands down the best place to lay eyes on the latest cool creations from Brooklyn-based artists and designers, this huge warehouse lures canny connoisseurs seeking one-of-a-kind items. Every weekend, nearly 100 vendors sell everything from handmade jewelry and objets d'art to custom clocks made from old hardcover books and T-shirts with vintage cartoons.

Astor Wines & Spirits

East Village Fodor's choice

Stock up on wine, spirits, and everything else alcohol-related at this sprawling, below-sidewalk-level shop; it often has the bottle you can't find anywhere else. Among Astor's other assets are a wine library, a kitchen for cooking classes, and a tasting most evenings.

Astoria Bookshop

Astoria Fodor's choice

For over 10 years this adorable bookshop in Queens has served as a central hub dedicated to supporting local authors and promoting the literary arts. It’s a refreshing alternative to the big-box book stores and online giants, especially with their weekly in-store speaking and author events. While you're browsing bestsellers, indie titles, nonfiction, poetry, and well-curated Staff Picks, consider RSVPing to read a tale of your own at their popular Storytelling Show, a free monthly, open-mike-style reading series.

B&H Photo & Video

Midtown West Fodor's choice

Competitive prices, vast inventory (new and used), and a fair return policy make this bustling emporium a favorite with both pros and amateurs looking for audio and video equipment, new cameras, computers, or tech accessories. Be sure to leave a few extra minutes for the checkout procedure; bear in mind, too, that the store is closed early Friday afternoon and all day Saturday. B&H is also known for its ingenious, ceiling-height, conveyor-belt system to move packages.

Beacon's Closet

Greenpoint Fodor's choice
The racks are organized by category and color at this trove of secondhand and vintage clothes, so you can find an entire section of black dresses and another just for jeans. Be patient sorting through the huge selection—you might find gems like a vintage Yves Saint Laurent jacket or purple-sequined, peep-toe heels by Marc Jacobs. There are enough brocade gowns and fur (real and fake) to outfit the entire cast of a 1960s period drama.

Beacon's Closet, Park Slope

Park Slope Fodor's choice
Of the four secondhand clothing shops in a two-block stretch, this one's the best. The well-organized local chain carries vintage and modern styles for men and women. The racks are updated daily, thanks to area fashionistas who sell their cast-offs here. Most threads cost $11 to $23 (the latter for, say, a nearly new Paul Smith jacket from a season or three ago, or an Italian Sisley wool coat). If secondhand isn't your thing, the shop also sells brand-new costume jewelry, hosiery, journals, and hand-poured Paddywax candles in a wide variety of scents and packaging.

Bedford Cheese Shop

Fodor's choice
A cheese lover's dream, this small fromagerie sells everything needed for a gourmet antipasto. The more than 200 artisanal cheeses are arranged by style—hard, soft, Bries, blues, etcetera. Dry goods include crackers, biscuits, premium olive oils, small-batch jams, and chocolates. Prosciutto di Parma and Serrano ham are among the cured meats; you'll also find foie gras, quail eggs, and other comestibles. Expert cheesemongers will help you navigate the offerings.

Bellocq Tea Atelier

Greenpoint Fodor's choice
This jewel box of a tea shop is a bit out of the way, but it's a must for tea aficionados. Bellocq sources organic and exotic teas from China, India, and Japan, and sells them as single-origin varieties or custom blends. Though the shop isn’t a full-service tea salon, you can always find a pot or two brewed for tasting. With their elegant yellow canisters, Bellocq teas make great gifts.

Better Than Jam

Fodor's choice
Stocked with clothes, jewelry, accessories, art, local zines, bath products, and housewares all handmade in New York's five boroughs, this store, attached to the Shops at the Loom, is the perfect place to find distinctive gifts and souvenirs. The space also doubles as a communal art studio, with workshops, classes, and open hours available to the public. It's closed Tuesday–Thursday.

Black Bear

Fodor's choice
The well-curated selection of secondhand and vintage designer clothing—perhaps a colorful Pucci dress or a child-size coat—sunglasses, hats, and shoes, as well as handmade jewelry and greeting cards, is hard to resist browsing through. The shop is small, but the stock is frequently refreshed.

Bloch Dance Shoes

Upper West Side Fodor's choice

Yes, you can find dance shoes here for a tango competition, pointe shoes for an aspiring ballerina, or tap shoes for your secret wannabe life as Fred Astaire or Ginger Rogers. But this shop for men, women, and children in the shadow of Lincoln Center is also a great resource for super-comfy sneakers and walking shoes that provide TLC to your tootsies whether you are in rehearsal or just walking to or from errands or sightseeing, and at half the cost of the tip-of-the-tongue brand names. You can pick up leotards, tees, and other necessities for dancing or the gym as well.

Bloomingdale's

Midtown East Fodor's choice

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.

bocnyc

Upper West Side Fodor's choice

Who needs to go downtown for cutting-edge fashion? This store stocks sleek designs from the likes of Ulla Johnson, Loeffler Randall, and A.L.C. The selection of bags and jewelry is just as stylish.

Bonpoint

Upper East Side Fodor's choice

Upper East Siders shop at this pricey French children's boutique for the beautiful designs and impeccable workmanship—think pony-hair baby booties, hand-embroidered jumpers, and cashmere onesies. The flagship has a loftlike design with whimsical touches, such as a large indoor tree and a cloud sculpture.

Books of Wonder

Chelsea Fodor's choice

Readers young and old delight in Manhattan's oldest and largest independent children's bookstore. The friendly, knowledgeable staff can help select gifts for all reading levels. Don't miss the extensive Oz section, plus the collection of old, rare, and collectible children's books and original children's book art.

Brooklyn ARTery

Fodor's choice
Jewelry, T-shirts, home decor items, Brooklyn-made artisanal foods like candy from Liddabit Sweets and Mike’s Hot Honey, health and beauty products, and much more: this well-stocked gift shop specializes in handmade and reclaimed merchandise made locally and at sustainable cooperatives from around the world.

Brooks Brothers

Midtown East Fodor's choice

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.

Catbird

Fodor's choice
Known for its trademark stackable rings and other dainty jewelry, the tiny store also sells soft cashmere hats, candles, and gift items, all curated with an emphasis on area designers. Any gift you buy here—for a friend or for yourself—will be cherished.

Century21

Financial District Fodor's choice

For many New Yorkers, this downtown fixture is the place to hunt for the mother lode of discount wares. Seven floors are crammed with everything from designer shoes to half-price cashmere sweaters to high-end housewares, though you have to sift through racks and fight crowds to dig out the gems. Devoted shoppers with ample time can uncover some dazzling finds, and early birds can beat the throngs. Don't miss the children's section either, or basement-level luggage bargains.

If you're on the Upper West Side or in Downtown Brooklyn, you can check out more discount shopping at the other two locations, at Broadway and 66th or at City Point, respectively.

Collyer’s Mansion

Brooklyn Heights Fodor's choice
Although this housewares shop is named for New York’s infamous hoarder brothers, it’s actually a thoughtful selection of beautiful textiles, glassware, lighting, and jewelry designed by a mix of local and international artists. The Japanese bath products—Binchotan charcoal soaps and masks, and Yoshii towels made with raw cotton—are especially popular.

Comme des Garçons

Chelsea Fodor's choice

The designs in this swoopy, gold-adorned space consistently push the fashion envelope with brash patterns, unlikely juxtapositions (tulle and neoprene), and cuts that are meant to be thought-provoking, not flattering. Architecture students come just for the interior design.

Court Street Grocers

Carroll Gardens Fodor's choice
Part sandwich shop, part specialty food store, Court Street Grocers is a one-stop shop for Brooklyn’s most food-curious visitors. The shop’s owners scour the world for products, including regional sodas, chocolate bars, and potato chips. A long list of delicious sandwiches are sold in back: favorites include the Reuben made with house-corned beef brisket, sauerkraut and “come-back” sauce, and the Ultimate Warrior, with slow-roasted pork shoulder, broccoli rabe, provolone, and hot peppers on a Caputo hero.

Dépanneur

Fodor's choice
Foodies have many reasons to stop at Dépanneur: artisanal products, cookbooks, food magazines, gourmet sandwiches, pastries, and coffee by Toby's Estate. The specialty store's shelves are lined with small-batch jams, pickles by Brooklyn Brine, flavored hot sauces, syrups, cordials, and bitters, not to mention a well-chosen selection of cheeses and salumi.

Despaña

Little Italy Fodor's choice

Is Little Italy in danger of turning into Little Spain? No, but this dark, narrow shop with shelves stocked with imported Spanish goodies is the perfect spot to purchase what you'd need to re-create a Galician picnic. In addition to top brands of tinned fish, impeccably prepared foods, and skillfully sliced ham, there's a tapas counter in the back for more elaborate snacks.