New York Shopping Secrets

We all know New York is great for shopping but do you know the markets, book shops and discount designer stores the locals have been frequenting for years? Lean in close and I’ll share with you some New York shopping secrets!

Strand Bookstore

The Strand Bookstore is one of my all-time favourites shops in New York. The musty, multi-levels of The Strand Bookstore are crammed full of new, used and rare books for you to browse, breathe in and (hopefully!) buy. In business since 1927, the store boasts of over 18 miles of books, that’s almost two million printed publications. There is also an accessory department, filled with items that make great gifts for book lovers and budding writers. Here you can pick up one of their tote bags, which you’ll often see New Yorkers using to lug laundry and groceries around the city.

Strand Bookstore, 828 Broadway (on the corner of 12th Street and Broadway)

Century 21

Minutes from the money-makers on Wall Street and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, is a department store dedicated to bargain hunters. Century 21 sells designer goods at 50 to 70 percent off the usual retail price.  This historic department store also has a beauty and accessories department, as well as clothing, toys and a children’s department. The shoe department can be a little hard to find – look for the staircase near the back of the store – but is well worth rummaging.

Century 21 Downtown, 22 Cortland Street (between Church & Broadway)

Chelsea Market

Chelsea Market is a West Side foodie haven, found in a red-brick warehouse within spitting distance of the High Line elevated walkway. This indoor marketplace is filled with independent boutiques, quirky eateries and modern art installations. Between the handbag cookies at Eleni’s, pies at the Aussie Tuck Shop, and organic baked goods at Amy’s Bread, every craving is catered for. The market also hosts events and live music to keep you amused as you sample and shop.

Chelsea Market, 75 9th Avenue (Between 15th and 16 Streets)

Hell’s Kitchen Annex Market & Brooklyn Flea

Hell’s Kitchen Annex Market is a true local’s favourite. At this outdoor weekend event (loved since 1976) you’ll find a charming mish-mash of vintage furniture, second-hand clothes, flowers and Amish food. Fans of flea markets should also make time to visit the Brooklyn Flea Market – held in the opulent old Williamsburgh Savings Bank in the winter or outdoors at Fort Greene (Saturdays) and Williamsburgh (Sundays) during the summer months.

Shop NYC – Free App From Hayes and Jarvis

For an easy way to navigate between these shopping secrets (and much, much more) download the free Shop NYC app from Hayes and Jarvis. The app lists over 100 of New York’s best stores handpicked by retail experts and suggests itineraries and walking routes based on your personal selections. The places listed are broken down into categories (such as Vintage New York, Food and Drink and Beauty Products) so you can really home in on the type of places you are looking for, plus it uses real-time GPS tracking to guide you along your route. It also handily lists the stores opening times and websites, so you’ll never miss an opportunity to shop in New York. Find the app in the iTunes store.

Do you have any New York shopping secrets? Share them in the comments below.

This post was written in conjunction with Hayes and Jarvis. All opinions are my own.

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