Often referred to as the shopping capital of the world, New York City is an ideal honeymoon location if you’re looking to exercise your credit card. From fashion to furniture and everything in between, inspiration abounds, and there are bargains to be had as well. You just need to know where to look, which is why we’ve chosen five of our favourite stores—places we return to again and again every time we visit the Big Apple.
1. Century 21
For two years running, Century 21 has been voted the number one discount store in New York by the Zagat survey. Offering 40-70% off designer labels, this store is a bargain hunter’s dream! Selling clothing, shoes and accessories for men, women and children, there is something for everyone, all at prices that can’t be beat. A recent visit yielded a Diane von Furstenberg dress for only $99 US. Be prepared to set aside several hours to do a thorough sweep of this vast department store: digging is required to unearth the hidden treasures. (You may want to ditch the Mister at Starbucks for this one.)
Located at 22 Cortlandt Street (between Church and Broadway), c21stores.com
Pit stop: You won’t have to lug your shopping bags very far if you choose to stay the night at the Millenium Hilton located right next door (55 Church Street). Sink into one of the luxurious beds, and spend some quiet time watching the flatscreen TV before another busy day of hitting the shops.
2. Prada
Prada’s prices may be outside the average shopper’s budget, but the flagship store in trendy SoHo is well worth a visit, if only to appreciate the space from an architectural point of view: think of it as a museum or art gallery with free admission—everyone is welcome to browse. Designed by renowned architect Rem Koolhaas, the store is unlike any other in the world. Indeed, the central area consists of an enormous wooden curve (think of a half-pipe in a skate park). A vast flight of stairs on one side of the valley displays an army of mannequins dressed in the season’s best. Fun fact: The store once made an appearance on an episode of Sex and the City.
575 Broadway (at Prince Street)
3. ABC Carpet & Home
If you’re planning on redecorating your home post-honeymoon, ABC Carpet & Home is an essential shopping destination. Located in the Flatiron District, this legendary retailer actually occupies two separate buildings on a busy strip of Broadway (881 and 888 Broadway). Both locations are packed to the rafters with furniture, upholstery, lighting and more. Upon entering #888, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to Aladdin’s Cave: every style of chandelier imaginable hangs from the ceiling, while display cases burst with opulent, brightly coloured textiles. This location also contains a store within a store, Cursive, an exquisite boutique specializing in stationery and objets d’art—the perfect place to pick up some thank-you cards (if you haven’t already done so).
Visit abchome.com for more information.
4. Fishs Eddy
In the same block as ABC Carpet & Home, you’ll find Fishs Eddy, a treasure trove of fun and collectible dishware (particularly the kind of sturdy, durable pieces found in diners across North America). Founded by two antique collectors, the store definitely has a retro feel in spite of the fact that most of the products for sale are completely new. The decor, which includes amusing, vintage portraits, contributes to the overall quirky flea-market vibe. There’s a plethora of solid and patterned dishes to choose from, but we’re especially fond of fashion designer Cynthia Rowley’s line: illustrations of stylish girls-about-town adorn the rims of everything from mugs to cereal bowls. If the thought of lugging breakable items across the border has you feeling nervous, rest assured that there are plenty of non-breakable purchases to be made! In fact, Fishs Eddy is a great resource for hip, non-traditional (a.k.a. non-cheesy) souvenirs, such as tote bags and t-shirts emblazoned with the New York skyline.
889 Broadway (at 19th Street), fishseddy.com
Traveller’s tip: Famished after all that retail therapy? Locals and tourists alike are singing the praises of Mexican resto, Rosa Mexicano, located just around the corner at 9 West 18th Street. Order the guacamole: it’s made fresh right beside your table, and served with delicious signature chips and warm corn tortillas.
5) Marc by Marc Jacobs
Located on a trendy, tree-lined street in the West Village, this outpost of beloved fashion designer Marc Jacobs offers affordable trinkets to take home to your friends! It’s commonplace to see a flock of fashionistas waiting in line outside this tiny store, clamouring for their chance to grab some budget-friendly small leather goods, keychains, tote bags and compact mirrors all emblazoned with Marc’s much-coveted name. Best buy: pick up a glam resin cocktail ring for a mere $5 US.
385 Bleecker Street, marcjacobs.com
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