NYC shopping trip anyone got any tips?

[hellenback]

Where are the bargains and are there discounts vouchers to be had ... ??? Thanks

Century 21 or 21st Century, which is near Ground Zero and try China town too....lucky you!

Thanks - big birthday treat

there is less tax on stuff bought from new jersey. If you can be bothered with the trip over the water (about half an hour on the bus maybe) there are lots of shopping malls where everything is cheaper.

What sort of thing do you want?

Macy's (big department store) do 10% or maybe 15% (?) off most purchases if you are a tourist. You just present your passport at their customer services till and they give you a little discount card.

Century 21 (mentioned above) and another chain called Daffy's do name-brand stuff at fairly cheapo prices, but I've found they are better for kid's and men's clothing and that a lot fo the women's stuff is rubbish.

As Dragonbutter said, the tax on items bought in NJ is lees than NYC tax, so a trip to one of the big outlet malls (there is one in Hoboken (a train ride away) and a few others (sure someone else will know).

Most clothes are just generally much cheaper in the NYC, especially American brands. Ditto cosmetics. I've found that a lot of stuff in the US costs the same in dollars as it would do in pounds here - so that's roughly half price.

Message withdrawn

jersey gardens was my favourite.

Yes, forgot to say trainers are so much cheaper. Foot Locker always have great deals. Kid's shoes are much cheaper, too. they have a company called Stride Rite (like our Start Rite) which is much cheaper than the equivalent over here.

Thanks to everyone who replied - jeans and trainers and cosmetics are the big targets - will take on board comments re 21 Century. Not sure DH will stomach a trip to New Jersey but worth knowing for a future girly trip.

C21 is fantastic for men's suits and ties and basics like Calvin Klein underwear

Pretty ropey for women and kids

Message withdrawn

For jeans definitely stick to american brands. You'll get designer jeans much cheaper and brands like levi's, diesel etc much cheaper over there. From memory you'll find a levi's store and a diesel store near bloomingdales.

Macy's do a really wide range of jeans.

Sephora good for cosmetics - there's a few of them about. There's a Sephora and a Foot Locker opposite Macy's. Mac, benefit and Laura Mercier cosmetics all much cheaper there than here.

Get the Zagat shopping guide (on Amazon). Very Very comprehensive. Got back a few weeks ago and used this the whole weekend.

Abercrombie & Fitch is half the London price. We did well on men's suits and handbags in Century 21, and some shoes, but there is a load of junk there as well!!

Very jealous

I found Century 21 to be totally crapola when I went. Like a giant but completely rubbish TK Maxx. Some of the stuff looked like it had been there since the 80's. But as Aimsmum says, it is probably hit and miss. If you dont have a great deal of time I wouldnt bother.

We found Macys to be the best bet. I didnt really find that clothes were that much cheaper, even with the fab exchange rate. Jeans probably a bit cheaper. If you want proper trainers find a sports shop and they are about half the price they are here.

Have a lovely time!

Aveda hairproducts are a lot cheaper over there.

Bloomingdales also do the 10% tourist discount, although it's not available on everything. Again see the guest/visitor services desk and present oyur passport.

Big Skechers store opp Macys, we too stocked up on trainers (ask not to have the boxes with them, no need for extra weight in your luggage)

And I'm sure you will, but don't forget to take another holdall with you for the extra purchases

Abercrombie & Fitch
Banana Republic
US cosmetics brands in Sephora or department stores

make up & perfume. up to half price. including uk brands like jo malone.

ugg boots apparently if that is your thing.

trainers definitely

Jo Malone is a US brand (part of Estée Lauder) which explains why it is cheaper in the US.

REALLY! well there you go, she must have sold out? or is she american??? gosh, was convinced was a uk brand.

what about artisan parfumeur? would that be cheaper?

Jo Malone sold to Estée Lauder about 10 years ago.

I don't know about l'Artisan Parfumeur - I think it's French, but it's so hard to know these days as the big groups swallow up so many small brands.

SEPHORA!! you may never leave, i almost didn't

Remove the packaging and cut the tags off everything before you return. You could be slugged for import duty on your return to the UK.

I loved Macys. Partly cos I am large - size 22 and an equally large American friend from here told me about their Plus Size section. I almost didn't want to leave! Do you remember the line in Friends when Rachel gets the job in Bloomingdales and Phoebe says "It's like the mother ship has called her home"? - well that's how I felt! And then the lovely lady on the till told me about the visitor's discount card and held all my stuff while I went to get one.

Loved Sephora too. Loved being able to buy products I had only seen in magazines.

I found Macys great for childrens' clothes too. bought loads for DS.