Shopping in NY / USA

beeza

I hope this thread can have a bit of time by itself before merging into the NY thread.

Off to New York in late Jan, my wife wants to do a bit of shopping but as we don't have much time, what should we look out for? Not going to Woodbury Common due to lack of time.

Looking for good quality, long lasting, fashoinable clothing for us (30 y. o.) and a toddler. What shops we don't have should we look out for and what brands are much cheaper in the US than the UK?

I know Levis are cheap but what about things like Calvin Klein, Timberland, Gap, etc? Not looking for "Primani" prices but good value on quality instead

googler

Go to Macy's first. It's huge, and has all the usual suspects; Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, etc. and loads of others that I've forgotten. They'll probably have a January sale on, too

Lucy1973

Century 21,opposite ground zero. Its a fantastic discount designer store. It does get VERY busy so go early. My teen son stocked up on CK undies and socks there. Also great for cheap designer bags etc.

Theres also a discount shop at the South street seaport mall which did cheap Ck jumpers etc.

Sambucus_Nigra

It might help if we knew where you were actually staying.

Personally, I've found all you have to do is walk around and bingo - shops!

Look at prices in the UK before you go, calculate what they would be at the same price in $ and when you get there you will see if they are a bargain or not.

I've found that since the recession, not only have the prices gone up but the exchange rate means that you don't save anywhere near as much as you did a few years ago....in fact some things are more expensive now so do your research before you go.

Pinklepurr

Sambucus_Nigra wrote: »

It might help if we knew where you were actually staying.

Personally, I've found all you have to do is walk around and bingo - shops!

Look at prices in the UK before you go, calculate what they would be at the same price in $ and when you get there you will see if they are a bargain or not.

I've found that since the recession, not only have the prices gone up but the exchange rate means that you don't save anywhere near as much as you did a few years ago....in fact some things are more expensive now so do your research before you go.

I agree! I've been to NYC a number of times over the last few years. In 2007 & 2008 the exchange rate was good so there were many bargains and not just on designer brands. I last went in October and my budget didn't stretch half as far as it has done in previous years.

Macys is a good place as you have so many brands under one roof. You can also pick up a discount card from their visitors bureau (on the mezzanine above the beauty hall). If I recall correctly that gives you a further 10% off (although on selected items).

The purchase I was most pleased with this year was a brand of jeans called "Not Your daughers jeans". They retail in the UK for about £130 + but in Macy's were $98. Levis were cheap and there is a large children's section in Macy's too.

However, there is more to NYC other than Macy's so you will be spoilt for choice! Have a great trip!

phatbear

And dont forget your 10% out of towners discount card in macys

*pinkie*

Don't forget to factor tax on items you buy, catches me out everytime i go to USA. Its not on the labels but added on at the till as far as i m aware . So what may appear to be a bargin, will be less of one when you actually pay.

malkie76

.......and import duty when you return to the UK

EycplUK

Try Jersey Gardens ! Good shops and prices ! and try and shop there on Martin Luther King Jr Day , its another 10% off list prices !

beeza

Thanks everyone.

Been looking at the Macys website and assuming prices are without sales tax. At least the 10% discount there takes care of the tax so what you see is almost what you pay. Seen some things cheap and some not. Obviously not as good as 3 yrs ago for shopping.

Are there any US specific brands or shops that are good but we don't know about? We get a good deal on cosmetics and designer stuff in the UK anyway, its good quailty wardrobe basics I'm looking at - jeans, shirts, t-shirts etc.

Given up on "Primarni" and so many supposed to be quality UK chains have gone the same way

My wife likes Gap for kids clothes, is Old Navy (?) poorer quality than Gap or just less "styled" to make it cheaper???

Staying nr. Times Square but will be around Manhattan during the trip.

Someone mentioned CK underwear, how much? I usually buy in the sales or outlets here and never pay more than £8 or so. Sounds a lot but I find they last.

malkie76 wrote: »

.......and import duty when you return to the UK

Do we have a finger smilie?

We're going to struggle to spend £400 each on clothes :rotfl:

phatbear

Theres no tax on clothing under $110