As a native New Yorker and an Image Consultant, I always get asked by friends coming to visit the Big Apple to take them shopping for ‘deals”. They expect to come to NYC to get great deals on luxury items they usually wouldn’t buy in their hometown. We always score big and they go home with a bag full of designer goods and bragging rights. And if you are wondering -NO, we are NOT talking about counterfeit items in Chinatown! Here is my list of the best places to shop in NYC for the budget-conscious traveler…you’re welcome!
The Thrill of Department Store Markdowns
Here is a little secret, I NEVER buy anything at full price. Yes, this includes luxury shopping in New York. How is this possible you ask? It’s because large department stores typically offer sales and discounts in some form or another. Discounts are either directly stated on a tag, or promotion. Also, many overlook the discounts and points offered just for opening a retail credit card or signing up for points or a membership. Below are the best places to shop in the Big Apple that always offer discounts.
Best Places to Shop in NYC for Luxury on a Budget
Macy’s Herald Square, Midtown NYC
If you come to NYC and don’t visit Macy’s at Herald Square, you will be missing out on an EPIC shopping experience. This isn’t just any Macys, its THE historic flagship location! Macy’s Herald Square is so huge, it can take days to get through all the floors. One pro tip about Macy’s is that they are renowned for placing designer handbags on sale. For example, at the time of writing this article, this Michael Kors handbag is on sale for $179.00.
Macy’s offers a 20% discount just opening their credit card. They also have a membership where you can gain points or “Star Money”. Macy’s is also well known for offering deeply discounted items during seasonal sales or major holidays and of course during their “Flash Sale’. This historic location deserves to be on the top of the list of best places to shop in NYC for luxury on a budget.
Bloomingdales 59th Street, Third Ave NYC
Ok, I know, Bloomingdales never comes to mind if you are thinking of being budget-conscious, but you are seriously mistaken! Bloomingdales offers a 15% discount just for signing up for emails or texts! They are also known for their 70% off final sale items. Here’s the catch, you’ll need to try on items to ensure they fit because these final sale items are non-refundable. For example, at the time of this article, their 70% final sale includes this Stewart Weitzman shoe for $134.93 which is 70% off the regular price of $450.00! I ran out and got these and love them!
Saks Fifth Ave, 611, 5th Ave NYC
Going to Saks Fifth Ave is every fashionista’s dream, but don’t be intimidated! Sak Fifth Ave’s “designer sale” is epic! At the time of writing this article, they had several Alexander McQueen items at 70% off. Saks offers a 10% discount for opening up their credit card. Members also get $25 for every 2500 points earned and get exclusive access to sales and events. If you are a serious luxury budget hunter, stop by Saks Fifth Ave. for some of the best luxury shopping in NYC.
Steals at Luxury Department Store Outlets
If you are looking for incredible deals on luxury fashion and goods, one of the best places to shop is at Department Store Outlets. Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Saks, and Nordstrom “outlets” all have incredible discounted luxury items. Here’s a list of some of my favorite ones:
Off Saks, 125 East 57th Street, NYC
Off Saks is one of my favorite places to shop for incredible deals on luxury items. They have it all, from clothing, handbags and jewelry. These items are deeply discounted. I especially love shopping here during the holidays.
Bloomingdale’s Outlet, 2085 Broadway, NYC
I love Bloomingdale’s Outlet. It’s always full of unexpected finds, especially when it comes to outerwear. You can find Canada Goose and Burberry winter coats deeply discounted if you are lucky and walk on the right day. Their designer shoe collection is also top-notch.
Macy’s Backstage, 171 W 34th Street, NYC
Macy’s Backstage is a pretty quirky place. I would love to meet their buyers someday. This is the place for you if you’re looking for unique fashion finds. It’s a hodgepodge of all sorts of goodies. If you are in the area. I’ve scored some luxury undergarments and eclectic home goods here.
Discount Designer Stores
There are a few large discount designer stores that offer excellent deals on luxury clothes. Here is the shortlist:
Century 21, 22 Cortlandt Street, NYC
One of the best places to shop in NYC for discounted luxury is Century 21. This iconic designer discount department store has reopened to full glory. Pack your patience and bring extra cash because you are going to find some investment pieces. This is where you’ll bump into personal stylists shopping for high-end clients, usually for last-minute attire.
TJ Maxx, 620 6th Ave, NYC
I LOVE me some TJ Maxx and this is the biggest, most fabulous one in NYC! It’s chock full of surprises. I scored a Donna Karen dress and Michael Kors purse just last month at 70% off the retail value. If you are looking for a luxury steal, TJ Maxx will never disappoint.
Hidden Gems and Local Boutiques
If you walk the streets of Soho, Downtown Manhattan, and Noho, you’ll find unique fashion in high-end boutiques with lots to offer. You can find some great treasures in smaller NYC shops. Here are a few goodies:
Kirna Zabete, 160 Mercer Street, Lower Manhattan
This is the place to find that gorgeous Chloe or Missoni dress deeply discounted. I love this boutique. It offers curated haute couture at up to 60% of the retail value.
Beacon’s Promise, 10 West 13th Street, Lower Manhattan
This luxury consignment store is a hidden gem for vintage discounted pre-owned haute couture. If you like treasure-hunting for sustainable fashion, this is your spot. They often re-sell vintage Alexander McQueen, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Celine clothing.
Balancing Quality and Price
I wrote a whole article on how to spot quality clothing. As an Image Consultant, my clients need to use their money wisely. Purchasing sustainably should be everyone’s goal. When investing in that luxury item, consider the Cost Per Wear. For example, say you bought that Burberry trench coat for $750.00 and wear it 50 times all fall and spring. Divide 750 by 50, which is a cost per wear of only $15.00! Now that’s a justifiable purchase! On the other hand, imagine purchasing that $1,000 red-bottom pair of pumps that you only wear 1 time during the year. That Cost per Wear is $1,000, see the difference? Consider the usage or “mileage” from your investment in that luxury item.
Be Strategic For the Best Shopping in NYC
There’s a lot to see in the city that never sleeps. With these shopping tips for budget-conscious travelers, you can be strategic and land the deal of a lifetime. It’s easy to get distracted in NYC, but if you stick to a plan and have this list in hand, you can’t go wrong. Bookmark this list of best places to shop in NYC for your next trip. Your guaranteed to score high-quality, sustainable items while improving your wardrobe and personal style.
