Stylist to the stars Erin Walsh shares her tips for uncovering hidden shopping gems in the Big Apple.
New York City is renowned for its iconic shopping scene, but many visitors only scratch the surface by sticking to the well-known chain stores of 5th Avenue. Stylist to the stars Erin Walsh believes that the true magic lies in exploring the city’s hidden gems. With a passion for fashion and a deep love for New York City, Walsh shares her insider guide to shopping in the Big Apple. From trendy boutiques to historic department stores, her recommendations will help you navigate the city’s vast shopping scene like a local.
Best for Women’s Fashion: SoHo between West Broadway and Broadway
Walsh’s first recommendation for women’s fashion is the cobblestoned stretch of SoHo between West Broadway and Broadway. This neighborhood is known for its tony boutiques and offers a wide range of options. Walsh suggests visiting luxury brand stores like The Webster, Kate Spade, and Chloé. However, she also encourages shoppers to explore the streets and discover hidden indie boutiques like Kirna Zabête on Mercer Street. To make the experience even more enjoyable, Walsh recommends stopping by special places like La Mercerie, a unique restaurant and showroom where everything is for sale.
Best for Men’s Shopping: The Bowery
When it comes to shopping for men, Walsh heads to the industrial Bowery neighborhood in downtown Manhattan. She describes this area as “woodsy” and “underrated.” Walsh’s favorite shops in this neighborhood include John Derien, an upscale home decor store on 2nd Street, and Dashwood Books on Bond Street, a bookstore loved by her husband. The Bowery offers a collection of little shops that create a cozy and wonderful shopping experience.
Best for Traditional Holiday Shopping: Midtown
New York City’s shopping scene becomes even more magical during the winter holidays. While locals tend to avoid the tourist-filled madness of Midtown, Walsh believes it’s an essential part of the holiday shopping experience. She recommends exploring the shops at Rockefeller Center, admiring the high art holiday window displays on 5th Avenue, and joining the crowds at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. Despite the chaos, Walsh finds these experiences truly special and suggests taking your children to see the famous Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center.
Best for Home Interiors: Tribeca, the West Village
As passionate about interiors as she is about fashion, Walsh enjoys shopping for home decor in Tribeca and the West Village. She believes that the spaces we allow into our lives impact how we feel, and therefore, finding beautifully designed homewares is essential. Walsh suggests visiting sophisticated Tribeca and the historic West Village to discover rugs, furniture pieces, trays, books, and even robes as unique gifts. She also enjoys exploring candle stores and shopping for fragrances, which she finds to be surprising and delightful gifts.
Best for Kids: SoHo, between Thompson and West Broadway
When shopping for children, Walsh returns to SoHo but narrows her focus to a two-block stretch on SoHo’s westernmost edge. She recommends Bonpoint on West Broadway as the go-to store for children’s fashion. Other favorite children’s stores in the area include Makie on Thompson Street, which offers beautiful Japanese-inspired clothes, and Ladurée café on West Broadway, where you can find delicious macarons in a beautiful box.
Best for Quiet Luxury: The Upper East Side, around The Mark Hotel
For a touch of luxury, Walsh suggests exploring the Upper East Side around The Mark Hotel. Before diving into the boutiques, she recommends visiting Georgia Louise Atelier for a facial and a beauty haul. The avenue’s luxury shops, such as Sidney Garber, Ralph Lauren, and La Ligne, offer a wide range of high-quality products. Walsh also enjoys visiting the Gagosian art gallery and ending the day with a drink at The Mark.
Best for Making a Whole Day of It: SoHo, between Lafayette and Crosby Streets
Walsh recommends exploring another ultra-niche pocket of SoHo, this time between Lafayette and Crosby Streets. This area offers a concentration of fun businesses that can occupy an entire day. Walsh suggests getting your nails done at Paintbox nail salon, browsing handbag and jewelry stores like Prada and Dinosaur Designs, and visiting Santa Maria Novella for luxurious fragrances. A stop at McNally Jackson indie bookshop and a refreshing Campari spritz at Sant Ambroeus bar complete the experience.
Best New Kid on the Block: Dover Street Market (Flatiron/Madison Square Park)
While Walsh loves the classic downtown neighborhoods, she also keeps an eye on up-and-coming areas like the Flatiron district’s Dover Street Market. This neighborhood has experienced significant growth in recent years and offers a unique selection of designers. Walsh recommends exploring the area’s cute coffee shops and restaurants, as well as the jewelry stores and international boutiques. She advises shoppers to take their time and enjoy the experience, rather than rushing through it.
Conclusion: Erin Walsh’s insider guide to shopping in New York City reveals the city’s hidden shopping gems and encourages visitors to explore beyond the well-known chain stores. From trendy boutiques to historic department stores, each neighborhood offers a unique and immersive shopping experience. Whether you’re looking for women’s fashion, men’s shopping, traditional holiday shopping, home interiors, children’s fashion, quiet luxury, a full day of shopping, or the latest up-and-coming area, Walsh’s guide will help you navigate the city’s vast shopping scene like a true New Yorker. So, get lost in the streets of New York City and discover the special gems that make this city a shopper’s paradise.
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