Stylist to the stars Erin Walsh shares her expert recommendations for exploring the hidden gems of New York City’s shopping scene.
New York City is renowned for its iconic shopping scene, with luxury flagships, historic department stores, and edgy indie boutiques lining its streets. However, many visitors only scratch the surface, missing out on the city’s hidden gems. Stylist to the stars Erin Walsh believes that the best way to experience New York City’s shopping scene is to “get lost” and explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods. In this article, Walsh shares her insider guide to shopping in New York City, offering recommendations for women’s fashion, men’s shopping, traditional holiday shopping, home interiors, children’s fashion, quiet luxury, making a day of it, and the best new shopping areas.
Best for Women’s Fashion: SoHo between West Broadway and Broadway
Erin Walsh’s go-to neighborhood for women’s fashion is the cobblestoned stretch of SoHo between West Broadway and Broadway. She recommends exploring the luxury brand stores like The Webster, Kate Spade, and Chloé, as well as uncovering surprising indie boutiques like Kirna Zabête.
Best for Men’s Shopping: The Bowery
When it comes to shopping for men, Walsh suggests heading to the industrial Bowery neighborhood in downtown Manhattan. She highlights the pocket near The Bowery Hotel, where you can find upscale home decor stores like John Derien and Dashwood Books, a favorite bookstore.
Best for Traditional Holiday Shopping: Midtown
While locals tend to avoid Midtown during the holidays due to the crowds, Walsh believes it’s a must-visit for traditional holiday shopping. She recommends experiencing the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, exploring the ritzy shops at Rockefeller Center, and admiring the high art holiday window displays on 5th Avenue.
Best for Home Interiors: Tribeca, the West Village
Walsh, who is passionate about interiors, suggests exploring Tribeca and the historic West Village for beautifully designed homewares and surprise gifts. She enjoys layering textures and materials in New York City’s tiny spaces and recommends visiting candle stores and shopping for fragrances as surprising and thoughtful gifts.
Best for Kids: SoHo, between Thompson and West Broadway
When shopping for children, Walsh returns to artsy SoHo and narrows her focus to a two-block stretch on SoHo’s westernmost edge. She recommends Bonpoint on West Broadway for children’s designers and Makie on Thompson Street for beautiful kids’ clothes.
Best for Quiet Luxury: The Upper East Side, around The Mark Hotel
For a luxurious shopping experience, Walsh suggests exploring the swanky stretch of Madison Avenue surrounding The Mark Hotel. She recommends visiting Georgia Louise Atelier for a facial and beauty haul, shopping at luxury boutiques like Sidney Garber and Ralph Lauren, 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 another ultra-niche pocket of SoHo that offers enough businesses to fill an entire day. She suggests getting your nails done at Paintbox nail salon, shopping at Prada and Dinosaur Designs, exploring smaller boutiques, visiting Santa Maria Novella and McNally Jackson, and ending the day with a drink at Sant Ambroeus.
Best New Kid on the Block: Dover Street Market (Flatiron/Madison Square Park)
Walsh keeps an eye on up-and-coming shopping areas, like the Flatiron district’s Dover Street Market. She highlights the unique and diverse selection of designers, as well as the area’s growing foodie scene, with Eataly and Cecconi’s locations. She recommends taking the time to enjoy the experience and not rushing through the shopping process.
Conclusion: New York City’s shopping scene is a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. By following Erin Walsh’s expert guide, visitors can explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods and uncover unique fashion finds, home interiors, and children’s clothing. Whether you’re looking for traditional holiday shopping or a luxurious experience, New York City has something for everyone. So, get lost in the city’s streets and let the shopping adventure begin.
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