Shopping in New York City
Shopping in New York City is an important part of the trip for many people, but you can never see “everything.” The city is huge and the range of shops is enormous. Major chains, department stores, small boutiques, and entire shopping districts are often located close to one another.
That’s why most travelers don’t shop randomly in between activities, but consciously choose where to spend their time. Some want to stroll along famous shopping streets, others are looking for specific brands, outlets, or a few truly typical New York stores. On this page, you’ll find an overview of the best-known places to shop in New York, from major shopping streets and department stores to outlets outside the city.
Shopping Streets in New York
In various parts of New York, you’ll find long shopping streets where major chains, well-known brands, and smaller shops sit side by side. Often, you’ll naturally pass many stores as you walk through the city.
Some neighborhoods are mainly known for big brands and flagship stores. In other areas, you’ll find streets with smaller boutiques and shops that are mostly frequented by local residents.
You can find an overview of the most famous shopping streets in New York on the page Shopping in New York: the Best Shopping Streets.
Fifth Avenue
Fifth Avenue is probably the most famous shopping street in New York. Here you’ll find many major international brands, luxury stores, and impressive flagship shops. For many visitors, a walk along Fifth Avenue is simply part of the experience, even if they’re not necessarily planning to buy anything.
You can read more about this street on the page Shopping on Fifth Avenue in New York City.
Department Stores in New York
In addition to the many shopping streets, New York also has a number of large, multi-story department stores. Here you’ll find a wide range of brands and product categories under one roof, which many travelers find a convenient and enjoyable way to shop during a day in the city.
Macy’s New York
Macy’s is the most famous department store in New York and is located at Herald Square. The enormous building attracts large numbers of visitors every day, both tourists and locals. You’ll find a wide mix of clothing, shoes, accessories, and other products, spread across multiple floors.
For many travelers, Macy’s is a place you naturally step into while exploring the city, even if you don’t necessarily need anything. Thanks to its central location, you often pass by it anyway.
You can find more information about this department store on the page Macy’s New York: Is It Worth a Visit?
Outlets Near New York
For many travelers, outlet shopping is also part of shopping in New York City. These outlets are usually located outside the city and are mainly visited by people specifically looking for branded clothing at lower prices. A visit to an outlet is often something you plan separately, for example as a day trip from Manhattan.
There are several outlets in the New York area, but one name almost always comes up.
Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
Woodbury Common Premium Outlets is located north of New York City and is one of the best-known outlet malls in the region. The outlet center consists of a large open-air shopping area with dozens of well-known brands, ranging from sports and casual wear to more luxurious labels.
Many visitors combine a trip to Woodbury Common with a day outside the city. You can easily spend several hours walking around, making it a very different shopping experience from Manhattan, where everything is more compact and crowded.
You can read more about this outlet center on the page Woodbury Common Premium Outlets – Is It Worth a Visit?
For an overview of other outlets in and around New York, you can also check the page Outlets in New York: Which Outlet Is the Best?
Electronics Stores in New York
New York is also a great place to shop for electronics. Spread throughout the city, you’ll find large electronics stores where both locals and visitors go for phones, laptops, cameras, and accessories. Some stores are mainly practical, while others are also visited for the shopping experience itself.
Apple Store in New York
The Apple Store is without a doubt the most famous electronics store in New York. You’ll find large Apple Stores at multiple locations throughout the city, including a few iconic branches that attract huge numbers of visitors. Many travelers stop by briefly—sometimes to buy something, but often just out of curiosity.
You can read more about the different Apple Stores and what makes them special on the page Apple Store in New York.
Other electronics stores
Besides Apple, New York is home to several other well-known electronics retailers. Stores such as Best Buy and B&H Photo are popular with people specifically looking for electronics or photography equipment. These stores are large, offer a wide selection, and are popular with both local residents and visitors to the
Black Friday in New York
Black Friday is a major shopping event in New York and takes place every year on the Friday after Thanksgiving. For many visitors, this is a time when stores open earlier than usual and are much busier. Large retail chains, department stores, and electronics shops almost all take part.
If you’re in New York around this period, you’ll notice that crowds can build up quickly, especially in popular shopping areas and at well-known stores. Some people plan their shopping day specifically around this, while others simply enjoy experiencing the atmosphere.
Discounts vary greatly by store and product. It’s most worthwhile if you know in advance what you’re looking for and where you want to shop. For those who prefer relaxed shopping, Black Friday can feel quite chaotic, especially in central Manhattan.
Black Friday in New York is therefore less of a bargain hunt like you might know from online shopping, and more of an experience you take in if you happen to be in the city anyway.
Sales Tax on Products in New York
When shopping in New York City, it’s good to know that prices in stores are usually displayed without tax. Sales tax is only added at the checkout, which means the final amount you pay is higher than the price on the tag.
In New York, sales tax consists of a combination of city and state tax. Together, this results in a percentage that you’ll especially notice when buying clothing, electronics, and other items. As a result, a product may end up costing slightly more at the register than you initially expected.
For clothing, not everything is automatically taxed. Some clothing items are exempt up to a certain amount, while more expensive items are taxed. This can vary by product, which sometimes makes it difficult to know the exact final price in advance.
For electronics and other larger purchases, sales tax is almost always added. This is something to keep in mind, especially when comparing prices with the Netherlands or other European countries.
By taking this into account beforehand, you won’t be surprised at the checkout and you’ll have a clearer idea of what a purchase in New York will ultimately cost.
Duty-Free Allowance When Returning Home
In addition to the tax you pay in New York, it’s also important to consider what you’re allowed to bring back duty-free when returning home. There are rules that determine the maximum value of purchases you can import without paying additional charges.
If you exceed this amount, you may have to pay tax or import duties upon arrival. This mainly applies to larger purchases such as clothing, shoes, electronics, or luxury items. It doesn’t matter whether an item is new or worn—the value of the product is what counts.
For this reason, many travelers choose to spread out their purchases or check the current duty-free allowances in advance for their country of residence. This helps prevent a good deal from becoming more expensive once you get home.
Especially when buying electronics or higher-priced items, it’s wise to keep this in mind so you don’t face any unpleasant surprises at the airport.
Paying While Shopping in New York
When shopping in New York City, payment works a bit differently than you may be used to. In most stores, you can pay by credit card or with a debit card that is suitable for international use. Paying in cash is sometimes still possible, but it’s becoming less common.
What many travelers don’t realize is that a standard European debit card usually doesn’t work in stores in New York. Most American payment terminals do not support Maestro or V PAY, which means your card may simply be declined.
A credit card (such as Visa or Mastercard) is therefore essentially indispensable when shopping in New York. It’s accepted almost everywhere, from large department stores to small shops. A credit card is also often required for reservations or security deposits.
If you don’t have a credit card, you’ll need to rely on cash. You can withdraw cash from ATMs, but keep in mind that this often involves extra fees, both from the ATM operator and from your own bank.
By making sure you have a suitable payment method before you go, you can avoid awkward situations at the checkout and enjoy a relaxed shopping experience during your stay in New York.
Store Opening Hours in New York
Store opening hours in New York City are often more extensive than many travelers from Europe are used to. In major shopping areas and tourist parts of the city, stores are usually open seven days a week, often well into the evening.
Large retail chains, department stores, and electronics shops typically open in the morning and stay open until late at night. In some parts of Manhattan, you can even go shopping after dinner. Smaller shops and boutiques often have shorter opening hours, especially outside the city center.
On Sundays, most stores are open as usual, which many visitors find convenient when planning their days. Public holidays can be an exception, although popular shopping areas often remain partially open.
During busy periods such as Black Friday, Christmas, and other holidays, many stores extend their opening hours. It can be more crowded, but you also have more flexibility to shop outside peak times.
Those who prefer a quieter shopping experience often choose the morning or a weekday. In the evenings and on weekends, popular shopping streets and department stores are usually much busier.
Useful Tips for Shopping in New York City
- Always bring a credit card
Many stores do not accept European debit cards. With a credit card, you avoid hassle at the checkout. - Pay attention to the final price
Sales tax is only added at the register, so the price on the tag is not the amount you’ll ultimately pay. - Shop early or on weekdays
Mornings and weekdays are usually much quieter than evenings or weekends. - Compare prices before buying
The same store or brand may charge different prices depending on the location. - Think about what you’ll bring back home
For more expensive purchases, it’s wise to check in advance what you’re allowed to bring back duty-free. - Plan outlet visits as a separate day
Outlets are located outside the city and often take more time than you expect.
New York Info
Hi, I’m Edward, an experienced New York enthusiast. Over the past few years, I’ve visited the city multiple times and explored it from north to south. On New York Info, I share my own experiences, practical tips, and honest recommendations to help you plan your city trip to New York. Do you have any questions? Feel free to send me an email.
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Last updated: January 13, 2026
