Shopping
Lower East Side and East Village
The East Village is known for very funky, offbeat shops, vintage clothing, collectibles, sidewalk vendors, record shops, punk gear, and the like, with a few wonderful gems waiting to be discovered. The area has a decidedly seedy feel; I have not really explored it much.
West Village (Greenwich Village)
Most of the West Village makes for delightful strolling and wandering, with an interesting assortment of shops mingled amongst the charming restaurants, cafes, and pretty streets lined with trees and lovely brownstones. (Teens and tourists love West 8th Street and think it is funky; to me, seems more junky.)
I must confess that I’ve only really enjoyed the Village when I have been with someone who knew their way around - otherwise, I just keep getting lost, turned around, and frustrated. Was sure I would “get it” my most recent trip, but no.
Chelsea, Flatiron District, Meatpacking District
Chelsea is the home of the vibrant art-gallery scene, and a few retailers have moved in. However, it’s a larger, more spread-out neighborhood, therefore not so conducive to strolling and wandering.
In or near the Flatiron District you’ll find lots of shopping, especially along Broadway and on Fifth Avenue, including the huge (and hugely-popular) ABC Carpet and Home (888 Broadway @ 19th Street), chock-full of everything you can imagine for your home; Fishs Eddy (889 Broadway @ 19th St.), for funky, fun kitchen and tableware; the discount stores Filene’s Basement (620 Sixth Ave. @ 18th St) and Loehmann’s (101 Seventh Ave, btw. 16th-17th Sts.), as well as many other worthwhile retailers. Lots of great bars and restaurants here too.
The Meatpacking District is located roughly around 14th Street and Ninth Ave. Until recently it actually was the domain of wholesale butchers (several remain); now it is a new high-fashion center, very downtown-gritty-hip-chic. Or something like that. Jeffrey New York (449 W. 14th St., btw 9th and 10th Aves), a chic, luxury department store was the pioneer in the area; it has been joined by Stella McCartney (429 West 14th St, btw Washington/Ninth Ave.), Alexander McQueen (417 West 14th St, btw. Washington/Ninth Ave.), and other boutiques, galleries, nightclubs, and restaurants. Maybe if I was younger, richer, and hipper … but somehow, it seems like I don’t quite belong here!
South Street Seaport is an historic district with museums, historic recreations … and a shopping mall, mostly with the same sorts of names we’d see “back home.” Doesn’t interest me, except maybe for a family trip.
Lower East Side I’ve heard it could be one of those up-and-coming areas, but honestly, I don’t know yet. Anybody have a comment?
Way downtown, the holy grail for big-name designer discount shopping is Century 21 (22 Cortlandt St. @ Church St; Subway: W or R to Cortlandt St*; there’s also a branch in Brooklyn). They offer an incredible range of brand-name and designer merchandise for women, men, children; shoes, linens, luggage, and more. But between getting here, shopping here, and getting back to midtown, you’re talking about a few hours time commitment.
*Note: Cortlandt St. subway stop is closed, although still listed on most directions for this store. Instead, get off at Rector St, and just walk a couple blocks, past Trinity Cathedral on your right, and the American Stock Exchange on your left.
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